Social Media & Brand Content Specialist

Cara Steyn

Originally from the Klein Karoo, Cara grew up surrounded by wide-open landscapes, plenty of books, and a family culture rooted in overlanding and exploring Africa. Those early road trips instilled in her a deep love of travel and adventure, along with an appreciation for the small moments that often become the most treasured memories. Today, as Mahlatini’s Social Media and Brand Content Specialist, Cara brings together her creativity and love of travel to tell stories that bring destinations to life and inspire others to explore the world.

She went on to study for a BA in Communications, followed by a postgraduate qualification in Publishing through North-West University and Wits University. Work eventually brought her to Cape Town, where she has spent the past few years.

For Cara, travel begins long before departure. It starts with storytelling: the spark of wonder and discovery that makes a place feel just within reach. At Mahlatini, she is passionate about instilling that same sense of wonder in others, combining inspiration with the expertise and insight of our travel experts to encourage more meaningful travel.

Mahlatini Destinations Explored

Botswana
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
South Africa
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Most Memorable Trip

Portugal stands out as the trip that really changed the way I see the world. I grew up traveling through different parts of Africa, but after reading Die Blou van Onthou by Marita van der Vyver, I knew I had to see the azulejos for myself. It was my first time in Europe, and it made me realize just how vast and varied the world is beyond what you grow up knowing. There was so much to take in—the architecture, the history, the food, and the way of life. It expanded my sense of the world in a very real way and made me realize how much there is to see, experience, and learn.

I have always been a curious person, even as a child, but that trip deepened my desire to experience more of the world beyond my own frame of reference. At the same time, it reminded me how special it is to travel with family, and how much more meaningful those experiences become when shared with the people you love.

Top of My Bucket List

India and Morocco are at the top of my bucket list. I’m a big foodie, so Indian cuisine alone draws me in. I would love to try the street food and learn more about traditional cooking methods, but I’m just as drawn to the richness and generosity of the culture, from the colorful block-printed fabrics to the intricate architecture. Morocco appeals to me for similar reasons: the spices, markets, and beautiful riads, as well as its fascinating blend of North African, Arab, French, and Spanish influences, shaped by centuries of trade, conquest, and cultural exchange. Both offer so much history and character, and I would love to experience them.

Favorite Safari Animal

"Lionesses. I’ve been lucky enough to see them up close on a few occasions, and I’m always struck by their incredible beauty, grace, and power. They’re impossible to look away from."

Sundowner of Choice

"Babylonstoren’s Bitterlekker is a bittersweet, sparkling nonalcoholic aperitif with honeybush tea, blood orange, and grapefruit. For me, there’s nothing better!"

Favorite Property

"Mumbo Island Camp in Malawi. With its see-through water and Robinson Crusoe feel, I can easily picture myself spending slow days in a hammock with a good book."

Top Travel Tip

Plan your trip, but don’t overplan it. Things rarely go exactly the way you expect when you travel, and that’s often where the magic happens. If you manage your expectations and stay open to change, the unexpected moments can turn into the best stories.

The Best Part of My Job

Working in marketing with a product I’m personally passionate about makes work feel far more rewarding. My wish is for everyone to have the chance to travel, create lifelong memories, and experience moments that can truly change them. Plus, I love that I’m always learning more about our destinations every day. It’s work that lets you dream.