Natasha's parents relocated from Zimbabwe and she grew up in the sleepy hollow city of Port Elizabeth. Like most in the industry, Natasha loves travelling, meeting new faces and experiencing different cultures. She studied International Hotel & Wine Estate Management to get her exploration under way. Working everywhere from 5* African bush lodges to the beautiful beach towns in South Africa and bigger hotel & conference centres in Namibia, she decided to venture across the pond and ended up living & working in the USA. Many adventures later, Natasha returned to South Africa.
Craving a change in scenery and wanting to continue growing her skills & knowledge into other areas of the industry, Natasha decided to follow her heart to Cape Town and learn from the best at luxury travel, right here at Mahlatini.
Trying to sleep in a permanent tented camp in the middle of a typical Highveld thunderstorm is amongst my top favourite memories. During a foot trails and tracking [for a collaring procedure with the local wildlife veterinary team] we also located a 80+ herd of elephants. Backing up and enjoying our morning coffee and rusks, just being in the vicinity, listening to the breaking of branches and seeing the odd trunk leg movement was the ultimate humbling experience.
I can definitely envision a beach break in the Maldives in my future. The idea of waking up in a villa with little to no communication, snorkelling in the warm waters while absorbing Vitamin D, cocktails, books and maybe a full body massage for a few days... bliss .
Tough decision... definitely one of the intimate bush lodges with that air of adventure, warm hospitality, vibrant sunsets, crisp white sheets and remote African Vibes. Possibly one of the Singita Lodges in the concessions. No Yankee Candle can replace the unique smell of the African bush after a heavy rainfall.
Definitely a tie between a pack of wild dog and a young den of hyena. The way these animals interact within the pack, respect the hierarchy and still have the pizazz to play and test the boundaries with their playful nature is amazing to observe. Cheeky, misperceived creatures!
As the newbie I would have to say that being warmly welcomed - not only to the company but also to the city - and given the chance to grow and develop with the Mahlatini Team. We also have a giant sweetie jar but I'm still holding out hope for an office pet.