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 nearly 10 years ago ignited a lifelong love for Africa and her amazing wildlife, peoples and landscapes; the place she 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

Kenya
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Rwanda
Botswana
Seychelles
Mauritius
Tanzania

Most Memorable Trip

It has to be my first African adventure post-pandemic to none other than 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."

Favourite Safari Animal

Sundowner Of Choice

"For me it has to be a generous glass of South African wine. The best in the world, particularly the Pinotage. "

Sundowner Of Choice

Favourite Property

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

Favourite Property

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.