My story started on a farm in northern South Africa, where I was born and raised by wonderful parents who encouraged my desire to explore and discover the bush. I remember many happy childhood days collecting insects, stalking impala on our bellies or helping my dad catch large and bothersome pythons that needed relocating. One of my favourite pastimes was to climb high up into the giant baobab trees – I recall marvelling at the smooth bark and textured skin which reminded me so much of the elephants that I loved.
Always a dreamer and in my mind a turn-of-the century explorer, I knew that one day I would travel to the remote areas of Africa and experience the rich and diverse cultures that I used to read about. My career in the hospitality industry started at the age of 19 where I worked in the famous Sabi Sands Reserve and during my first week I had the wild experience of having mating lions in front of my bedroom window for four days! I’d found my niche and was totally hooked on the beauty, thrill and adventure! For the next 17 years I managed safari camps and travelled in some of Southern Africa’s most remote and spectacular locations, deeply immersed in nature.
My passion for making people feel special was perfectly suited to the 5-star safari industry and I’ve been fortunate to work for some of the top safari companies in Africa and lucky to host many famous celebrities. I not only know and understand the safari world intimately, but I am passionate about the wild, remote destinations of Africa, the incredible people, the breath-taking beauty of the wildlife.
At the end of 2012 I married Dan and moved to Canada where we both have the pleasure of fulfilling our life’s purpose by selling soul experiences to Africa.
My wish for you is to experience a little slice of Africa in a way that will change your life too!
See you on safari!
Bush greetings, Antoinette
