Brandon Opie

Travel Expert

Brandon was born in Johannesburg and grew up moving between Cape Town and Durban, developing a deep love of the ocean early on. That passion led him to study marine biology and oceanography, and it was there that his connection to nature truly took root, laying the foundation for a career built on travel and exploration.

Brandon went on to spend several years working as a travel expert in luxury hospitality internationally, gaining experience across guest experience and sales before finding his way to Mahlatini. Conservation has always been central to how he sees travel, and Mahlatini's status as a certified B Corp, alongside its commitment to protecting the places it sends travellers to explore, is what drew him to the team.

Today, as a Travel Expert at Mahlatini, Brandon channels that same connection to nature and people into every itinerary he designs. He's a firm believer in transformative travel, and loves helping clients experience the kind of trip that stays with them long after they're home.

Mahlatini Destinations Explored

Botswana
Mauritius
Morocco
South Africa
Zimbabwe

Most Memorable Trip

Travelling along the Chobe River in Botswana, watching elephants emerge from the bush, before continuing on to Victoria Falls showed me just how diverse Africa is in its own right. South Africans often dream of travelling to Europe, but some of the most spectacular experiences are so much closer to home.

Top of My Bucket List

Kenya and Tanzania, with Zanzibar added on at the end. The idea of the Serengeti with Kilimanjaro in the background, followed by time on the Zanzibar coast, sounds incredible.

Favourite Safari Animal

The lion is my favourite animal because of its strength and natural beauty. I admire their loyalty and the way they work together as a pride, which represents the idea that we are stronger together.

Sundowner of Choice

An ice cold beer followed by a cheeky gin and tonic is my quintessential sundowner. Pair it with watching the African sun dip beneath the horizon and hearing the nightlight of the bush come to life.

Favourite Property

I'd have to say andBeyond Serengeti River Lodge for its unique riverside setting. The beautifully designed spaces blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness, offering a truly immersive Serengeti experience.

Top Travel Tip

Lean into the fear. If an activity feels a little daunting, that's usually the moment most worth pushing through, and it tends to be the one you look back on as the highlight of the whole trip.

Best Part of My Job

Being able to connect with clients and help create experiences that are genuinely transformative is what makes this job so rewarding. Travel has such a powerful way of creating positive change, for the people experiencing it and for the communities they visit, and getting to be part of that is something I don't take for granted.