Travel Expert | Learning & Development Co-ordinator

Donna Armstrong

Travel has been Donna's passion since her teenage years when she spent her summers interrailing around Europe. After taking the obligatory gap year after University to backpack around Australia, she knew that she wanted to turn that passion into her vocation. Donna's initial role in the travel industry was with a large tour operator focused mainly on European and Asian destinations. A move to Mahlatini many years ago ignited a lifelong love for Africa and her amazing wildlife, people and landscapes; the place Donna now considers as her spiritual home.

Donna is a self-confessed safari purist, continually on the quest to explore the most remote locations and seek out the most elusive animals. Her extensive knowledge of safari Africa has won her a legion of loyal clients who, like her, know that you can never visit Africa just once.

African Destinations Visited

Kenya
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Rwanda
Botswana
Seychelles
Mauritius
Tanzania

Most Memorable Trip

It has to be my first African adventure post-pandemic to none other than Rwanda. Exploring the lakes and mountains of Rwanda and spending time with gorilla families after attending Kwita Izina (Rwanda's gorilla baby naming ceremony) was a dream come true.

Top Of My Bucket-List

Although I have been to both the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya multiple times, I've never actually been lucky enough to witness an iconic river crossing. On my bucket-list for sure!

Favourite Safari Animal

"I'd have to choose the female cats as my favourite sighting. Lionesses and female leopards are thrilling to watch in action."

Sundowner Of Choice

"For me it has to be a generous glass of South African wine. The best in the world, particularly the Pinotage. "

Favourite Property

"Grumeti Serengeti, just a gorgeous lodge in a really quiet and picturesque part of the Serengeti. One of my all time favourites!"

Top Travel Tip

One of my 'never travel without' accessories are a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. These are perfect for busy airports and flights, not to mention much more comfortable than earbuds.

The Best Part Of My Job

I love passing on all of my accumulated knowledge to the next generation of Travel Experts through training and mentoring. Seeing new members of the Mahlatini family become more, and more passionate about our portfolio reinforces my love of adventure.

My Favourite Experiences

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Exceeded our expectations

"Donna was wonderful at listening to our goals for the trip and helping us craft an ideal vacation. Donna made it easy for us. She was responsive and helpful before and during the trip."

Linda Hansen, USA
Family Holiday to Kenya, 2023

Excellent!

"Very detail-oriented, organized and overall amazing! She is super friendly and patient. We had a vacation of a lifetime, thanks to Donna and the Mahlatini team!"

Latimer Boller, New York
South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, 2022

Amazing!

"She was extremely knowledgeable and made so many changes to our trip to fit the budget and criteria. We would highly recommend both her and Mahlatini."

Isabelle Crighton, UK
Honeymoon to Kenya, 2022

The best!

"She listened to the type of trip we wanted and exceeded our expectations! She planned the perfect holiday taking care of every detail. She provided us a once in a lifetime experience. "

Kristin Alder, USA
Family Holiday to Tanzania, 2022

Donna Armstrong

African Destinations Visited

Most Memorable Trip