TRANS AFRICA SAFARIS SOUTH AFRICA - Key Persons
My life began in Paris with vacations to the sea and snow being the escape from the bustling city. My family moved to sunny South Africa in 1990. After my schooling in Somerset West, I attended Stellenbosch University and received my Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Management Accounting. I also represented the university in Artistic Gymnastics. After graduating, I gained professional experience in Business and Accounting working for an investment company. I started with Trans Africa Safaris in 2006. As the Financial Manager, I oversee all the functions of the accounts department, as well as provide support to our tour consultants. I strive to produce work of the highest calibre and love the daily problem-solving!
My husband, Jacques, is a winemaker and we have two delightful daughters, Elodie and Anaïs. When I was young, I thought the only way for me to see the world was to become an air hostess and travel for work. I now have the perfect job that ensures my travels are with my family and for leisure!
Job Titles:
- Rates Administration and Database
Born and raised in the Mother City, I am a child of Africa and proudly South African. It was by chance that I studied Travel and Tourism, graduating with a diploma in 2001. The knowledge I have gained in the tourism industry has seen my ‘first job' evolve into a passion; "I create and manage dream vacations which showcase Africa to the rest of the world."
What keeps me going is the fact that somewhere around the world someone is reminiscing or sharing memories of a visit to Africa that I was involved in planning. With this in mind I am always reminded that my attention to detail affects the outcome of whether a vacation is regarded as mediocre or AWESOME! My motto: I only have this 1 life, no re-takes, do overs or exchanges. I am an ordinary person created uniquely to do extraordinary things...
Job Titles:
- Business Relations and Operations Manager
The journey of my professional life has been a whirlwind of wonderful experiences that have honed my capabilities as an individual, and as a member of extraordinary teams. I love the hospitality industry. There is something magical about walking through a beautiful hotel lobby or watching a chef create a dish that is an absolute inspiration. I also love travel. After qualifying in Hotel Management, I started my career in operations at the Arniston Hotel under the mentorship of Steve and Nicky Fitzgerald. Then the travel bug bit.
While backpacking abroad, my experiences were many and varied, including maintaining banana plantations and olive picking on a kibbutz. I epitomised the words of John Steinbeck; ‘People don't take trips - trips take people'. On my return home I was privileged to be a member of the opening team at Constantia Uitsig. After five years, I joined my first corporate company that specialised in hospitality recruitment. Six years later and having learnt significant lessons about the immense value of teamwork in any business, I joined Mount Nelson Hotel which was, at the time, owned by Orient- Express.
Eighteen years seem to fly like the wind! As Sales and Marketing Director for most of my career at Mount Nelson Hotel, I oversaw sales and reservations, and experienced first-hand many enhancements/upgrades to the hotel over the years. It was wonderful and a privilege to have met so many colleagues and clients who are now friends throughout the world. I am thrilled and excited to have added my energy and years of experience to the incredible team at Trans Africa Safaris.
As a child I always wanted to be a teacher but in 1978, tourism is the path I finally chose. Having worked in every aspect of the business, from cleaning cars, doing transfers, suggesting superb itineraries to managing, I am happiest when I am busy, and when I am teaching agents, clients or our awesome staff something about Africa - you see I still get to be the teacher. I love planning and making long "to do lists".
My father taught me almost everything I know about tourism. Since taking over the helm when he passed away in 1993, I have learnt a few more tricks of the trade. I am a Past President of the Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch - and my passion is to make people happy, whether it be a child in a safe-house, making sure travellers have a superb holiday in Africa or entertaining my friends and family - long lunches around the dining room table or out at the pool. If I only had one wish: For my father to be alive in order for him and his five grandchildren to get to know each other. He would have been very proud.
Job Titles:
- North America Representative
- North American Sales Representative
Born and raised in South Africa, my passion for the African landscape, wildlife, and culture is a natural extension of who I am. Over two decades ago, after studying and working as a chemical engineer, I moved to the U.S.A. to shift my professional focus and entered the travel industry as an African safari specialist. I love travelling and have travelled extensively through more than a dozen African nations, including every major safari destination in Southern and East Africa. From witnessing the Great Migration in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti, summiting Kilimanjaro, trekking with primates, to celebrating with sundowners in many stunning settings, I have been privileged to experience the best of the best Africa has to offer. I believe that every safari location offers something unique and that great guides are the key to unlocking those experiences.
I regularly speak at eco-tourism and travel conventions. I was a National Board Member of APTA (the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa). I pride myself on having up-to-date and extensive knowledge of Africa's tourism products and would love to share this personal knowledge with you.
Job Titles:
- Director Business Development
3rd Generation travel enthusiast, experienced in all styles of leisure. Growing up within the family business, I have always been exposed to meeting international visitors and visiting the most beautiful parts of our region.
My first involvement with Trans Africa Safaris was to meet up with our clients on their day tours and wish them a good trip and hand them a gift from their agent. This was always a happy encounter! My next assignment was assisting with the rates database. It was at this time that I grew to appreciate the many aspects and complexities of our industry. I joined as a full-time staff member in early 2015. Being able to learn the business from "the best" is a privilege and an honour. I look forward to working with the many agents who support our company. Send us your clients - we'll give them their holiday of a lifetime! I like to incorporate different and unique aspects of African and cultural tourism and am particularly interested in the history and geological foundations that have influenced our world and surroundings that we live in today.
I have a keen eye for new developments throughout the world and the fundamentals that link Africa, our Motherland, to the rest of the world. The vacations I enjoy most, are those that involve natural wildlife and scenery. Safari adventures top my list.
Job Titles:
- Operations Co - Ordinator
Sharon Louise Byrne, born in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. I immigrated to South Africa in 1982 . Cape Town, the Mother City and home to one of the wonders of the world is where I live. Table Mountain - who can say no to seeing that view every day!
I was born in Upington. My parents moved around the country regularly, which in turn means I have attended a number of schools. These moves helped me learn so much about our wonderful country and also to grow my confidence. I feel blessed to be a South African. I matriculated in 2003 and moved to Cape Town where I started boxing - pro amateur and coaching. I have worked at an events company creating props and backdrops. I have been involved in online marketing and online media.
In 2014 I joined Trans Africa Safaris and I am loving every second of it. My main responsibilities are to assist with online media platforms, in-house IT and design for print. In my personal time I enjoy boxing, movies and competitive online gaming - I have represented South Africa in an online "World Cup", and we won! With my various teams, we have won numerous medals and trophies.
I am completely in love with all animals. I help out with DARG, a non-profit organization based in Hout Bay.