Isabelle Tschugmall, a 36-year-old Swiss national, has established a safari company operating across 12 countries after relocating to Botswana in 2018. According to reports, Tschugmall and her husband, Julien Biget, recently purchased 3,460 square kilometers of land in Botswana with external investors to develop safari lodges, the first of which is currently under construction.
How did Isabelle Tschugmall enter the safari industry?
Tschugmall moved to Botswana in 2018 to train as a safari guide. After quitting her job and apartment in Switzerland, she faced initial resistance in the field. “In the bush, no one was waiting for me, I was not taken seriously,” Tschugmall stated.
She eventually launched her own firm with a Belgian friend based in South Africa. The company now provides safari travel services in 12 different countries.
What are the challenges of raising children in the Botswana wilderness?
Tschugmall and Biget, a Kenyan safari-guide trainer, are raising their two sons, Luan (3) and Yanoh (1), in a multilingual environment. The children are learning Setswana, English, French, and Swiss-German. Yanoh has begun speaking using Setswana words.
The family often lives in tents and cooks over open fires, a lifestyle Tschugmall notes is also common among locals. While they maintain a rental home in Maun, they frequently encounter wild animals at their camp, particularly during winter when animals seek warmth from the fire.
Tschugmall manages these risks through a constant “security concept” regarding animal behavior. However, she noted a heightened vigilance regarding scorpions since having children, as the nearest hospital is several hours away by car.
What happens next for the safari business?
The immediate focus for Tschugmall and Biget is the development of safari lodges on their newly acquired land. This territory is inhabited by elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, wild dogs, and rhinos.
The family continues to conduct road trips across various African countries to test new routes and accommodations for future tours. Future decisions regarding the children’s schooling remain open, with Tschugmall stating they will decide when the time comes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Isabelle Tschugmall’s family spend their time in Switzerland?
The family spends two to three months in Neuhaus SG, where they rent a house temporarily.
Who is Julien Biget?
Julien Biget is a 37-year-old Kenyan safari-guide trainer and husband of Isabelle Tschugmall.
What specific wildlife is found on the land they purchased?
The land is home to zebras, elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and rhinos.
Would you consider raising children in a wilderness environment despite the lack of immediate medical infrastructure?
