Ashley Groenevelt - Welcome to my profile!

About Me

I was born and raised in Johannesburg but when I was 11 years old, I moved with my family to Cape Town. I have spent the majority of my life in Cape Town and couldn't have asked for a better place to call home. I am so passionate and proud to live in such an incredible city.

As a family we went on holidays together to Swaziland and Zanzibar when I was very young - amazing experiences - and we also used to spend a lot of time at Sun City. I absolutely love being outdoors and exploring nature. I am very much into being with friends next to a dam or the sea and water-skiing plus I really enjoy hiking, with the Otter Trail being one of my best hikes yet.

My passion for travel began shortly after high school when I started working at a villa rental company and from there it just grew day by day and still continues to grow. I love dealing with people from all walks of life and from all over the world. I am passionate about Africa in particular and inviting people to come and experience everything that this amazing continent has to offer! Africa and South Africa are like no other place in the world and you have to see it to believe it :)

Where have I travelled?

I have travelled along the Garden Route and around Cape Town and the Winelands, enjoyed many great weekends away in places such as Hermanus and Knysna. I know Sun City well, spending time on safari in both Madikwe Game Reserve as well as the private reserves next to and within the Kruger National Park.

When I was younger I went on a 3-week vacation to America where I stayed in San Diego and spent a couple days in New York. After high school, I also spent six months in London.

My favourite travel moment

My favourite travel moment was when we went to on safari to Madikwe and Kruger in June 2011. It was a dream come true for me and the whole experience was absolutely amazing.

My favourite moment was walking into my suite at Singita Boulders. I honestly remember my heart missing a beat because it was so incredible. I also experienced an outdoor shower in the middle of winter at Singita Boulders - that was awesome! 

What I love about Africa

South Africa as a country and Africa as a continent are completely different from anywhere else in the world. The beauty is just breathtaking and the experiences one can have in all different parts of Africa are like no other.

I love the diversity of this continent. The people are amazing, the cultures are fascinating and the places are mesmerising. Africa is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives because it truly is life changing! I'm so proud to be African.

Some African travel advice

Come to Africa with an open mind, be ready to experience things that you will not experience any where else in the world and remember and cherish every moment spent here! If you are unsure, talk to an expert to reassure you and give you the confidence to come and really enjoy every possible aspect of this amazing destination! It really is spectacular - don't let the negative news stories and rumours stop you from having the holiday of a lifetime!

Where I'd love to go next

I dream of going to the Indian Ocean Islands (Mauritius, Seychelles and Mozambique). After that, I would really love to experience Thailand - I love beach and island destinations - and I'd also really like to visit Holland and explore Europe, where my father is from!

TRAVEL BLOG POSTS

Read about Ashley's safari in the Sabi Sands and Madikwe Private Reserve: Kruger and Madikwe safari.