Jeanette was born, raised and educated in Johannesburg, and has spent the majority of her working life in South Africa, before emigrating to the UK in 2005. Her extensive career has always been within the travel industry. She started out with South African Airways and has held subsequent roles in corporate travel and with specialist tour operators.
Working in an operations capacity within Mahlatini, Jeanette's wealth of experience is of massive benefit to our clients, many of whom have never ventured to Africa, and need assurances that their complex travel plans are finely-tuned and 100% accurate.
My first visit to the Seychelles was mind-blowing. This islands are such a feast for the eyes... the closest place to postcard perfection out of everywhere I have visited. It's difficult to accept that the perfect whiteness of the sands, the lush greenery and the azure blue waters are completely natural. My top travel tip would be to explore beyond the resorts, visit the local villages and absorb the fascinating local cultures that could too easily be missed.
The incredible luxurious Rovos Rail journey from Cape Town to Zimbabwe is top of my bucket list... especially since I'd get to see the most amazing natural wonder of the world again - the majestic Victoria Falls. I love the old-fashioned glamour on board the train and the ritual of dressing up for dinner... my packing list is already drafted!
Chitwa Chitwa, Sabi Sands - it's the last word in luxury, but still feels very comfortable and homely. The property has been designed and built absolutely in keeping with the environment, which I think is so incredibly important for any safari lodge.
It's got to be the hippo - especially the baby calves... I love their barrel bodies and pink tummies... I'd describe them as 'fascinatingly ugly'.
I am fortunate to have enjoyed educational trips with Mahlatini, which is unusual in the industry for operations staff. My twin-centre experience in the Selous National Park, Tanzania, followed by a wonderful beach stay in Zanzibar, with a great bunch of people from across the globe was a very special trip.