Nikki knew she would build her career in the travel industry, having been struck by wanderlust from an early age. Her experience spans nearly 20 years, having worked for a major airline and independent travel agencies, before joining Mahlatini over 10 years ago. The specialism of the Mahlatini product portfolio was the biggest draw and of course, the opportunity to develop expertise in travel to her favourite continent.
Nikki manages the team of travel experts across all our international offices. Whilst planning remarkable travel journeys for clients is still her greatest passion, she also enjoys nurturing the talent of the newer members of the team.
Soaring over the great plains of the Maasai Mara at sunrise for a hot air balloon safari definitely stands out. It's one of those iconic "only in Africa" moments. And when it's topped off with a champagne breakfast, I can't imagine a more perfect start to any day.
I have a huge soft spot for Botswana. It delivers on that uniquely special combination of ultimate wilderness, combined with the ultimate in luxury. I've stayed in the most stunning camps and enjoyed the best guiding in Africa on each of my visits there. Seychelles gets my vote as the ultimate tropical island paradise. Its outer islands promise total seclusion. Island hopping in The Seychelles is surely the best beach experience on earth.
Mara Plains Camp, Kenya. It is simply exquisite - with exceptional service, unrivalled guiding, not to mention the most luxuriously appointed accommodation. It is the epitome of colonial safari luxury, with copper bath tubs and hand-picked antique furniture... creating the ambience of a bygone era.
Without hesitation - the beautiful, but elusive leopard. A guide once told me that it's difficult to take a bad photograph of a leopard, but even more difficult to take a good one. I'm sure many safari enthusiasts will relate to that.
Realising a dream of staying on the iconic North Island, Seychelles, possibly tops my long list of highlights. Getting to experience the exquisite surroundings and impeccable service that is normally the reserve of royalty is quite the 'perk of the job'.
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