Jody van Merode
Senior Travel Designer
For me the travel bug bit when I started at University and visited Australia for a month (way back in 2010!) – soon after Peru and South Africa followed. I fell in love with South Africa (and the continent in general) the moment I arrived. I still remember my first safari as if it was yesterday, and not realising that seeing a rhino in the wild is not all that common. I’ve been back to South Africa many times since and absolutely love its diversity – the people, the food, its scenery – there’s really no place like it! Although South Africa is my first love, I’ve been lucky enough to see much more of Africa since. Meeting the chimps of Mahale and the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park have really been a highlight so far.
My most memorable trip: Hwange National Park
I absolutely love elephants and Hwange is one of the best places to see a huge number of them! Enjoying sundowners overlooking the water, surrounded by herds of elephants, it was so special.
The best hidden gem: Wilderness Mokete
I'm very excited about the brand-new Wilderness Mokete camp in the Mababe region. It's truly remote and surrounded by some of the best wildlife - what an adventure!
My favourite trip: An African Trilogy
Combining the very best of Kenya, Victoria Falls and Cape Town - this wonderful trip is really such a good introduction to Africa!
My favourite hotel: Greystoke Mahale
Greystoke Mahale such an hidden gem! This place is absolute magic, the people, the chimps and a white sandy beach. I pretty much cried when I had to leave.
My top tips
- Instead of taking the cable car up Table Mountain, why not enjoy a leisurely hike to the top - the best way to stay active and admire breath taking views.
- Don't skip the South African winelands, even if you're not massively (or not at all) into wine, the area is incredibly scenic.
- Bring your own binoculars on safari - your guide will always have a pair to share, but bring your own and and you can constantly be on the look out for wildlife.
- Add a helicopter flight while staying the Okavango Delta - we can even remove the doors for even better photo opportunities.