Kate McIntosh

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

After working in hospitality for many years, I joined Go2Africa in 2007, and it has been a pursuit of passion and a love of Africa ever since. Growing up, we spent many childhood holidays exploring South Africa, the Kruger, Botswana, and Victoria Falls. This instilled an early appreciation of the African bush and wildlife.  

My time with Go2Africa has created many opportunities for travel, experiencing the destinations and highlights of Africa. Over the years, it has become a privilege to showcase this beautiful continent, sharing it with our travellers. Cape Town is home, and I spend my spare time at the beach or hiking in the mountains.  

Soulful Safari Reflection  

On my first trip to Kenya, we stayed at Amboseli Porini Camp in Amboseli National Park. This is a community-focused camp, and they have a small curio shop filled with handmade jewellery and art from the local village. I bought a beautiful green beaded necklace at the shop and, excited with my new purchase, I wore it the same day.  

That afternoon, we walked with the Maasai warriors to the local village where we met the chief and elders. We visited their manyattas, played some traditional games, hung out with the children, and enjoyed singing and jumping.  

At one point, a lady walked up to me, placed her hand on my chest, and touched the necklace. She then pointed at herself, indicating that she had made the necklace. Her smile went from ear to ear and I was so delighted to have met her. This was more than 10 years ago and I still get tears in my eyes thinking back to this interaction. I still wear the necklace.  

Most Memorable Experience Organised for a Client 

A cheetah-themed wedding cake! Guests were getting married and decided to have their wedding ceremony in Tanzania. The bride's dream wedding cake was to have a small ‘bride & groom’ cheetah couple perched on top, complete with gold dust. It's not easy to get gold dust in the middle of the Serengeti, so I went looking for it in Cape Town.  

After finding the gold dust for the cake, I found someone who was traveling to Arusha, Tanzania. From there, we found a pilot going to the nearest runway and arranged with the lodge to meet the pilot and collect the gold dust. After months of planning and coordinating, I am pleased to say the cheetah cake was a success!  

My Best African Travel Advice 

Layers, lip balm, and time! Safaris can start off chilly, get hot, and then cool down towards the end of the day. Layer your clothing for temperature control. Lip balm is the one thing I don't forget, as the wind and sun on your face all day can dry your lips out. 

Take your time to watch the sunrise or the sunset and see how the light changes over the African bush. Take your time at your animal sightings – you never know what will unfold. Take your time and disconnect from your busy life and appreciate the peace of your surroundings. Take your time to pause and reset.  

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