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.

African Destinations Visited

Botswana
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!

Favourite 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 generous glass of South African wine. The best in the world, particularly the Pinotage. "

Favourite 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.

My Favourite Experiences

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Amazing once-in-a-lifetime trip

"Donna exemplifies the term travel expert. Her advice, recommendations and personal support throughout enabled us to have the most amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip."

Keith Rasmussen, UK
Holiday to Kenya and Tanzania, 2024

Best trip we've ever taken

"Donna did an incredible job planning our honeymoon! She was also quick to answer our questions and made time to chat on the phone when needed. We are so grateful to have worked with her!"

Julian Crowther, USA
Honeymoon to South Africa, Seychelles, 2024

Pleasantly surprised by the level of customer service

"Definitely set the bar high for travel agencies. The attention to the little details tells me this is an agency that cares about its customers. Mahlatini was always very attentive to any last-minute requests."

Santiago Nieto, USA
Honeymoon to Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa, 2023

Exceeded our expectations

"Donna was wonderful at listening to our goals for the trip and helping us craft an ideal vacation. Donna made it easy for us. She was responsive and helpful before and during the trip."

Linda Hansen, USA
Family Holiday to Kenya, 2023

Donna Armstrong

African Destinations Visited

Most Memorable Trip