An Interview with Claire from Mahlatini

Claire grew up in the Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi. A natural water baby, she moved from Malawi at 18 where many a weekend had been spent at Lake Malawi to becoming a scuba diving instructor at Aliwal Shoal along Durbans famous coastline. After spending a few years working as an instructor in South Africa and Mozambique she moved to Northern Ireland to be closer to her family. After spending three years working for a large travel agency, Claire was lucky enough to find Mahlatini and hasnt looked back since.

1. How long have you worked in travel and what attracted you to this career?

I have been in the travel and tourism industry for 10 years now. I started as a diving instructor and fell in love with meeting new people from different countries. I have always been a traveller myself and love sharing my experiences with other people as well as hearing about theirs.

2. What is your role at Mahlatini?

Travel Consultant

3. What is the most rewarding element of your job?

Putting together tailor made, once in a lifetime holidays and then watching as they come to fruition and the clients report back with amazing experiences and pictures!

4. What destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean have you visited?

South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Zanzibar

5. Name some of most memorable things you have been lucky enough to experience with Mahlatini?

Sipping sundowners in the Masai Mara whilst watching a herd of elephants come closer and closer! And a balloon safari over the Masai Mara…..and feeding giraffes whilst having breakfast at Giraffe Manor…oh theres too many amazing memories to choose from!

6. Where will your next African destination with Mahlatini be?

Nothing has been set in concrete yet however number 1 on my list would be seeing the gorillas in Uganda or I would love to go back to Victoria Falls or Botswana…Im really not fussy!

7. Which country in Africa are you most looking forward to visiting?

Uganda and Botswana

8. Do you have a favourite country or region in Africa?

I grew up in Malawi so it will always have a very special place in my heart however Kenya has offered some unbelievable experiences and memories!

9. Do you have a favourite hotel or camp in Africa?

Elsa Kopje in Meru National Park is amazing for luxury, wildlife, history and delicious food however Exeter Dulini in Sabi Sands Kruger is just luxury personified and so romantic!

10. Where else in the world have you been lucky enough to visit?

New York, Barbados, Mexico, Canary Islands, Bulgaria, Spain, Andorra, Florida, Bali and I have sailed around some of the Caribbean islands

11. If you won the lottery tomorrow where would be the first place in the world that you would visit?

I would have a luxury trip through Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and last but not least I would take a trip on the majestic Rovos Rail…. I would also have a private jet so I avoided all the airport drama! Money well spent!

12. What are your favourite things about being on a safari?

I love hearing lions roar at night, sipping sundowners and listening to the cicadas, waking up and drinking coffee whilst looking over the vast savannahs of Africa. Most of all I just love being away from the city and enjoying the absolute beauty that Africa has to offer!

13. What are your pros and cons of travel?

I HATE airports with a passion! If I could I would sail everywhere! I also hate all the hours wasted spent waiting around between flights.