Over 20 years ago, my love for Africa began with a six-month adventure from Kenya’s Great Rift Valley to South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains. Travelling by local buses, alongside chickens and crying babies, I knew this continent held something truly special. The sounds, smells, landscapes, people, and incredible wildlife encounters captured my imagination from the start, drawing me back frequently over the years. I’ve witnessed nature’s wonders: vast herds of wildebeest and zebra in the Masai Mara, rhinos from horseback in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, Silverbacks while gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, and leopard and lion on a walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa. Floating above the Kafue in a hot air balloon, gliding through the Okavango Delta, waking in the Makgadikgadi salt pans, soaring over Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, exploring Cape Town’s beauty, and savouring the finest southern hemisphere wines — Africa is a true escape for the senses.
My most memorable trip
Skeleton Coast
Exploring Namibia's Skeleton Coast really felt like we were the only people left on earth - so remote, wild and empty. I loved the never ending landscapes, and the unexpected wildlife that would appear as if from nowhere thriving in such a desolate and challenging environment.
The best hidden gem
Chada Katavi
For those seeking wild, off the beaten track adventure and are happy to get back to nature, Chada Katavi has to be one of the true hidden gems of Africa. It is home to the big five and in their thousands, hippo pods of 200 strong, crocodiles cooling off in mud holes on the banks of the river, lions roaring all night long, palm fringed islands, open savannas, never ending landscapes, and no people.
See where I’ve travelled
Mana Pools
"I’ll never forget lying in bed while the river echoed with the delightful sounds of hippo wallowing at dawn in Mana Pools."
Discover Mana Pools
Makgadikgadi Pans
"A magical moment: waking in Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans, just me and a bed amidst salt pans, sun rising at my toes."
Discover the Makgadikgadi Pans
Cape Town
"Taking a scenic helicopter flight over Cape Town was on of my favourite memories - so much to see from above."
Discover Cape Town
Serra Cafema
"My most favourite moment of all time has to be quad biking through the incredible landscapes of Namibia's Serra Cafema - adrenaline and beauty all at once."
Discover the Kunene River
Best destination for families
Tswalu Private Wildlife Reserve
Tswalu Private Wildlife Reserve in the Kalahari is a must for families of all sizes and ages with something for everyone even the youngest explorers. With the added comfort of being a non malarial reserve, guests are invited to spend time with the meerkats, head out on horseback, diner under the stars, learn about the desert wildlife on walking safaris or learn to bake with the chef!
My favourite hotel
Wilderness Chitabe Camp
Wilderness Chitabe Camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta is such an incredible wildlife destination with so much to see at every turn. What it lacks in chandeliers, its makes up for with sheer wildlife concentrations and first class game viewing that can be done from the comfort of your bed. The staff are so attentive, friendly and really go out of their way to make you feel at home.
These guys are the best. Their attention to detail in the planning and execution makes them the perfect travel partner.
This was probably the best vacation I’ve ever had. They thought of everything, and I truly felt like a VIP throughout the trip.
Amazing Personal Touch They told every restaurant it was our honeymoon, left little notes at every hotel we stayed at. everything went perfectly
Safaris, safaris, safaris..All the guides, campsite staff , hotel workers at the One and Only, restaurants in Capetown incredible! Everyone so nice. Tor at Jacada planned the perfect trip and Angela was extremely helpful with making sure we had everything together for the trip. Would return to Botswana and Zimbabwe tomorrow if could afford it. A photographer's dream.
We have traveled extensively with many companies, just came back from Namibia and South Africa Jacada's services, concierge, and personalization of our travel plans was flawless. The specifics and attention to detail was incredible from arrival to the airports assisting through customs and immigration,chartered flights, wilderness lodges, local touring and guides was spectacular. We appreciate the entire team , and…
My top tips
To experience Sossusvlei at its best, make sure you are one of the first in the reserve to get the best light and avoid the crowds
Add a different angle to a peninsula tour in Cape Town and kayak or snorkel with the seals and penguins
Enjoy two gorilla treks if you get the chance - day one to take your photos, day two just to sit and take it all in
Pack light - you never end up wearing most of the clothes you take and all lodges supply you with wonderful toiletries too