For me the travel bug bit when I started at University and visited Australia for a month (way back in 2010!) – soon after Peru and South Africa followed. I fell in love with South Africa (and the continent in general) the moment I arrived. I still remember my first safari as if it was yesterday, and not realising that seeing a rhino in the wild is not all that common. I’ve been back to South Africa many times since and absolutely love its diversity – the people, the food, its scenery – there’s really no place like it! Although South Africa is my first love, I’ve been lucky enough to see much more of Africa since. Meeting the chimps of Mahale and the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park have really been a highlight so far.
My most memorable trip
Hwange National Park
I absolutely love elephants and Hwange is one of the best places to see a huge number of them! Enjoying sundowners overlooking the water, surrounded by herds of elephants, it was so special.
The Best Hidden Gem
Wilderness Mokete
I'm very excited about the brand-new Wilderness Mokete camp in the Mababe region. It's truly remote and surrounded by some of the best wildlife - what an adventure!
See where I’ve travelled
Volcanoes National Park
"My first time seeing a gorilla in Volcanoes National Park - WOW!"
Explore destination
Hwange National Park
"Being surrounded by a heard of elephants while in Hwange, Zimbabwe. "
Explore destination
Mahale National Park
"Meeting the chimps of Mahale, Tanzania. They are so similar to us."
Explore destination
My favourite trip
An African Trilogy
Combining the very best of Kenya, Victoria Falls and Cape Town - this wonderful trip is really such a good introduction to Africa!
My favourite hotel
Greystoke Mahale
Greystoke Mahale such an hidden gem! This place is absolute magic, the people, the chimps and a white sandy beach. I pretty much cried when I had to leave.
All three of my trips with Jacada have been seamless...timing/scheduling/planning were flawless. The camps chosen for us were all different and led to a wonderful Botswana experience.
My husband and I recently traveled to South Africa and we utilized Jacada travel services. Jody Van Merode planned the perfect trip for us- we spoke over the phone and she put together an itinerary that would best match what we wanted to see, our interests and our budget! We visited two very different game reserves - each beautiful in…
Jacada were amazing all the way from designing our trip to guiding us throughout the journey. Our trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar was truly a once in a lifetime experience. We had knowledgeable, passionate guides on safari and stayed in beautiful accommodations throughout.
Perfectly planned and executed African safari
The organization and detail of travel was superb! Jody and Charlotte helped every step of the way. It was a luxury safari. The game drives and accommodations were wonderful. It was a trip of a lifetime!
My top tips
Instead of taking the cable car up Table Mountain, why not enjoy a leisurely hike to the top - the best way to stay active and admire breath taking views.
Don't skip the South African winelands, even if you're not massively (or not at all) into wine, the area is incredibly scenic.
Bring your own binoculars on safari - your guide will always have a pair to share, but bring your own and and you can constantly be on the look out for wildlife.
Add a helicopter flight while staying the Okavango Delta - we can even remove the doors for even better photo opportunities.
