An Interview with Travel Consultant Adam

Adam was born and bred in Belfast, Northern Ireland. On finishing his schooling Adam worked for a number of years as an Estate Agent including a stint in Spain. Following a period of travelling the world Adam decided to enter the travel industry and worked at British Airways. Ultimately this experience led him to Mahlatini, where he has worked for the past year. 1. How long have you worked in travel and what attracted you to this career? 4 years in total. I am passionate about travel and felt that a career in the field would bring about interesting opportunities for travel and so far it really has! 2. What is your role at Mahlatini? Travel consultant 3. What is the most rewarding element of your job? I love the challenge of tailoring very unique holidays and I love the feedback I receive when my clients return. 4. What destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean have you visited? South Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. 5. Name some of most memorable things you have been lucky enough to experience with Mahlatini Incredible leopard sightings in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa An extra special bush dinner during my stay at Serengeti Under Canvas Camp in Tanzania An awesome light aircraft flight over the Rift Valley Seeing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti Sleeping under canvas and listening to the sound of lions, buffalo and hyena right outside A hippo joining us for breakfast during my stay at Grumeti Camp in the Serengeti 6. Where will your next African destination with Mahlatini be? Nothing has been fixed as yet but I am always hopeful of another trip whenever one can be arranged. 7. Which country in Africa are you most looking forward to visiting? Botswana. I have just heard so much about the incredible landscapes of this country and I really would like to partake in the water based activities on offer. 8. Do you have a favourite country or region in Africa? Having just returned from Tanzania I have to say that it truly is an incredibly diverse safari destination, the wildlife is outstanding and the people are so friendly. 9. Do you have a favourite hotel or camp in Africa? Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania for the most incredible views Grootbos near to Hermanus in South Africa because of its scenery, its food and its service. 10. Where else in the world have you been lucky enough to visit? Most of Europe, a good portion of South East Asia, America, Peru and Venezuela 11. If you won the lottery tomorrow where would be the first place in the world that you would visit? I think I would head for the deserted beaches of Mozambique, maybe put my feet up at Benguerra Lodge. I would then spend 2 or 3 weeks dreaming of all I can buy with my winnings! 12. What are your favourite things about being on a safari? I love the excitement of tracking the animals and I really enjoy the time you spend with those animals once you encounter them. It is such a privilege to watch these creatures in their natural habitat. I also love the interaction you have with the guides and other guests and I love the food too! 13. What are your pros and cons of travel? The pros are all the new experiences and beautiful sights that you encounter The cons are departure lounges (especially East African departure lounges), bad connections and long flights.