Co-Founder & Director

Chris Goldring

As joint owner and director, Chris manages Mahlatini's UK office and original HQ. His route to running a luxury African tour operator was not the most conventional; sparked by a friendship forged with Greg whilst travelling through South Africa. A degree in management and a masters in IT have proved useful foundations for growing an online business with a global client base.

Chris' love of systems and expertise in Artificial Intelligence has been crucial to the development of Mahlatini's watertight processes and delivery of seamless customer service. Naturally, after pursuing an initial career path in banking, financial protection became another top priority for Chris. He has forged strong partnerships with the Travel Trust Association and Trust My Travel to ensure clients' money is well protected, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

African Countries Visited

South Africa
Namibia
Botswana
Mauritius
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Kenya

Most Memorable Trip

When my kids were very young, I took my family and in-laws on a multi-centre trip across South Africa. I worried it was a little ambitious, but our family-moon now rivals my honeymoon as my ultimate travel experience. My kids were treated like royalty, particularly at the One & Only, Cape Town and Grootbos, Garden Route. A highlight was an early morning whale-watching trip in Hermanus with my son... topped only by observing my kids during their first safari game drive. The Lion King movie was unfolding for real in front of their eyes and the looks of wonder on their faces were priceless.

Top Of My Bucket-List

My dream is to hike in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park - the scenery looks spectacular and chance encounters with the endangered mountain gorillas would be an unforgettable experience. I would also love to partake in a water safari in the warm tropical waters of the Maldives as well as witness wildlife in Sri Lanka such as Asian elephants, leopards and its huge variety of exotic birds.

Favourite Safari Animal

"It has always been the King of the Jungle... there is no substitute to watching lions in their natural environment. I still feel a primal fear and excitement every time I'm fortunate enough to watch these majestic beasts playing with their family, eating or sunning themselves."

Sundowner Of Choice

"Anything cold but a properly mixed drink on safari is always a highlight. A Whisky Sours, an Old Fashioned, a Margarita or anything with a splash of gin in it will always be my drink of choice as the sun sets. "

Favourite Property

"To fuel my golf addiction, I keep returning to Fancourt along South Africa's beautiful Garden Route. With 3 quite different championship courses, it is great fun but also challenging. I'm always welcomed back like an old friend... it's my home away from home."

TOP TRAVEL TIP

I always water fast during long-haul flights, this helps to improve sleep and will lead to a decrease in bloating.

THE BEST PART OF MY JOB

I look forward to reading our positive and heartwarming client reviews which validate the hard work we put into planning and organising once-in-a-lifetime journeys.