Sandra Mallinson

Born and bred in Cape Town - Africa's most beautiful city - means that Sandy has developed a keen eye for photography - and a taste for travel writing. Indeed, she feels it is through these media that travel experience can be best captured - whether an ephemeral moment or a gruelling journey.

With a degree in Zoology and Environmental Science under her belt, Sandy set off for the world, experiencing travel at its broadest - and often most surreal. From motorbiking through the Himalayas to trekking the steamy Amazon rainforest, she has taught English to Asian kids and drunk pickled snake wine (though presumably not at the same time).

Passionate about the environment and enthusiastic about the potential of her continent, this former piano player and university rower is happiest when travelling somewhere new and miles off the beaten track.