Where Our Experts Travelled This Year

To ensure the highest level of client satisfaction, we curate every Mahlatini trip using in-depth first-hand knowledge of our destinations, properties and experiences. Every year our team travel across Africa and the Indian Ocean to ensure we continue to create the most authentic luxury travel experiences for clients.

In 2023, our experts visited many enchanting, awe-inspiring destinations. From Egypt to Namibia, Uganda to the Maldives, adventure was in plenty.

Kenya

Who travelled to Kenya: Bronwyn, Ceire, Gary and Lance

Expert Insight “My trip through Kenya was an incredible journey of diverse landscapes and rich cultural experiences. From the conservation efforts in Laikipia to the unique wildlife and traditions of Samburu, each region left a unique imprint. Throughout, the warmth of the people and their commitment to preserving both nature and tradition made Kenya an unforgettable adventure.” Bronwyn Bredell, Travel Expert.

Areas Visited: Maasi Mara; Laikipia Plateau; Samburu, Nairobi; Matthews Mountain Range and Kenya Coast.

Stayed At: Siruai Expedition Camp; Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs and Solio Lodge; Lewa House in Laikipia Plateau; Sasaab in Samburu; Sala's Camp, Mara Toto Camp; Ol Seki Hemingways Mara in Maasai Mara; Hemingways Eden; Hemingways Nairobi & Giraffe Manor in Nairobi; Sarara Camp in Matthews Mountain Range; Kinondo Kwetu and Hemingways Watamu in Kenya Coast.

Namibia

Who travelled to Namibia: Karen

Expert Insight: "Endless landscapes from the coast to the desert, warm welcomes and desert adapted wildlife are a few words I would use to describe Namibia. Remote and enchanting, Namibia is a destination everyone should get to at least once in their lifetime. Namibia offers a surprise around every corner and just when you think you have seen the most beautiful sunrise followed by the most romantic sunset, every morning and every evening that follows just gets better and better. Namibia takes you to vast and untouched places that are awe-inspiring." Karen Eagar, Travel Expert.

Areas visited: Windhoek; Sossusvlei & Namib Desert; Skeleton Coast; Swakopmund & Walvis Bay; Kaokoland; and Etosha National Park.

Stayed at: Kwessi Dunes in Sossusvlei & the Namib Desert; The Strand Hotel in Swakopmund; Ship Wreck Lodge in Skeleton Coast; Hoanib Valley Camp in Kaokoland Kunene Region and Etosha Safarihoek Lodge in Etosha National Park.

Zimbabwe & Zambia

Who travelled to Zimbabwe & Zambia: Steve, Caroline and Vanessa

Expert Insight: "The highlight of my trip was learning about the positive impact my travel had on the local community. Through the amazing work African Bush Camps, issues of poor education, employment, food scarcity and more are being addressed. Luxury lodges, welcoming staff, phenomenal game drives and the sensational African sunsets that Zimbabwe and Zambia are famous for – it was truly a trip that exceeded every expectation.” Steve Meinhold, Travel Expert.

Areas Visited: Matusdona National Park; Hwange National Park; Victoria Falls National Park; Lower Zambezi National Park and South Luangwa National Park.

Stayed At: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in Lake Kariba & Matusadona National Park; Somalisa Camp in Hwange National Park; Lolebezi Safari Lodge in Lower Zambezi National Park; Thorntree River Lodge in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park; Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel in Victoria Falls; Time + Tide Mchenja; Time + Tide Kakuli and Time + Tide Chongwe House in South Luangwa National Park.

Egypt

Who Travelled to Egypt: Claire and Natasha

Expert Insight: "Egypt is truly a remarkable African destination with great diversity. The history and culture of the Egyptians is highly intriguing! I especially enjoyed having private guides and Egyptologists who enabled us to relive the ancient stories whilst visiting the various temples and iconic locations. The sheer magnitude and intricacies in the sculptures and hieroglyphics has me constantly revisiting my photos." Natasha Morris, Travel Expert

Areas Visited: Cairo and the Nile Valley.

Stayed At: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence in Cairo; The Ritz Carlton in Cairo; Movenpick Resort Aswan in Aswan and The St. Regis in Cairo.

Uganda

Who travelled to Uganda: Ashley

Expert Insight: "My recent experience at Wild Waters Lodge on the Nile can only be described as a spiritual awakening. It is wild and untamed and yet incredibly peaceful with the constant sound of roaring rapids that surround the beautiful Island that the lodge is situated on. With adventure activities on tap it has got to be one of my most memorable life experiences and I cannot wait to go back to Uganda and explore more!" Ashley Dixon, Travel Expert.

Stayed At: Lemala Wild Waters Lodge.

Tanzania

Who travelled to Tanzania: Stuart, Kitty and Ashley

Expert Insight: "I really got to experience nature on my doorstep staying in tented camps the whole way... literally animals were sunbathing and eating on my decking area! The undoubted highlights of my trip were the visit to Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater as the scale and scenery are jaw-dropping, but I cannot forget the surprise hot-air balloon safari in the Serengeti. Sailing over the wildebeest as the migration moved north, the view of thousands of animals moving en masse was just incredible." Stuart Hall, Travel Expert.

Areas Visited: Serengeti & Grumeti Reserve; Arusha; Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

Stayed At: Kuro Tarangire; Nimali Tarangire; Lemala Mpingo Ridge in Tarangire National Park; Entamanu Ngorongoro; Lemala Ngorongoro in Ngorongoro Crater; Serengeti Safari Camp; Nimali Mara; Nimali Serengeti& Lamai Serengeti; Lemala Nanyukie; Lemala Mara; Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge in Serengeti & Grumeti Reserves; Arusha Coffee Lodge; Legendary Lodge and Hamerkop House by Lemala in Arusha.

Botswana

Who Travelled to Botswana: Greg and Sarah

Expert Insight: “Our recent trip to Botswana reminded us why safaris here are so authentic and exclusive.  We were hosted by Great Plains Conservation in their camps in the Okavango Delta and the Selinda Reserve.  The wildlife sightings, as always with Botswana, were staggeringly good, but it was the Botswanan people that really made the experience so memorable. From the welcome songs by all the staff on our arrival at every camp to the sundowner chats with our expert guides, these are the moments we will treasure." Greg Fox, Co-Founder.

Areas Visited: Okavango Delta

Stayed At: Duba Explorers Camp; Duba Plains Camp; Sitatunga Private Island Camp in Okavango Delta; Selinda Camp and Selinda Explorers Camp in Selinda Reserve.

Cape Winelands

Who Travelled to the Cape Winelands: Dave, Bronwyn, Caroline, Donna and Amanda

Expert Insight:“2 nights would be the ideal stay, but don’t expect to do any other Winelands exploring, Babylonstoren will keep you busy non-stop with tours, walks, tastings or just self-exploration with the provided mountain bikes. The bakery offers themed evenings every second day to keep your palate as active as your body. I especially like the experimental nature that seems to be the playful theme of the vast farm, a sense of ‘well let’s try and see what happens’. Dave Schubach, Travel Expert.

Stayed At: Babylonstoren Farm Hotel; Boschendal in Stellenbosch; Leeu Estates; Franschhoek Country House and Villas; and Le Quartier Francais in Franschhoek.

Maldives

Who Travelled to Maldives: Chris and Liane

Expert Insight: "Maldives is intrinsically linked to romances and honeymoons so I was genuinely surprised about the amazing family memories we made on our stay at two very distinct islands - Patina, Fari Island and Makunudu. Trip highlights span the bucket-list experiences - snorkeling alongside turtles on the house reef, our kids' first scuba dive and spotting dolphins somersault in front of our over-water villa deck - to the little moments, watching hermit crabs scurry along the golden sands, cycling in tandem around the car-free islands and the epic star-gazing in unpolluted, dark navy skies." Chris Goldring, Co-Founder.

Stayed At: Patina Maldives and Makunudu Island.

Zanzibar

Who Travelled to Zanzibar: Vanessa

Expert Insights: ”Zanzibar is a remarkable destination, apart from the allure of the white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and marine diversity, it offers a blend of vibrant cultures and is steeped in history. A highlight from my trip was exploring Stonetown (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Stone Town is the perfect place to wander the labyrinthine streets, taking in the sounds, smells, and architecture of this ancient trading port.” Vanessa Dean, Product Manager.

Stayed at: Emerson Spice; Jafferji; Kilindi Zanzibar; Marijani Beach Resort; Tulia Zanzibar; Baraza,Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa and The Residence.

Sri Lanka

Who Travelled to Sri Lanka: Caroline and Gemma

Expert Insights: "Sri Lanka was a truly magical experience from start to finish. From the colourful food markets to the breathtaking temples, there is no shortage of sights and activities to keep you busy. A highlight of our trip was releasing newly hatched turtles back into the ocean, watching them swim away into the warm Indian Ocean!". Gemma Campodonico, Travel Expert.

Stayed at: Why House, Gal Oya Lodge, Galle Fort, KK Beach, Kumu Beach, Santani Wellness, The Last House and The Wallawwa