IsabelSouth Africa specialist

SOUTH AFRICA expert

When did you first visit South Africa and what was your first impression?

One of my favourite countries in Africa is South Africa; this is where it all started for me. My first ever safari experience was the Addo Elephant Park on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, and it completely blew me away, being so close to the elephants, hearing the roar of the lions at night, the wide open skies. Since then, I’ve returned to South Africa five times and enjoyed some incredible safaris in the Waterberg, Sabi Sands and the Greater Kruger.

What do you love about South Africa?

I love selling South Africa as it genuinely offers something fabulous for everyone, from first time safari-goers, to seasoned safari lovers who return here again and again. It is also a great safari option for families, with amazing malaria-free parks and reserves, and brilliant lodges. There are also the marine and wine safaris, the incredible food and culture, the music, the people, and of course the incredibly buzzy and vibrant Cape Town – you can’t get a much better spot for a glass of wine than watching the sunset from the top of Table Mountain; just breathtaking.

What’s your most memorable moment in South Africa?

Spending time with a meerkat project and riding at sunset through the Kalahari Desert.

Recommendations for South Africa

Best pieces of advice?

Combine two reserves within the greater Kruger to enjoy a wonderfully varied safari experience. You get to experience different camps and reserves, and you can even enjoy a game drive between the two. Slow it down with a leisurely drive from Cape Town through the Winelands, stopping for delicious lunches en route and ending up in one of the fabulous game reserves on the Eastern Cape. For something totally different to the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal offers amazing game experiences as well the incredible Zulu history and culture and the beautiful beaches of the wild east coast.

Anywhere you haven’t been yet?

The Karoo – I would love to go! The scenery looks utterly amazing - the vast expanse of land and sky would be humbling to see and there are some amazing conservation projects happening in that area.