Specialties
Regions: East Africa and Southern Africa
Travel Types: Luxury Travel, Adventure Travel, Active Travel, Family & Multi-Generational Travel, Romance & Honeymoon Travel, Primate Treks, Safaris, and Special Celebrations
Special Interests: Beach, City Tours, Conservation, History & Culture, Food & Wine, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, and Aviation
Destinations Visited
Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda, Morocco
Additional countries: The Maldives, United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, London, U.S. Virgin Islands, and various parts of the U.S.
Why I’m a Travel Consultant
Growing up with a father who was in the airline industry, I was lucky enough to have opportunities to travel from a very young age. Every trip was a new adventure and chance to explore unfamiliar territory, which ignited my love of exploration. The world is so vast and diverse, but travel has the ability to connect us all, allowing us to have experiences we never thought possible. Nothing brings me greater joy than making those once-in-a lifetime experiences happen for my clients. This truly is a dream job and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to expose our clients to all the wonders of our world.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management – Colorado State University
Career History
Manager at Courtyard Marriott – Jupiter, Florida
Where I’ve lived abroad
Florence, Italy
Most Memorable Travel Experience
When I was in Marrakech, Morocco, we were hiking near the Atlas Mountains and a small nomad family invited us into their home for traditional mint tea. They showed us their farm, and their grandmother made us all homemade mint tea, showing us the traditional way of making it. We then learned that the offering of mint tea is a sign of welcoming and hospitality in Morocco. That’s when I realized why I love traveling so much: experiencing all different forms of hospitality around the world and knowing that we are all connected in that way.
Most Recent Trip
In October 2022, I traveled to Rwanda & Botswana to experience gorilla and golden monkey trekking and to compare different concessions in the Okavango Delta. To say it was the trip of a lifetime would be an understatement.
Rwanda is one of the most scenically beautiful countries I’ve seen; the mountainous landscapes combined with the lush bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park were absolutely breathtaking. It was my first time gorilla and golden monkey trekking and while I thought I knew what was in store, I was left speechless. To be that close to the gorillas and observe how similar they are to humans was an experience I will never forget and always cherish. The golden monkeys were so fun and interesting to watch, as their mannerisms are also similar to humans. It was the perfect way to end my stay in Rwanda.
Then it was off to Botswana. There truly is nothing in the world quite like the Okavango Delta and I was blown away by how different the ecosystems can be, even those within the same concession. From the gorgeous landscapes to diverse wildlife, in addition to land-based and water-based activities, there is a perfect Botswana safari for anyone and everyone. Whether it be enjoying a sunset cruise on the Moremi River with a gin & tonic in hand watching hippos pass by, or watching a pack of wild dog in the Kwara Concession wake up and prepare to hunt, the Delta never disappoints.
Recommended Right Now
The best part about designing trips is getting to know my clients and creating a custom itinerary that fits them best. What I love about Africa is how diverse the continent is – and that there truly is something for everyone. Even visiting the same destinations at different times of the year can create a completely new experience.
When it comes to a location, my heart will always be in Botswana. It’s where I experienced my first safari and I love the remote ‘wildness’ one can only experience there. East Africa offers a cultural component that is specific to that region – and I can’t say I’ve ever met such genuine, lovely people as I have in East Africa. Rwanda has the scenic beauty and primate experience, which is something you will never forget. South Africa on the other hand can add a city, food, and wine component to your Big-5 safari in the Greater Kruger National Park. There’s always something new to discover in Africa!
Favorite Properties
Lewa Wilderness- Kenya
This lodge truly is your home away from home. From the moment you arrive, you are part of the Lewa Wilderness family. Located in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, this is one of the only areas in Kenya where you are pretty much guaranteed to see rhinos (most days you can even see a rhino or two from the main lodge overlooking the hillside). Along with incredible wildlife viewing, the lodge offers many different activities in addition to game drives, including horseback & camelback riding, biplane scenic flights, walking safaris, community visits, and a visit to the conservancy’s anti-poaching unit headquarters. The biplane flight is something I will never forget and still one of my favorite experiences!
Ngala Tented Camp- South Africa
This lovely property is located in the Timbavati Private Reserve, which is also home to the Big 5. I love the design of this camp as it pays homage to a traditional tented style accommodation, but adds just the right amount of luxury without being over-the-top. There is exceptional game viewing in this reserve as it shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. They also have a beautiful treehouse retreat for guests who want to enjoy a night sleeping under the stars!
San Camp- Botswana
There is no place on earth quite like the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. San Camp is a traditional colonial style tented camp that has all the necessities, but still allows you to appreciate your surroundings. This area is home to desert-adapted species and while you won’t see the masses of animals you may see in other areas of Africa, you will see very rare animals (brown hyena, aardwolf, aardvark, etc.). Along with game drives, other activities include quad biking on the salt pans, a walk with the local bushmen, scenic helicopter flights, a habituated meerkat experience, and horseback riding. I will never forget quad biking to the middle of the salt pans and experiencing the deafening silence and peacefulness.
Singita Kwitonda- Rwanda
This is one of the finest, if not the most luxurious lodge in all of Rwanda. When you combine the breathtaking mountain views with 5+ star Singita service, it makes for the perfect ultra-luxury retreat. Not to mention the food and wine program is second to none. Every suite has a heated plunge pool and outdoor fireplace overlooking the stunning mountain terrain, an experience hard to beat after a long gorilla trek.
Kwara- Botswana
Located in the private Kwara Concession in the Okavango Delta, this lovely tented camp is the flagship property of the Kwando portfolio. Not only is the game viewing very strong here, if not some of the best in the Okavango Delta, but they offer many activities outside of game drives (boating, fishing, mekoro –a traditional dugout canoe, and walking safaris). The biggest thing that sets the Kwando portfolio apart from other properties is their focus on the game viewing experience. While here, you will have a dedicated guide and tracker team and their maximum number of guests in a safari vehicle is 4 (compared to 6 guests, which is the standard). You can tell every member of the Kwara team genuinely loves what they do, and when your stay comes to an end, it truly feels like you are saying goodbye to family.