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The Best in the World

Whether you’re looking for a soul-stirring encounter with Africa’s great apes or to trace a path through the Serengeti following the millions of wildebeest that traverse the plains during the Great Migration, the right travel specialist will turn your wildest dreams into a reality.

Travel advisers are no longer simply the middle-man between you and the suppliers who transport, accommodate and guide you on your holiday. They are explorers and conservationists, they are food and wine aficionados, and they are history buffs and connoisseurs of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Each year, to recognise the value of insider knowledge and logistical prowess these travel advisers bring, Condé Nast Traveler names the Top Travel Specialists from around the world. To apply, experts are required to complete lengthy applications about how they work, who their clients are, and what sets them apart. Those are then vetted by several members of CNT’s editorial staff to select 420 of the world’s best. The individuals featured on the list are those who not only have the contacts and exclusive access to plan an enjoyable trip, but the instincts to create unforgettable adventures.

We are proud to have eighteen of our African Safari Experts feature on Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 list of Top Travel Specialists – the only African safari company with this many experts recognised! From Southern to East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, these experts use their hands-on knowledge of the destinations they recommend to curate your perfect safari experience.

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.

Ashley Gerrand

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ramona Cilliers

Ramona believes that exploration is the most important part of safari. From the planning stages to when her clients are on the ground, she encourages them to follow their dreams to create unforgettable memories.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As we move into our 26th year of business, Go2Africa has been named ‘Africa’s Leading Safari Company’ at the 2023 World Travel Awards and one of the ‘World’s Best Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters in 2023’ by Travel + Leisure. And now having our Safari Experts feature on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of Top Travel Specialists for 2024, we are as excited to show you Africa as we were for our first client.

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 5follow the Wildebeest Migrationspend 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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