Why Travel Beyond
I am thrilled to be a part of Travel Beyond for so many reasons! Having been in the travel industry for several years before making the move, I was well aware of Travel Beyond’s reputation as one of the best, and it was always a goal of mine to work here. Now that I’m part of the company, I can say without a doubt it’s comprised of some of the most knowledgeable, passionate—and not to mention nice!—people in the industry. Planning travel (especially in Africa) is my passion, and I feel so fortunate to indulge that passion while learning from the best of the best!
Destinations Visited
Africa: Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Latin America: Costa Rica, Peru
Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam
Additional countries: Australia, Belize, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, England, France, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, St. Lucia, St. Thomas
Education
BA in English (Language, Writing, and Editing) from NC State University
Career History
I began my career as a writer and editor for a nationwide automotive industry publication before transitioning into the event planning division of the same company. There, I crafted agendas and managed the speaker faculty for several B2B events in the US and Canada. After 15 years in publishing and event planning, I decided it was time for a change and launched my own small travel agency in 2017. In 2022, I shifted into the world of luxury safari travel planning—and immediately knew I had found my true passion!
Where I’ve Lived Abroad
When I was a teenager, my family and I moved abroad to Singapore for a year and a half. This was my first international travel experience, and it ignited my love of travel.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
I’ll never forget the first time I took my family—kids, parents, and husband—on safari in 2024. It was my seventh or eighth visit to Africa, but seeing it through their eyes felt like experiencing it all for the first time again. The trip was extra special because one of the camps we visited was Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, the very place I stayed on my first safari. We also had one of my all-time favorite lion encounters at Little Makalolo. Just as the sun set, we spotted a group of lionesses with cubs on the prowl, moving toward a nearby zebra herd. Our guide circled around, positioned us perfectly, and then switched off the headlights. In complete darkness, we listened to the lions make their kill. Minutes later, the headlights revealed the lionesses and cubs feasting on a zebra just in front of us. Soon, the eerie calls of hyenas filled the air as they gathered, trying to steal a bite. We watched as the lions ate, the hyenas whooped, and lionesses chased off any that ventured too close. It was an extraordinary moment I’ll never forget!
My Most Recent Trips
My two most recent trips were both to Kenya, in January and May 2025—my first visits to this colorful country. I was thrilled to experience it twice in a row, diving into both its iconic regions and some off-the-beaten-path destinations. On my first trip, I explored the stunning Chyulu Hills, multiple stops in the Masai Mara and surrounding conservancies, Ol Pejeta, Laikipia, and ended at the exceptional Segera Retreat. In May, I added Amboseli (with its breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro), Lewa, and Loisaba to the mix. Seeing a large number of rhinos in Lewa was a highlight, as was browsing some of Nairobi’s high-end souvenir shops!
Favorite Properties
Wilderness Mokete
Mababe Depression, Botswana
This camp felt so different from the others I’ve visited in Botswana that it immediately stood out as a special place. The wildlife and landscapes are incredibly prolific and varied, and even the helicopter flight in is a perfect introduction to the region. Some areas resemble the Serengeti—we even spotted a cheetah perched on a termite mound in classic Serengeti style—while others are wet, marshy, and filled with elephants in a more Delta-like way. It’s a wonderful addition to any Botswana itinerary.
Camp Hwange
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
This camp is especially sentimental to me as it was the first safari camp I visited back in 2019. Returning in 2024 with my family, I fell in love with both the people and the place all over again. The entire staff—and especially managers Benji and Gemma—were wonderful with my younger son and even organized a special celebration for my husband’s and my 20th wedding anniversary.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
I love Mpingo Ridge for many reasons, but the views across the escarpment are truly breathtaking and a definite highlight. The outdoor bathtub and sunken daybed make the most of those vistas, while game drives to the Silale Swamp deliver incredible wildlife sightings—especially elephants and an abundance of birds.
Wilderness Chitabe
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Chitabe is where I had my first wild dog sighting—the most thrilling hunt I’ve ever witnessed—along with countless encounters with leopards, lions, and more wildlife than I can even list. The guides were excellent, and with the property now updated, it’s truly an all-around winner.