Corné Maritz

*Featured in Condé Nast Traveler as a Top Travel Specialist* 

I grew up in the rural farmlands of northern KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. After graduating high school, I bought a one-way ticket to Europe, hoping to find myself while travelling. Three years later, I returned home with my 2-man tent, a backpack with over 30 country flags sown onto it, and the direction I was seeking – making the choice to join the travel industry!

I only truly fell in love with Africa while on safari in Zambia in the early nineties. The trip changed my perspective on travel! I immediately took up an internship at a travel company with houseboats on Lake Kariba, which led to a consulting position within the company. In 2000, I moved to Cape Town and joined Go2Africa as an Africa Safari Expert. Africa still mesmerises me every time I travel and knowing that I help my clients experience it's beauty in the same way, fills me up with so much joy!

Soulful Safari Reflection    

My recent travels through “the Pearl of Africa”, Uganda, which offers something entirely different to any other African country; from winding roads leading to places with jaw dropping beauty, unique cultures, warmth, and charm of the Ugandan people, fewer crowds, and a lot more variety, this incredibly beautiful country is where I found my sanctuary.  

Most Memorable Experience Organised for a Client 

Arranging a vow renewal ceremony for a couple with the Himba tribe in Namibia. 

My Best African Travel Advice    

I have several pieces of advice for future travellers, which I’ll break down into 3 parts:

• Instead of doing a fast pace ‘tick off the box' type of safari, rather spend more time in each area to allow you to fully indulge in the local cultures, and more time in the bushveld as no two game drives are ever the same! With the unpredictability of the animal kingdom, spend more in the bush listening, smelling, and just observing. 

• Travel outside of high season to avoid increased costs and, most importantly, book long in advance to ensure you have first choice of your preferred areas, properties, activities, and so on.  

• Let your visit to Africa positively impact the local community, environment, or wildlife. Something small to you and I can have a massive impact. Be part of the change!