Caroline Hegney

Caroline joined Mahlatini in 2018 and is delighted to be spending her days surrounded by four of her passions - marketing, travel, wildlife and conservation. She loves the unique challenge of working for a Belfast born company with a global client base and being involved in a variety of marketing channels. Having worked for marketing agencies before joining the team, Caroline has worked across multiple industries but says the luxury African travel sector is incomparable!

AFRICAN COUNTRIES VISITED

• Kenya

MOST MEMORABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

I have so many amazing memories from travelling over the years, but I would say one of my favourite was kayaking 20km down the Nam Song River in Laos. We even made a pit stop on the bank of the river and ate our sticky rice lunch from banana leaves. Sitting on the banks of the river with no one there but us, surrounded by the dense Laos jungle was a reminder of how beautiful and diverse the world is.

My travel wish-list

I would love to go Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and witness these endangered creatures in their natural habitat. Staying in the Bisate Lodge would be a bonus and I can't help but feel like their thatched-pod, style rooms might just be my natural habitat!

Favourite Lodge

It would be a dream to stay at the Mombo Camp in Botswana. With only 9 rooms, it is very exclusive and the rooms are actually spacious tents. You know it is true luxury when you can choose between your private indoor or outdoor shower. The authentic safari décor and feel of the camp along with the location is just absolutely spectacular.

Favourite Safari Animal

Elephants! I have always been fascinated by these beautiful giants and after visiting a sanctuary in Laos, I fell head over heels. I even have an elephant necklace which I wear everyday. It was an amazing experience being up close and personal with rescued Asian elephants and even more so to witness wild herds in Kenya. Their emotional range and connection to their herds is so touching.

BEST #MAHLATINIMOMENT

My first safari was in the iconic Maasai Mara and I got to experience what the Mara is famous for, its big cats! Leopard, cheetah and lion.