Guiding Marasa Africa’s tourism portfolio across Uganda, Kenya, and beyond, Mike Sanders quietly but decisively drives the group’s vision, strategy, and operations. With a career spanning over three decades in luxury hospitality, his imprint can be found in lodges, camps, and hotels across East and Southern Africa. Yet at Silverback Lodge, perched on the edge of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, his work is most clearly seen, and it’s here that his collaboration with Tanya Madhvani becomes central to the story.
As the visionary of Marasa Africa and daughter of the group’s founder, Tanya Madhvani brought her refined background in luxury travel and hospitality to the Silverback project. It was her insistence that the lodge must not only be rebuilt, but reimagined as a true high-end trekking experience. Tanya set the tone: only the best experts — from leading architects to accomplished artisans, would be entrusted with the project. Silverback was to embody not just comfort, but sophistication rooted in place.
Mike translated that vision into reality. “It’s rare to have leadership that pushes for excellence at every level,” Mike reflects. “Tanya challenged all of us to think higher, to deliver something Bwindi hasn’t seen before. My job was to implement and make sure we had the strategy, systems, and execution to make that vision possible, doing things the right way, not the easy way.”
Together, they built a collective team of designers, woodworkers, ceramicists, and community artisans. Every detail, from the handcrafted pottery in the rooms to the forest facing deck, was shaped by the blend of Tanya’s luxury instincts and Mike’s operational strategy. The result is a lodge that feels both world-class and deeply connected to Bwindi.
Silverback also became a canvas for values Mike and Tanya share: sustainability, community involvement, conservation and respect for heritage. As a collective, they pushed for a product that reflects international standards of luxury while ensuring that the process empowered local communities and embraced responsible building practices.
The result is one of the most ambitious lodge projects in Marasa Africa’s history. Three heroes stand at its heart: Tanya Madhvani, whose vision elevated Silverback to new luxury heights; Mike Sanders, who ensured that vision came to life with strategy and precision; and Silverback itself, reborn as a beacon of modern safari elegance.
IN CONVERSATION WITH MIKE
Rooted in a deep connection to nature, people, and place, Mike shares what excites him about working alongside Tanya to lead Marasa Africa, his vision for Silverback Lodge, and the values guiding his leadership. From conservation to community empowerment, his reflections reveal the calm focus and authenticity shaping Marasa Africa’s journey.
Interview with our leader Mike Sanders
1. What excites you most about leading Marasa Africa’s tourism portfolio?
Every day is different. From strategy meetings to walking the lodge grounds, I enjoy the challenge of creating guest experiences that truly reflect the beauty of East Africa.
2. What does Silverback Lodge represent to you?
It’s more than a renovation – it’s a symbol of what Marasa stands for: reimagining hospitality with deep respect for place, culture, and conservation.
3. How would you describe your leadership style?
Calm, hands-on, and collaborative. I like to guide projects with steady focus, ensuring teams feel supported and empowered to deliver their best.
4. What role does conservation play in your work?
Conservation is central. You cannot run lodges in protected areas without being deeply invested in preserving the land, wildlife, and communities that sustain them.
5. What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
Seeing local talent thrive. Watching a staff member grow from trainee to manager is more rewarding than any building project.
6. What was the most challenging aspect of the Silverback project?
Balancing the desire for world-class luxury with the need to respect the forest environment. Every decision had to meet both criteria.
7. What is your vision for Marasa Africa in the next five years?
To cement Marasa as the leading name in East African hospitality – renowned not only for our properties, but also for sustainability, conservation partnerships, and community empowerment – and our deep love for Africa.
8. How do you ensure consistency across such a diverse portfolio of lodges and hotels?
Through strong systems, clear training, and fostering a culture of accountability. But above all, by ensuring every property reflects our DNA of authentic African hospitality.
9. What advice would you give to young professionals entering the hospitality industry today?
Be curious, stay humble, and don’t shy away from hard work. The industry rewards passion and resilience more than quick wins.
10. What do you hope guests take away from their stay at a Marasa property?
A sense of connection – to nature, to people, and to place. If a guest leaves with memories that stay for a lifetime, we’ve succeeded.
Mike’s story is one of balance — between vision and humility, work and family, people and place. Just as Silverback stands renewed on the edge of Bwindi, his legacy at Marasa Africa is taking shape: leaving every lodge, every community, and every guest experience better than he found it.
