Shelley Fernandes

Sobre mí

I was born in a military hospital in the city of Pretoria in South Africa but my life's journey started on the border of the Parque Nacional Kruger where I spent the first two years of my life playing with squirrels and little antelope in our garden amongst the tropical fruit trees.

Before my third birthday, my family moved down to Ciudad del Cabo and I have lived in the beauty of the wonderful Cape ever since. Throughout my school career I developed a love for the outdoors and sporting activities.

I later achieved my provincial colours for the wonderful game of netball and now live, breathe and enjoy the game! I love a walk on one of Cape Town's many beaches or forests and of course a shopping mall expedition is always at the top of my list! There is nothing better than spending some quality time with my friends and family at various wine festivals or even just a picnic at one of the popular wine farms or even the beaches.

My ultimate passion was to always work with people and so I fell in love with the tourism industry. The beautiful country I live in is so versatile and has so much to offer from the wild animals to wine farms to mountain climbing or even riding an ostrich.

Dónde he viajado

I have been all over South Africa – the Ruta Jardín, Cabo Oriental, Madikwe, Viñedos del Cabo y Costa de las Ballenas to name a few – and have made a trip up to Namibia for white-water rafting which is a memory I treasure.

I’ve also visited Mozambique, Mauricio y Botsuana – the Okavango Delta, Chobe and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) were a real highlight!

Viajes recientes

I recently discovered the magical Okavango Delta in northern Botswana – it truly was the trip of a lifetime! Here’s una foto de mis colegas y yo at Chief’s Camp.

Mi momento de viaje favorito

I have two memories that will be with me forever. The first one being my very first encounter with a African male lion. I was sitting in a open vehicle watching him and then all of a sudden he got up and brushed past our vehicle making me feel like I couldn’t breathe from anxiety!

The second one is where I was once again in an open-sided vehicle in the middle of the bush watching a bull elephant grazing with his kiddies when he felt we were too close and decided to mock charge our vehicle. The feeling of this huge elephant running towards your vehicle was completely terrifying and exciting at the same time and had my heart racing – amazing!

Lo que me gusta de África

I love the different climates and seasons we experience throughout the year. I also find that there are so many friendly and heart-warming people here. The scenery and landscapes are definitely something that makes me smile and I am proud to be South African and live in this beautiful country.

I also love that every country or area within Africa has their own unique food or drink that you can experience, from traditional African dishes or a lamb chop cooking on a South African braai.

Consejos para viajar a África

When travelling in Africa with our different climates I always recommend that you layer your clothing, so you can peel off the layers as the days warm up. Sunscreen and a cap is always a necessity in our sunny climate, as it can be quite harsh on foreign skin.

A camera and some spare batteries are a must to capture the enchanting beauty that Africa has to offer.

Dónde me gustaría ir después

Me encantaría tener la oportunidad de viajar por todo Estados Unidos y pasear por Wall Street para ver de qué va todo el jaleo o incluso ir a lo grande y visitar Las Vegas o experimentar el estilo de vida por el que se conoce a Estados Unidos. Por último, me gustaría viajar por todo el mundo y visitar Grecia e Italia. Una chica puede soñar.