CHRIS

Originally from South Africa, Chris has been in the travel industry since 1990 and has travelled to most parts of Southern, East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.

After completing school in Johannesburg, Chris spent a period with the South African armed forces before venturing out to travel the World, then realizing his passion for travel. He returned to his beloved South Africa to study Travel & Tourism before returning to the UK to start his career in the travel sector and in promoting travel to Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.

Loves his sport including rugby, the odd drink, braai (BBQ), his wife and family (not in that order obviously). Chris is a founder of Africa Collection and enjoys being part of a dedicated team and the dynamic nature of the travel industry as a director of the company.

MY AFRICA

"Some of my favourite places are the remote parts of Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, not to mention North Island in the Seychelles where I hope to return to someday."

JAMES

James has worked in the travel industry in the UK in many sectors & capacities since 1987, and has been involved with tourism to Africa since 1993. James considers himself a 'travel junkie' and unless he has a holiday booked or being planned he feels as though he is going 'cold turkey'. He now travels with his family, encouraging his children to be citizens of the world. James is a founder member of the Africa Collection team (from July 2000) & is a director of the company.

MY AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN

"I consider myself very lucky to have travelled as much as I have in Africa & the Indian Ocean, and there are a few places that stand out for me. Likoma Island on Lake Malawi is right up there and is truly a unique travel experience, with Kaya Mawa Lodge the only place to stay - and what a place!

Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean is a paradoxical combination of Creole and French culture, being an Overseas Department of France some 6000 miles away from Europe, and mountain scenery to die for. And of course Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay in South Africa both take my breath away each time I visit."

LEE-ANNE

Lee-Anne has been in the travel industry since 1988, initially in retail travel in South Africa and subsequently with Tour Operators in the UK. At Africa Collection, Lee-Anne looks after the finance and administration of the company and with the support of many of the team dabbles in marketing and social media.

MY AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN

"When given the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world (I consider myself extremely fortunate to do this), I find it difficult to preclude Africa or the Indian Ocean, I fail to understand why anyone would !

There is so much about South Africa that ticks the boxes for me from fabulous accommodation, glorious food and delectable wines to year-round incredible weather. Recently I fulfilled a life-long dream and did a riding safari in the Waterberg area only a few hours from my home town, something I hope to do again soon.

I have also recently visited two firm favourites of mine being Mauritius and Zanzibar and was delighted to discover, having not been for some time, that they remain on top of my list for very good reason. Seychelles is however somewhere I have not been for too many years, so perhaps that’s what should be next !"

REBECCA

Rebecca has worked in the travel industry since 1987 for both tour operators and travel agents alike as well as recently teaching A level Travel & Tourism in her local 6th form college to inspire the next generation of travel experts.

Rebecca has travelled to many countries over the years as well as living in Australia with her young family for 6 months and is always looking for the next place around the globe to tick off her bucket list.

When not working Rebecca loves getting out in all weathers with her dog and relaxing with her busy family.

MY AFRICA

"To say that Africa has always been on my ‘dream destination’ list is a bit cliché but so very true.

I cannot think a country more diverse in its offerings of scenery, wildlife and culture. A true all rounder of a place with something for everyone.

Cape Town captivates me with all of its hidden treasures and places to discover as well as enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the iconic Table Mountain. I am a bit of a foodie so love nothing more than sitting on the waterfront with a plate of seafood and to sit back and soak up the atmosphere whilst people watching!

It is true that South Africa has so much more to it than Cape Town but I cant think of a better place to start your African adventure."

ALEX

Alex joined Africa Collection in September 2018 after a gap year travelling, during which she spent four months in South Africa, including a month long safari. Having been on family holidays to South Africa every year, she has been able to travel all over and has fallen in love with the country and it’s incredible scenery and culture. She would love to visit more of Africa and there is a never ending list of places she would like to see.

MY AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN

"My favourite African trips have been family holidays to South Africa, the diversity of the country never fails to amaze me and I have been fortunate enough to see so much of it. Being on safari is always my favourite holiday and I will never tire of it. However I love seeing more of Africa, and so far Zanzibar has been one of my favourite destinations. It is incomparable to anywhere else, with such a unique style and amazing scenery, and I am dying to visit more stunning Indian Ocean destinations."

PAUL

Paul joined Africa Collection in April 2016. Initially fulfilling a website maintenance and search engine optimisation role, it was soon realised that there were additional needs, and the role extended into full website redevelopment, multiple aspects of digital marketing, as well as in-house management applications.

MY AFRICA

"Having lived in South Africa most of my life, I have had the opportunity to travel and explore many amazing parts of this beautiful country, as well as many of the surrounding countries. Besides the general day to day climate which is always appreciated, there are many places that are spattered around like hidden gems where you truly get a sense of peace and serenity."

KIRSTY A

Kirsty’s travel story began in 2007 when she started at Portfolio. Originally from Joburg, she says she’s a reborn Capetonian who just got lost for a while. Her favourite South African destination is the North Coast of KZN and she loves playing a part in creating once in a lifetime memories for our travellers.

MY AFRICA

"My most memorable travel experience has to be my self-drive trip through Namibia. The vastness of the desert plains, the desolate yet calming landscapes that constantly change as you make your way north – there’s a peace here that I haven’t found anywhere else. The country – and the people! – have an earthy wildness about them. If I could go anywhere in Africa, I’d pick the ultimate beach tour of Mozambique, Madagascar and the Seychelles."

KIRSTY S

Kirsty has had a passion for travel since commencing a diploma in travel and tourism at college before heading to work for various UK Tour Operators and gaining experience and knowledge for this adored industry. At Africa Collection, Kirsty works in our administration team supporting our clients and suppliers to make sure all your post booking needs are in place ready for your holiday. In her time away from work Kirsty enjoys city trips, hiking, yoga and spending time with her family and friends.

MY AFRICA

"Even though I feel there are just so many fond memories of this continent I could choose from, my absolute favourite has got to be a holiday with my mum, when she was celebrating a very special birthday and we went on a magnificent trip around South Africa. It was my first ever time visiting this country and it 100% did not disappoint! From the vibrancy of Cape Town, to the delicate food and wine in Franschhoek, the whale watching in Hermanus, the wonder of the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn and the white lions in Pumba Game Reserve... I just cannot tell you how absolutely amazing this destination is. It literally has so much to offer. On my bucket list is to go on a wildlife adventure in Botswana followed by some relaxation time on the beach in Mauritius."

KIRSTY R

Kirsty has been in the travel industry for her entire career, the majority of which has been in Tour Operation and as an Africa/safari specialist since 2014. Her passion for Africa ignited being raised on David Attenborough documentaries and Wilbur Smith novels.

MY AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN

“I adore the big African Skies, drifting off to sleep, under canvas to the magical soundscape of the African bush and the thrills of wildlife spotting on safari. Wildlife and nature conservation is of particular interest and I volunteer at a local rewilding estate, helping with the White Stork population amongst other wildlife. Kenya and Tanzania are amongst my favourites, to be floating in a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara is so memorable and a feast for the senses. I climbed (and summitted) Mount Kilimanjaro a few years ago and was overwhelmed by the spectacular vistas from Africa's tallest mountain. My Indian Ocean choice will always be the Seychelles, so scenically beautiful, fabulous cuisine and luxurious boutique hotels on amazing beaches - what's not to like?”

BEX

Bex has worked in the travel industry since she left college in 2004. After studying travel and tourism she started her career at Africa Collection where Bex spent 8 years gaining knowledge and experience of the travel industry & the African continent before heading to another African Specialist. In September 2023 Bex made her way back home to Africa Collection. At Africa Collection Bex works in the administration support team assisting our reservations consultants and clients. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her two young boys, family and friends.

MY AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN

“After having the privilege of visiting many countries with both work and family I fell in love with the African Continent. One of my fondest memories is gorilla trekking in Rwanda. I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to get up close to such wonderful creatures. A moment I will never forget. Another fond memory has to be taking our little boy on his first safari to Pumba Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. He still talks about it a few years later and keeps asking if we can go back to see Thomas the game ranger again! That particular trip started off watching my husband run 65km up Table Mountain and around Cape Town before we travelled along the spectacular Garden Route.
The next destination I would like to tick off my bucket list is to visit one of the Indian Ocean Islands such as Mauritius or The Seychelles.”

MARTIN

Martin's travel career began in 1983, working for one of the leading retail travel agencies in the city. Since then he has held managerial positions in various tourism businesses including flight only specialists, tour operators, airlines and hotel companies, where the greatest common denominator has been working with his favourite part of the world - Africa and the Indian Ocean. This experience and love for this special part of the world certainly helps him in his role as Sales Manager for Africa Collection and Indian Ocean Collection.

When not immersed in travel, Martin is a fan of most sports, but these days it's all about being a spectator. Martin is excited to return to Africa Collection after a short stint in the veterinary industry.

MY AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN

"My first trip to South Africa was in 1985 and I have been back to Southern Africa and/or the Indian Ocean most years since then and certainly as often as I am able to. At one point in my career, whilst working for an airline, over a 3 year period I travelled to South Africa 30+ times, including escorting travel industry and media groups. Recent incredible trips to Botswana and Zimbabwe have broadened my knowledge further but also my thirst to experience even more!"

"I am also very fortunate to have specialised in the Indian Ocean during my career. This has included making several memorable trips, especially to the Seychelles and Mauritius. In my opinion, there are very few trips you can make that will leave you with such wonderful memories as a fabulous Southern or East Africa twin centre with one of the many Indian Ocean islands.”