Why is the manor the perfect location for the Elewana Service Training and Hospitality School

The Manor is perfectly situated on a coffee plantation, nestled between the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, which gives the students a perfect opportunity to learn topics whilst conversing with our guests. Some of the mentors and key staff at The Manor have climbed to their current roles through Training Academy so this makes them perfect mentors. Because the Manor is not on a nature reserve but located next to one, students get the chance to learn hospitality that is purely focussed on the day-to-day operations of a lodge environment. Students get in depth training in all different departments within the hospitality sector. They get a chance to work through all the departments and then choose, with our guidance, a suited department to specialise in.

Please give us an overview of what students learn

Students at The Manor learn theoretical and practical training in all facets of hospitality, including front of house: butler, barista, reception and back of house: all sections of the kitchen, storekeeping, financial controls, gardening, and maintenance, we also currently have two ranger interns who are lucky enough to have two of our best rangers mentoring them.

Are students able to interact with guests

A big yes on this question, we encourage this as much as possible, we believe students and staff in the hospitality industry need to show guests a bit of their true selves rather than the old-school idea of what we call "robot service", (tongue in cheek). We take a lot of pride in teaching our students how and what to talk to guests about, this is an important skill to be learned as well as giving students the gift of confidence.

Tell us a little about your current students

We have just finished with a group of students, where we had many smart and self-confident young men and ladies with bright futures ahead, as well as some who realised that the hospitality industry is not for them. We currently have two ranger interns as I have mentioned above, their focus at The Manor is also about learning and understanding the difficulties and procedures of the other hospitality departments. We are eagerly awaiting our next group of students.

In your opinion what is the most important skill to have when working in service and hospitality

Self-confidence and a willingness to serve. If there is anything else you would like to add As the GM couple of The Manor, we are greatly impressed with the eagerness to learn and work from the young hospitalians of Tanzania, there is no better reward than training young people and seeing them grow and then take flight.