My first ever childhood memory is from South Africa. It was 1989 and we were on a family safari vacation to the Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger). As we were enjoying our dinner, set up in the bush by campfire, a lion walked straight through the middle of the camp from one side to the other. My heart stopped and my eyes widened, and that was the moment I fell in love with the awe and thrill of safari.
I have returned almost every year to South Africa since then, and have family living in the Cape region; it’s my second home and has a huge place in my heart. Creating bespoke vacations there seemed like a career tailored for me; I’ve been creating trips there for almost 20 years now and the passion hasn’t lessened.
I have traveled extensively throughout South Africa (and probably know it better than I do the UK at this point). I have also traveled extensively in Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya.
Q&A with Charlotte
What’s the one thing you always pack?
There are lots of key things I will always pack. However, there is something that I NEVER pack (this won’t be popular) — which is earphones. I know it's unusual in this day and age but the thought of blocking out any noise where I’m travelling makes me sad. The whole journey, even at the airport, I want to experience fully.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
Swimming out to the edge of Victoria Falls, in what’s known as ‘The Devil’s Pool’ — I hung over the lip of rock and peered down into the gorge, with the thunder of the water cascading down below me. Rainbows formed from the sun on the water's spray and I felt like the luckiest person in the world in that moment. I highly recommend anyone travelling to Victoria Falls when the water is at the right level to do this; to get so close and be immersed makes it a very different experience.
Where would you love to travel next?
I always have a list of five places or experiences that I want to do next in the notes section of my phone. Top of the list is to go trekking to see gorillas in either Rwanda or Uganda. In my eyes this is the ultimate wildlife experience.