FROM CAMPUS DREAMS TO CRUISE DECKS: THE STORY BEHIND TEMTOURISM TOURS

By Tlalane Dlamini

There is a particular kind of entrepreneur who turns a genuine passion into a purpose driven business, and Temlandvo S’khulile Vilakati is one of them.

As the founder of Temtourism Tours, Vilakati has built her journey in tourism one qualification, one travel vlog and one experience at a time. What began as a passion for travel has evolved into a growing tourism brand focused on creating memorable experiences for travellers.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Vilakati’s journey started at Limkokwing University, where she pursued an Associate Degree in International Tourism. While university is often viewed as a pathway to employment, for Vilakati, studying tourism was the beginning of a much bigger ambition.

“Even then, I knew that tourism was more than just a career path for me; it was something I genuinely enjoyed and wanted to build my future around,” she says.

That early sense of direction influenced the choices she made after completing her tourism studies. She went on to further her education in Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations, deliberately combining her passion for tourism with the skills needed to build and promote a successful business.

For Vilakati, understanding tourism was only part of the equation. She also recognised the importance of knowing how to market destinations, tell compelling stories and build a brand that could connect with travellers.

FINDING HER VOICE THROUGH CONTENT CREATION

Before Temtourism Tours became a registered tourism venture, Vilakati was already telling travel stories through content creation.

She began producing travel vlogs featuring restaurants, tourism establishments and destinations she visited. Through her content, she developed a voice that combined her love for travelling with her passion for storytelling.

Her work eventually opened another important door when she was engaged as a content creator for the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA), contributing to tourism campaigns and gaining valuable insight into destination marketing.

The experience gave her a deeper understanding of how tourism products are positioned and promoted, while also strengthening her confidence as a storyteller and tourism entrepreneur.

THE BIRTH OF TEMTOURISM TOURS

By May 2026, Vilakati felt ready to turn her experience and passion into a business.

Temtourism Tours was born with the simple but purposeful slogan: “Travelling is our game.”

For Vilakati, however, travelling is about much more than visiting new destinations.

“Travelling is more than simply visiting a place; it is about creating memories, meeting people, discovering new experiences and taking a break from the routine of everyday life,” she explains.

That philosophy forms the foundation of Temtourism Tours, which aims to create experiences that allow travellers to connect with destinations while enjoying meaningful moments along the way.

Vilakati’s ambitions extend beyond organising successful trips. She hopes to develop Temtourism Tours into a trusted tourism brand that connects travellers with memorable destinations and experiences while contributing to the growth of tourism in Eswatini and the wider region.

BUILDING MOMENTUM, ONE TRIP AT A TIME

Since launching, Temtourism Tours has steadily begun building its footprint in the local tourism market.

The company’s first outing took travellers to Vakasha Lodge, marking the beginning of its journey as a tour operator. This was followed by a second trip to Mananga Country Lodge, giving the young business an opportunity to further engage with clients and refine its travel experiences.

While Vilakati acknowledges that Temtourism Tours is still in its early stages, she is encouraged by the progress made so far.

“Although we are still a growing tourism business, I am proud of how far we have come in such a short period. Each trip has taught us something new and has motivated us to continue creating bigger and better travel experiences,” she says.

NEXT STOP: JOZINI TIGER LODGE

The company’s third outing is already on the horizon.

On 3 October 2026, Temtourism Tours will host the Jozini Tiger Lodge Summer Boat Cruise Experience, offering travellers a full day of relaxation, adventure and summer fun at one of the region’s scenic destinations.

The package includes transport, a welcome travel package, a two hour boat cruise and a professional photoshoot. Guests can also enjoy water slides and swimming, while spa treatments will be available at an additional cost.

Pick up points will be available at Manzini Junction in Manzini and the Portuguese Club in Mbabane, with guests encouraged to dress in summer colours for the experience.

Package details:

• Cost: E950
• Children under 11: E800
• Deposit: E400 non refundable, due by 11 September
• Balance deadline: 30 September
• Water slides and swimming: E250
• Children under 11: E125
• Spa treatment: Available at an additional cost

For Vilakati, the upcoming cruise represents more than another trip on the calendar. It reflects the kind of experience she envisioned when she decided to turn her passion for travel into a business.

A BRAND STILL WRITING ITS STORY

From a university lecture hall to the deck of a boat heading towards Jozini, Vilakati’s journey is reflective of a growing generation of tourism entrepreneurs who are transforming their passion for travel into businesses.

Her story also highlights the opportunities available within the tourism industry beyond traditional employment, particularly in areas such as tour operations, destination marketing, content creation and travel experiences.

Temtourism Tours may still be young, but with a clear vision, industry exposure and a growing portfolio of experiences, Vilakati believes the journey is only beginning.

For bookings and enquiries about the Jozini Tiger Lodge Summer Boat Cruise Experience, contact Temtourism Tours via WhatsApp on 7677 9133 or call 7933 1093.