About Trans Africa Safaris

Who We Are

A family-owned African travel company with over 108 years of experience crafting bespoke journeys across the continent.

Our AffiliationsMeet the team
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PERSONAL PLANNING

Every journey is shaped around your interests, pace and travel style.

FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE

Our team draws on trusted insight from across Southern and East Africa.

TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS

Long-standing partnerships help us create seamless travel experiences.

SEAMLESS SUPPORT

We are here before, during and after your journey.

LEADERSHIP

Led by Experience, Guided by Passion

Our leadership and management team bring together generations of travel knowledge, trusted relationships and a deep love for Africa.

Jennifer Paterson

Managing Director

Tourism has been my life’s work and greatest passion for more than four decades. Although I once imagined becoming a teacher, I soon realised that the travel industry offered the perfect opportunity to do both-sharing knowledge, inspiring others, and creating life—changing experiences for travellers discovering Africa.

Having worked in virtually every area of the business, from the operational details to leading an internationally respected luxury tour operator, I have developed a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional service. As Managing Director of Trans Africa Safaris, I remain actively involved in mentoring our team, building trusted relationships with our travel partners, and ensuring every journey reflects the high standards our company has become known for.

I was fortunate to learn the foundations of this business from my father, whose passion, integrity, and commitment to excellence continue to guide our company today. Following his passing in 1993, I assumed leadership of the business and have been privileged to grow and evolve Trans Africa Safaris while remaining true to the family values on which it was built.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is sharing my knowledge of Africa—its people, wildlife, cultures, and extraordinary destinations—with our staff, travel advisors, and clients. I believe that genuine relationships, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for service are what transform a holiday into an unforgettable experience.

Outside the office, family remains at the centre of my life. I cherish time spent with my son and my grandchildren, who continually remind me why creating meaningful memories matters so much. I also enjoy entertaining family and friends, giving back to the community, and starting my mornings with a swim in the beautiful tidal pools along Cape Town’s coastline.

It is both an honour and a privilege to lead a third-generation family business, and I remain deeply committed to sharing the very best of Africa with travellers from around the world while ensuring Trans Africa Safaris continues to thrive for generations to come.

 

Michael Paterson

Director

As a third-generation member of the Trans Africa Safaris family I have had the privilege of growing up in one of Africa’s most established family-owned luxury travel companies. Travel has always been more than a career—it is part of who I am.

Since joining the business full-time in 2013 I have gained experience across every aspect of our operation, from product development and operations to sales, strategic partnerships, and business leadership. Today, I am proud to continue the legacy built by previous generations, combining decades of experience with a forward-thinking approach to luxury African travel.

I believe exceptional journeys are created through trusted relationships, and a genuine understanding of every traveller’s aspirations. Whether designing an iconic safari, an exclusive private villa escape, or a tailor-made multi-country adventure, our focus is always on delivering seamless, authentic experiences that exceed expectations.

Africa continues to inspire me with its extraordinary wildlife, diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and remarkable history. I am passionate about discovering unique experiences and continually refining our collection of exceptional properties and destinations to ensure our clients experience the very best the continent has to offer.

Together with our dedicated team, I look forward to welcoming your clients to Africa and creating journeys that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Management Team

Our managers support every part of the journey, from trusted supplier relationships to seamless operations and careful attention behind the scenes.

Interested in joining our team?

We’re always open to connecting with passionate people who share our love for Africa, travel and exceptional service.

Janice Gombert

Business Relations Manager

Bringing deep hospitality experience, strong client relationships and a passion for travel to the Trans Africa Safaris team, Janice helps ensure every client journey is handled with care, warmth and attention to detail.

Sofia Jorge

Operations Manager

With over two decades in tourism, Sofia brings calm, confidence and experience to every journey. She believes strong teams are the key to seamless operations and exceptional client care.

Amelie De Klerk

Financial Manager

Amelie has been with Trans Africa Safaris since 2006 and oversees the accounts department with accuracy, care and a love for problem-solving. She also supports the tour consultants behind the scenes, helping ensure every journey runs smoothly.

Meet The Team Behind The Journeys

Our wider team supports every part of the travel experience, from itinerary planning and operations to accounts, reservations and on-the-ground coordination.

Mara Lanzetta

Mara Lanzetta

Senior Sales Consultant

Lauren Vorster

Lauren Vorster

Senior Sales Consultant

Jolene Finn

Jolene Finn

Senior Sales Consultant

Candice Reddy

Candice Reddy

Tour Consultant

Sharon Byrne

Sharon Byrne

Guest Ambassador

Ashleigh Vink

Ashleigh Vink

Booking Consultant

Irmin Jacobs

Irmin Jacobs

Booking Consultant

Nadia Joshua

Nadia Joshua

Booking Consultant

Nikita Malgas

Nikita Malgas

Quote Consultant

Jade Van Niekerk

Jade Van Niekerk

Rates & Database Administration

Una Rhoode

Una Rhoode

Accounts (Creditors)

Jade Arendse

Jade Arendse

Financial Accounts assistant

Stephen de Witt

Stephen de Witt

IT Supervisor

One Team.
One Unforgettable Journey.

AFFILIATIONS

Trusted Global & Local Partnerships

Trans Africa Safaris is connected to respected international travel networks, local tourism bodies and specialist partners who share our commitment to trusted, high-quality African travel.

These relationships allow us to offer our clients trusted expertise, preferred access and seamless support across their journey.

Virtuoso Preferred Supplier

Virtuoso Preferred Logo

A leading global network of luxury travel advisors and preferred partners, connecting clients with exceptional travel experiences worldwide.

Preferred supplier for South Africa since 1987.

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Signature Travel Network

Virtuoso Preferred Logo

A respected cooperative travel network of thousands of travel professionals offering tailored, one-of-a-kind travel experiences.

Preferred destination specialist since 2003.

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Internova
Virtuoso Preferred Logo

A global network of luxury, leisure and corporate travel advisors delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise.

In-country partner for South Africa since 2012.

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SATSA Member

Virtuoso Preferred Logo

A respected inbound tourism association promoting professionalism, credibility and responsible standards across Southern Africa.

Bound by the SATSA code of conduct.

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Cape Chamber of Commerce
Cape Chamber Of Commerce and Industry
Africa’s oldest member-based business organisation, supporting businesses across sectors and promoting local growth.

Finalist in the 2013 and 2014 Exporter of the Year Awards.

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Anatomē Travel Partner

Virtuoso Preferred Logo

A luxury travel clothing partner known for versatile, fashion-forward travel wear designed for comfort and performance.

Partnered with Trans Africa Safaris in 2013.

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Our Story

A Legacy of African Travel Since 1918

Trans Africa Safaris is a family-owned business with a long proud history in the African travel industry. The company was originally established in 1918. Yep, that’s 108 years ago.

Having created bespoke travel experiences to destinations including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda for more than a century, Trans Africa Safaris has built a dedicated team of experienced staff and a reliable network of partners across the continent.

Together we ensure that our travellers enjoy an unprecedented level of personal care and support before, during and after their trips.

The service excellence Trans Africa Safaris is renowned for is built on the family values first instilled in the company by Brian Paterson many decades ago.

The late Brian Paterson started his tourism career with Trans Africa Safaris in 1954. Since his passing in 1993, his eldest daughter, Jennifer, has successfully led the company.

Our Contribution

Travel with Purpose

Trans Africa Safaris is committed to promoting all that Africa has to offer and putting its beauty (literal and figurative) on the world stage. Our business relies on the wildlife and people of Africa and we, therefore, welcome and appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the following initiatives:

Uthando

Uthando

Trans Africa Safaris proudly supports Uthando, helping connect responsible travel with meaningful local community development projects in South Africa.

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African Scholars Fund

African Scholars Fund

Trans Africa Safaris proudly supports the African Scholars’ Fund, helping promising South African learners access school fees, uniforms, transport and essential educational support.

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