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.

Mahlatini Destinations Explored

Botswana
Egypt
India
Kenya
Mauritius
Rwanda
Seychelles
South Africa
Tanzania
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Most Memorable Trip

It has to be my adventure to 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

We had the most amazing time on our honeymoon

"We have returned home with special memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t thank Mahlatini and specifically, Donna our travel expert enough for planning such an incredible holiday for us. Everything was organised so well with excellent communication throughout."

Blaithin McArdle, Ireland
Honeymoon to Kenya and Zanzibar, 2025

I'd highly recommend Donna and the Mahlatini team!

"We really appreciated how thoughtful and informative Donna was! She gave us a ton of guidance on where to stay, what we'd see, and so on. Our calls were all very helpful and informative."

Mojin Chen, USA
Honeymoon to Kenya and Tanzania, 2025

Unforgettable experiences and excellent service

"Donna went above and beyond. Her expert, first-hand knowledge and experience of the area was brilliant and enabled us to create a holiday totally tailored to our family. Donna is an expert in her field, meticulous in her planning, and really professional. We can’t thank her enough."

Aisling Hemmings, Ireland
Family Holiday to South Africa, 2025

Absolutely out of this world, we truly had an amazing experience

"When we had our first trip with Mahlatini we thought it would never be topped, but our last was even better. Donna smashed it out of the park again. She built our holiday around exactly what we asked for, and it was perfectly tailored to our needs."

Debra James-Bailey, UK
Group Holiday to South Africa and Mozambique, 2024

Donna Armstrong

Mahlatini Destinations Explored

Most Memorable Trip