Travel Expert | Learning & Development Co-ordinator

Donna Armstrong

Travel has been Donna's passion since her teenage years when she spent her summers interrailing around Europe. After taking the obligatory gap year after University to backpack around Australia, she knew that she wanted to turn that passion into her vocation. Donna's initial role in the travel industry was with a large tour operator focused mainly on European and Asian destinations. A move to Mahlatini many years ago ignited a lifelong love for Africa and her amazing wildlife, people and landscapes; the place Donna now considers as her spiritual home.

Donna is a self-confessed safari purist, continually on the quest to explore the most remote locations and seek out the most elusive animals. Her extensive knowledge of safari Africa has won her a legion of loyal clients who, like her, know that you can never visit Africa just once.

Mahlatini Destinations Explored

Botswana
Egypt
India
Kenya
Mauritius
Rwanda
Seychelles
South Africa
Tanzania
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Most Memorable Trip

It has to be my adventure to Rwanda. Exploring the lakes and mountains of Rwanda and spending time with gorilla families after attending Kwita Izina (Rwanda's gorilla baby naming ceremony) was a dream come true.

Top of My Bucket List

Although I have been to both the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya multiple times, I've never actually been lucky enough to witness an iconic river crossing. On my bucket list for sure!

Favorite Safari Animal

"I'd have to choose the female cats as my favourite sighting. Lionesses and female leopards are thrilling to watch in action."

Sundowner of Choice

"For me it has to be a refreshing shandy with plenty of ice and a slice of lemon. Perfect after an exciting game drive"

Favorite Property

"Grumeti Serengeti, just a gorgeous lodge in a really quiet and picturesque part of the Serengeti. One of my all time favourites!"

Top Travel Tip

One of my 'never travel without' accessories are a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. These are perfect for busy airports and flights, not to mention much more comfortable than earbuds.

The Best Part of My Job

I love passing on all of my accumulated knowledge to the next generation of Travel Experts through training and mentoring. Seeing new members of the Mahlatini family become more, and more passionate about our portfolio reinforces my love of adventure.

What My Clients Say

Outstanding wildlife and consistently friendly and knowledgable teams at every location

"Donna has consistently been outstanding over the course of our 3 holidays with Mahlatini. Donna is able to turnaround great itineraries with limited guidance / correspondence and we’re always confident that everything will be perfect."

Robert Harris, UK
Vacation to Botswana and Zimbabwe, 2026

I'd highly recommend Donna and the Mahlatini team!

"We really appreciated how thoughtful and informative Donna was! She gave us a ton of guidance on where to stay, what we'd see, and so on. Our calls were all very helpful and informative."

Mojin Chen, USA
Honeymoon to Kenya and Tanzania, 2025

Unforgettable experiences and excellent service

"Donna went above and beyond. Her expert, first-hand knowledge and experience of the area was brilliant and enabled us to create a holiday totally tailored to our family. Donna is an expert in her field, meticulous in her planning, and really professional. We can’t thank her enough."

Aisling Hemmings, Ireland
Family Vacation to South Africa, 2025

A trip of a lifetime! Every bit exceeded our expectations from start to finish

"We would like to thank Donna and the team for creating the perfect safari-based holiday for us again! Donna always gains a perfect understanding of what we look for in our family holidays and is an expert in putting together a fantastic itinerary."

Lisa Thompson, UK
Family Vacation to South Africa and Zimbabwe, 2025