Having grown up in South Africa’s scenic Kwa-Zulu Natal province, surrounded by game reserves and the beautiful beaches, lakes and estuaries of the Maputoland coastline – I was fortunate to spend lots of time exploring our nearby safari destinations, developing a great love for travelling, observation and discovery from the youngest age. Over the years my curiosity and interest has only grown, and I have travelled far and wide to see and learn as much as I can from our local people, our scenic landscapes and truly unique wildlife. From Tanzania’s Serengeti to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Lake Malawi to Mozambique, Kruger to Cape Town, the Seychelles and Victoria Falls – my list continues to grow!

Planning tailormade safari adventures has been an absolute dream come true for me – I love travel planning! I enjoy the challenge and creativity involved in designing unique itineraries, that I know are going to offer my clients unforgettable African travel experiences and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing photos of my clients enjoying their time on safari with friends and family.

I am also deeply passionate about education and conservation. It’s very important that we all remain mindful of the important role going on safari plays in wildlife conservation and local community development – for a sustainable future, for all.

I am based in Cape Town, South Africa where I live with my husband – who also shares my love for safari and travelling in Africa. We love camping and the outdoors, and often find ourselves exploring South Africa’s east coast between Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Garden Route.

African Countries I’ve Travelled To:

South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, Malawi, Tanzania, Seychelles. Next on my list: Kenya!

Favourite Safari Destination:

It’s really difficult to narrow it down to one destination – it all depends on what you’d like to see and experience! I’d say, South Africa’s Kruger for the best Big 5 game-viewing in Africa, Botswana’s Moremi to see a really wide variety of wildlife within a single destination, Tanzania’s Serengeti for the most beautiful views on safari and the Zambezi River for the best river safari experience.

My Sundowner of Choice:

Nothing like a local beer - my most recent favourite being a Zambezi Lager from Zimbabwe!

Top Safari Activity:

A hot air balloon safari across the Seronera Valley in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – followed by a champagne breakfast in the bushveld. Unforgettable!

Client Advice:

Planning one’s first trip to Africa can be quite overwhelming – and that’s why we are here! When it comes to deciding where to go and what you’d like to do – I always recommend choosing quality over quantity. Rather spend more time in fewer destinations to truly take in each location, fully – than moving from place to place to see as much as you can, within a limited amount of time. These additional logistics can become really costly, and you could benefit far more from having spent that on a better camp/lodge, or a special activity.

Expert Tip: 

Take the time to read up about the destination you are travelling to prior to departure. Understanding the country’s background and history, can provide such great insight towards everything you’ll see and experience when travelling in Africa for the first time. I also always recommend learning a few new words or phrases in the local language. It shows great respect, and you’ll enjoy being able to connect with your local guide and hosts in their own language.

You can connect with Monique on LinkedIn and grow your African Safari Expert network. Keep up to date with the latest happenings, expert travel insights and inspiration from the African continent.