21 Go2Africa Experts Named Condé Nast Traveler's Top Travel Specialists 2026

Anja Naude

Anja has travelled Africa extensively, living Go2Africa's ‘we know because we go' ethos. When planning trips, she enjoys including off-the-beaten-track experiences that will create unique memories for her clients.

When you do a gorilla trek – do not take photos all the time; stop, breath and relax- enjoy the moment with these incredible animals!

Ashley Gerrand

A born and bred South African, Ashley has spent most of her life here while also venturing out for exciting adventures in Southern Africa and Mauritius. Ashley offers clients her personal mobile number for real-time, 24/7 emergency service. She loves sharing personal travel stories with her guests when recommending destinations and properties based on their particular requirements.

Take the time to really embrace the experiences, step out of your comfort zone and do things you normally wouldn’t do. Go on a hot air balloon safari in Kenya or walk with the elephants at Victoria Falls. Dance with the local Samburu people around the campfire or see if you can jump as high as the Maasai. Capture as many pictures as possible but also remember to put your phone/camera down sometimes, and just enjoy!

Meet Ashley

Lauren Johansson

Having called many of the destinations she recommends home at some time, Lauren has established a strong network of contacts that ensures she is able to take care of her clients' needs no matter where they are in Africa.

Probably my best piece of advice when coming to Africa is to consider visiting just off the peak season – often by moving your travel dates by a few days or weeks, you can enjoy the highlights (such as the migration) but avoid crowds. The best part is you get incredible deals, meaning you can book that lifelong dream of a hot air balloon ride or upgrade to accommodation that caught your eye. Personally, I feel just off-peak time is the best time to visit.

Mary Keet

Mary blends her knowledge of conservation, destinations and customer service to offer clients expert advice and practical guidance. She enjoys planning trips with a purpose and is always happy to help clients find a way to give back.

Being on safari is a casual affair, so leave the jewellery at home and be sure to pack layers!

Maureen Stover

For Maureen, one of the greatest things about safari is the opportunity it provides guests to unplug from the outside world and connect with nature and the people they're travelling with.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no dress code when going on safari! You don’t have to wear khaki from head to toe or dress in thick socks and hiking boots. Most animals don’t even see you as a singular person in a safari vehicle; they see vehicles as one big animal so there’s no need to try and blend into the surroundings. My go-to for safaris is a large, soft, lightweight scarf perfect for wrapping around your head when in the sun, on your shoulder when it’s cold, or draped to keep the bugs at bay.

Corne Maritz

Corne fell in love with Africa while on safari in Zambia in the early nineties. With over two decades of safari expertise, Africa still mesmerises her every time she travels. Knowing that she helps her clients experience its beauty brings her endless joy.

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! 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.

Emma Hill

Emma Hill landed her dream job with Go2Africa over a decade ago and has worked her way up from novice to established Senior East Africa and Southern Africa Safari Expert. A profound love of Africa keeps her excited to curate exceptional safari journeys for her clients.

See your trip to Africa as an opportunity to take a step back from being in control and learn to go with the flow. Think of it as ‘handing over the reins' to us, and all you have to do is show up and enjoy the magic that Africa brings. It is all about the people, enjoying the experience and embracing the vibrant spirit of community, warmth and hospitality that awaits you at each destination.

Justin Chapman

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, the safari industry was a magnet for Justin. Working for Go2Africa has excelled his career, and he prides himself on providing the highest level of professionalism and care, creating seamless and unforgettable experiences in Africa.

In the past decade, the evolution of Africa’s ecotourism industry has opened up exciting opportunities for travelers to choose destinations, lodges, and activities that offer both unforgettable and refined experiences as well as a positive impact. Imagine the satisfaction of not only ticking off bucket-list moments but also knowing your journey contributes to meaningful change in these remarkable regions. Be sure to engage with your consultant from the outset to ensure you can explore options that also align with your values and enhance the impact of your adventure.

Kate McIntosh

Having travelled extensively, Kate found her home in the travel industry. She joined Go2Africa and has learnt everything there is to know about travel to the continent. She combined her passion for Africa with meeting new people and helping them plan their own trips.

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.

Monique Wilson

Monique has worked for Go2Africa since 2006, bringing years of valuable, first-hand knowledge and expertise. Promoting and selling bespoke African safaris allows her to share and showcase her passion for animals, conservation and adventure on a breathtaking continent.

Use all your senses an familiarise yourself with the sights, smells, and sounds of the bush. Wildlife has different ways of communicating so taking the time to stop, listen, and record the sounds of the bush adds so much depth to your experience and overall level of enjoyment on safari. Also, travelling with your own set of binoculars to view wildlife is essential!

Lucy Beveridge

Lucy Beveridge, a dedicated member of the Go2Africa team, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her role. With a background enriched by diverse travels across continents, her love for exploration and commitment to exceptional service shine through as she crafts unforgettable safari experiences for clients worldwide.

Going on your first African trip may feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry – we're here to guide you! My suggestion is to spend more time in fewer places as this allows you to have richer experiences at each location. Choosing this approach, instead of a fast-paced tour of multiple destinations, gives you time to soak in and appreciate the wilderness, and is also the best way to enjoy the exceptional camps or lodges and unique activities that will make your journey a truly memorable one.

Meg Van Niekerk

Meg has embarked on extensive family holidays across South Africa, exploring destinations from Churchhaven along the West Coast to the Eastern Cape. With a career in top hotels, she gained privileged access to Africa’s finest destinations, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Tanzania, and worked within prestigious game lodges in the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.

Stay away from perfume – it attracts insects. Let your deet cream become your safari scent!

Madelein Norval

A native of Namibia, she honed her expertise in Travel and Tourism during her educational years in Cape Town, venturing into the industry in 1993. With 17 years of organizing incentive and group travel, she transitioned to Go2Africa in 2011, drawn to their reputation as leaders in tailored safari experiences, leveraging her first-hand knowledge of recommended destinations.

Sometimes it is important to put away the binoculars, cameras and bird books, and use all your senses to take in the African bush. Listen if you can hear a Fish Eagle, smell fresh elephant dung, look for a bush baby jumping between trees, touch and smell leaves to understand why certain plants are used for cooking and even medicinal purposes. It is all about the unspoiled nature away from the hustle and bustle of modern living.

Tatham Louw

Having lived in Cape Town, South Africa, Thailand, and California, USA, her heart always draws her back to Africa, fueling her insatiable wanderlust. From childhood family holidays to globe-trotting adventures, her passion for travel only intensified with age, earning her the reputation among family and friends as a perpetual wanderer. Embracing her love for exploration, she thrives as an Africa Safari Expert at Go2Africa, relishing the chance to share her passion for travel with others.

Each African experience and wildlife sighting is totally unique so try not to spend the entire trip viewing everything from behind a camera – take a moment to stop, digest what you’re experiencing, and soak it all in.

Jessica Robertson

A Cape Town native, she thrives in the diverse offerings of her beloved city, from its scenic coastal drives to its bustling urban core. With a childhood passion for travel, she now channels her expertise as an African Safari Expert at Go2Africa, turning her lifelong love for exploration into a fulfilling career.

Lean into the African experience. It will be completely different to other destinations you have visited and can offer much more than the wildlife that may have initially drawn you in. Try different activities on offer, get swept away by the uniqueness of every setting, marvel at the remoteness. Most importantly, get to know the guides and team taking care of you – they're incredible people with a deep passion and dedication to ensuring your time with them is truly unforgettable.

Giada Claassen

Giada has worked for some of the top tour operators in Africa, learning from the very best in the industry. Her extensive knowledge obtained over the years has allowed her to design bespoke itineraries for even the most discerning travellers. She finds fulfilment in when making someone’s dream vacation a reality.

Try and book a lodge that has a watering hole for some extra bonus game viewing. You cannot do the whole of Africa in one trip, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Focus on what you want to get out of your trip and narrow it down to really maximise your experience and then come back and do more the following year.

Sue Bainbridge

Growing up in South Africa, extensive family holidays fueled her passion for travel, from exploring cities and beaches to wildlife reserves, igniting a lifelong love affair with exploration. After studying tourism and launching her career as a travel consultant, she ventured abroad but returned to promote southern Africa internationally, eventually joining Go2Africa where she designs dream safari vacations as an Africa Safari Expert – fulfilling her enduring love for the continent.

When it comes to travelling in Africa, I abide by one golden rule: pack light and embrace the spirit of ‘bush casual’. In Africa, it is not about dressing up, but about immersing yourself in the raw beauty of nature.

Lauren Barnard

Originally from Durban, Lauren relocated to Pretoria before gaining international experience through a hotelier internship at the Ritz Carlton Naples, Florida. Upon returning to South Africa, she worked as a relief Camp Manager at Singita before moving to Cape Town and becoming a Western Cape Tour Guide. Now an Africa Safari Expert, she specialises in luxury safaris and curated experiences, having explored over 15 countries with a goal to visit many more.

While on safari, don’t just focus on the well-known Big Five and predators. Take delight in observing and identifying various bird species and insects too. These creatures are often overlooked in the excitement of spotting lions or elusive leopards, but they can add a unique and rewarding dimension to your safari experience.

Lorna Symons

Born in Cape Town, Lorna began traveling at 16, sailing up the South American coast with her family. After studying, she worked as a tour guide on mobile camping safaris across Southern and East Africa before returning to Cape Town to lead tours in the city, Winelands, and Garden Route. With over a decade at Go2Africa, she thrives as an Africa Safari Expert.

Africa works on ‘African time’, somewhat like ‘island time’, where sometimes not every detail goes according to schedule. It’s a reminder to slow down – you are on vacation after all! The people are naturally warm and friendly and enjoy engaging in conversation. Your safari guide will have a wealth of information and knowledge to share. Ask lots of questions, not only about the animals but also about the culture and history of an area to get a more in-depth understanding of the country you are travelling in.

Monique Lange

Growing up in KwaZulu-Natal, surrounded by game reserves and the scenic coastline, Monique developed a deep love for travel and discovery. Her passion has taken her across Africa, from the Serengeti to the Okavango Delta, Kruger, Cape Town, and beyond. Now based in Cape Town, she specialises in curated safaris, combining a love for travel planning with a commitment to conservation and education.

Planning your first trip to Africa can be quite overwhelming – and that’s why we are here! But 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 extra logistics can become costly, and you could benefit far more from spending that on a better camp/lodge or a special activity.

Steve Meinhold

Born and raised in Cape Town, one of the world’s most scenic cities, Steve developed a deep love for the outdoors. His passion led him to work as a River Guide across South Africa and Namibia before spending 17 years abroad, primarily in the UK, exploring diverse regions and cultures. Since returning to South Africa 11 years ago, he has focused on African safari travel, working with top specialist tour operators.

Trust in local knowledge and take the time to listen and absorb your surroundings. A person without history, origin, and culture is like a tree without its roots.

Our team of Safari Experts are all African born and raised. We've grown up on game reserves, worked as head rangers and lodge managers, and spend our own holidays on safari; we understand what goes into making every trip to Africa a once in a lifetime experience. Whether your dream is to see the Big 5, follow the Wildebeest Migration, spend time with endangered gorillas, or simply enjoy sundowner drinks on an endless savannah, we can help curate your perfect safari experience. We pride ourselves in being true experts, collectively spending more than 365 days each year on safari to ensure you enjoy the trip of a lifetime, every time.

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