Managing Director
As a child I always wanted to be a teacher but in 1978, tourism is the path I finally chose. I have worked in every aspect of the business – even cleaning cars! I am happiest when I am busy, and when I am teaching agents, clients or our awesome staff something about Africa – you see I still get to be the teacher. I love planning and making long “to do lists”.
My father taught me almost everything I know about tourism. Since taking over the helm when he passed away in 1993, I have learnt a few more tricks of the trade. I am a Past President of the Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch – and my passion is to make people happy, whether it be a child in a safe-house, making sure travellers have a superb holiday in Africa or entertaining my friends and family – long lunches around the dining room table. Since February 2023 I have found another love - early morning swims in the tidal pools on the Cape Town coast.
If I only had one wish it would be for my father to be alive to enjoy our growing family - five grandchildren and their wives/partners as well as his one great-granddaughter who happens to be the apple of my eye.
My special moments in life have always, and will always continue to involve my mother, my son his girlfriend and their gorgeous daughter Pearl.
Director
3rd Generation travel enthusiast, experienced in all styles of leisure. Growing up within the family business, I have always been exposed to meeting international visitors and visiting the most beautiful parts of our region.
My first involvement with Trans Africa Safaris was to meet up with our clients on their day tours and wish them a good trip and hand them a gift from their agent. This was always a happy encounter! My next assignment was assisting with the rates database. It was at this time that I grew to appreciate the many aspects and complexities of our industry.
I joined as a full-time staff member in early 2015. Being able to learn the business from “the best” is a privilege and an honour.
I look forward to working with the many agents who support our company. Send us your clients – we’ll give them their holiday of a lifetime!
I like to incorporate different and unique aspects of African and cultural tourism and am particularly interested in the history and geological foundations that have influenced our world and surroundings that we live in today.
I have a keen eye for new developments throughout the world and the fundamentals that link Africa, our Motherland, to the rest of the world. The vacations I enjoy most, are those that involve natural wildlife and scenery. Safari adventures top my list.
Business Relations Manager
The journey of my professional life has been a whirlwind of wonderful experiences that have honed my capabilities as an individual, and as a member of extraordinary teams.
I love the hospitality industry. There is something magical about walking through a beautiful hotel lobby or watching a chef create a dish that is an absolute inspiration. I also love travel.
After qualifying in Hotel Management, I started my career in operations at the Arniston Hotel under the mentorship of Steve and Nicky Fitzgerald. Then the travel bug bit.
While backpacking abroad, my experiences were many and varied, including maintaining banana plantations and olive picking on a kibbutz. I epitomised the words of John Steinbeck; ‘People don’t take trips – trips take people’.
On my return home I was privileged to be a member of the opening team at Constantia Uitsig. After five years, I joined my first corporate company that specialised in hospitality recruitment. Six years later and having learnt significant lessons about the immense value of teamwork in any business, I joined Mount Nelson Hotel which was, at the time, owned by Orient- Express.
Eighteen years seem to fly like the wind! As Sales and Marketing Director for most of my career at Mount Nelson Hotel, I oversaw sales and reservations, and experienced first-hand many enhancements/upgrades to the hotel over the years. It was wonderful and a privilege to have met so many colleagues and clients who are now friends throughout the world. I am thrilled and excited to have added my energy and years of experience to the incredible team at Trans Africa Safaris.
Sales Consultant - Safari & Touring Specialist
Born in Argentina, I came to South Africa in 2001 to learn to speak English. My intension was to stay for less than a year, but I completely fell in love with this gorgeous country! That was 2001 and I’m still here… I started in the Tourism Industry in 2007, and have been showcasing Southern Africa to travellers since then.
My decision to work in the tourism industry began in 2007 because when I find something special, I love sharing it. I am, and will always be a tourist of the world. I enjoy the luxury of a Top 5 Star Hotel as much as the basic facilities at a camping spot. My heart is set on travelling and discovering new cultures/customs, meeting people, and enjoying what Mother Nature offers us.
I am the Mom of a beautiful boy that lights up my life every minute of every day. I am privileged to have him grow up in this environment surrounded by mountains and sea, and wonderful people.
Sales Consultant - Safari & Touring Specialist
Proudly Capetonian, my passion for travel comes from my direct experience of so many distinct areas of this beautiful city, and South Africa beyond.
My family believed in “exploring our backyard” before going overseas. From childhood, I have taken delight in everything from self-drive safaris to see the Big 5, to hiking the remote Cederberg mountains, to whale watching and experiential food and wine tours. At 18, I experienced the thundering Victoria Falls and knew I was hooked on Africa. I just had to see and do more to experience everything I can of this diverse place.
I fell into travel as a career by accident. Having completed a postgraduate degree in Brand Management and Communications, I decided to try my luck applying to a Graduate Travel program, where we would be trained to become sales specialists in Southern and East Africa travel. My dream turned into reality and my first-hand experience of luxury travel began.
After a brief detour working with products in sustainability as the sales and business development manager within a start-up company, I am so excited to once again be living my passion. The thrill of crafting unique, tailored vacations for travellers wanting to see the best of Africa – making dreams turn into memories that last a lifetime, is what drives me daily. I look forward to working with you to create these experiences.
Sales Consultant - Safari & Touring Specialist
My career has traversed a wide variety of fields – from education to IT, market research to game ranging, and now happily to travel.
Each step along the way taught me more about myself, and about what it is that drives me. It was 2014, at the age of 30, that I decided to quit my job and head to the bush and become a game ranger. I then spent four remarkable years around wildlife and travellers from all over the world. I woke up every day excited to see what my next game drive would bring – a herd of elephants cooling off with a swim in the river, cheetah cubs learning how to make their first kill, or even a rare species of bird sitting in clear view – each moment was wrapped in magic and it was a privilege to share this with fellow nature lovers from across the globe.
I made the difficult decision to return to Cape Town in 2018 to be nearer to my family and friends. Luckily, my safari experience translated into an opportunity to work within the travel industry, an opportunity that I grabbed with both hands. Since then, it has been an absolute such a joy to assist travellers in making their African dreams come true. I look forward to hearing from you and helping to bring your dream to fruition!
Guest Ambassador
Hello everyone. Here’s introducing myself.
Sharon Louise Byrne, born in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. I immigrated to South Africa in 1982 . Cape Town, the Mother City and home to one of the wonders of the world is where I live. Table Mountain - who can say no to seeing that view every day!
I have worked at stunning properties and met some amazing people. Names I cannot drop. As the years went by I decided a career change was needed - in 2008 I joined Trans Africa Safaris – the best decision I have ever made. I really enjoy seeing my clients’ program grow, evolve and become reality… I am a memory maker, which leads into my hobby of scrap booking, greeting cards, beading, pottery (all things crafty).
I am the best aunty around, with two nephews and three nieces….and my “best friend” Cody (my adorable pooch) is a bundle of mischief and much loved in our family. Something that really gets to me is when the ATM pushes out money this way and that.. grrr.. I prefer it to be neat and facing the same way…
Looking forward to meeting you with your holiday plans.
Booking Consultant
My interest in travel was sparked whilst listening to the stories my grandmother told me about her worldly travel adventures. Inspired by her love for travel, I knew this was the vocation I needed to pursue. I have never looked back!
After finishing my studies in Travel and Tourism, I joined an outbound travel company – helping my fellow South Africans make their travel dreams come true across the globe.
A few years later, I travelled on a safari within Southern Africa, and experienced first-hand the magic of the famous African skies and its wondrous natural resources. I knew it was time to share my passion for Africa with the world, and so my career in inbound travel began.
Attention to detail is what sets elevates a holiday itinerary – turning it into an unforgettable life experience. My passion lies in ensuring all bookings are flawlessly executed from start to finish, creating a seamless travel experience for all Trans Africa Safaris’ guests.
Booking Consultant
Born and raised in Cape Town, I have been fortunate to grow up in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The amazing beaches, Table Mountain, our flora and fauna is all breath-taking. I fell in love with travel at a very young age, largely due to my parents’ passion for travel and appetite to explore different countries and cultures. Travel as a career choice, was a no-brainer!
I consider myself blessed to have travelled and worked abroad, learning about different countries, experiencing their cultures, and learning about their history. I worked in niche, corporate and leisure for 10 years and gained invaluable industry experience.
Working for Trans Africa Safaris has opened my eyes to a different style of travel, which has further entrenched my love for our industry and the beautiful opportunities it offers. My job allows me to share my passion for travel by helping create amazing experiences, adventures, and life-long memories for our clients.
Booking Consultant
Born and raised in Cape Town, I am constantly in awe of the beauty of our mother city. My Passion for travel started during my travels locally which provided the opportunity to gain a deeper and more meaningful connection with my homeland.
I immediately knew that I wanted to pursue a career in Travel and Tourism, so I began my journey by studying this field as a subject in High school, and followed this with a tertiary qualification at False Bay College. In the last phase of my studies, the unfortunate incident of breaking my ankle led to a pause in my internship during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As frustrating as this was, I was determined to continue pursuing my dream career. Four years later I started my dream job at Trans Africa Safaris where I now get to do what I love and help make our clients’ travel dreams a reality.
Rates & Database Administration
Born and raised in the Mother City, I am a child of Africa and proudly South African. It was by chance that I studied Travel and Tourism, graduating with a diploma in 2001. The knowledge I have gained in the tourism industry has seen my ‘first job’ evolve into a passion; “I create and manage dream vacations which showcase Africa to the rest of the world.”
What keeps me going is the fact that somewhere around the world someone is reminiscing or sharing memories of a visit to Africa that I was involved in planning. With this in mind I am always reminded that my attention to detail affects the outcome of whether a vacation is regarded as mediocre or AWESOME!
My motto: I only have this 1 life, no re-takes, do overs or exchanges. I am an ordinary person created uniquely to do extraordinary things...
IT Supervisor
I was born in Upington. My parents moved around the country regularly, which in turn means I have attended a number of schools. These moves helped me learn so much about our wonderful country and also to grow my confidence. I feel blessed to be a South African.
I matriculated in 2003 and moved to Cape Town where I started boxing – pro amateur and coaching. I have worked at an events company creating props and backdrops. I have been involved in online marketing and online media.
In 2014 I joined Trans Africa Safaris and I am loving every second of it. My main responsibilities are to assist with online media platforms, in-house IT and design for print.
In my personal time I enjoy boxing, movies and competitive online gaming - I have represented South Africa in an online “World Cup”, and we won! With my various teams, we have won numerous medals and trophies.
I am completely in love with all animals. I help out with DARG, a non-profit organization based in Hout Bay.
Financial Manager
My life began in Paris with vacations to the sea and snow being the escape from the bustling city. My family moved to sunny South Africa in 1990. After my schooling in Somerset West, I attended Stellenbosch University and received my Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Management Accounting. I also represented the university in Artistic Gymnastics. After graduating, I gained professional experience in Business and Accounting working for an investment company. I started with Trans Africa Safaris in 2006. As the Financial Manager, I oversee all the functions of the accounts department, as well as provide support to our tour consultants. I strive to produce work of the highest calibre and love the daily problem-solving!
I have two delightful daughters, Elodie and Anaïs. When I was young, I thought the only way for me to see the world was to become an air hostess and travel for work. I now have the perfect job that ensures my travels are with my family and for leisure!
Accounts – Creditors
Born and having grown up in Cape Town, travelling and exploring places has always been a passion. In January 2006 I found my dream job, the Creditors Department at Trans Africa Safaris. Going the extra mile, ensuring suppliers are paid on time and making sure the Tours Team have my full support is what makes me happy.
I enjoy reading books and spending time with my family in my spare time.
North American Sales Representative
Born and raised in South Africa, my passion for the African landscape, wildlife, and culture is a natural extension of who I am.
Over two decades ago, after studying and working as a chemical engineer, I moved to the U.S.A. to shift my professional focus and entered the travel industry as an African safari specialist.
I love travelling and have travelled extensively through more than a dozen African nations, including every major safari destination in Southern and East Africa. From witnessing the Great Migration in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti, summiting Kilimanjaro, trekking with primates, to celebrating with sundowners in many stunning settings, I have been privileged to experience the best of the best Africa has to offer. I believe that every safari location offers something unique and that great guides are the key to unlocking those experiences.
I regularly speak at eco-tourism and travel conventions. I was a National Board Member of APTA (the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa). I pride myself on having up-to-date and extensive knowledge of Africa’s tourism products and would love to share this personal knowledge with you.
