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Jim Heck has worked and lived in Africa since the early 1970s, has owned and headed several companies promoting and selling African travel and has written three guide books. He has personally guided more than 100 safaris for more than 3,000 customers throughout...
"OMG, Oh My actual God - it’s a real, live elephant, and I am really here, seeing it with my own eyes!!” Her face flushed with pleasure, camera at the ready, this was my sister-in-law’s response to her first sighting of a wild elephant. We were on safari en...
"Within minutes of landing at the Lewa north of Mt. Kenya, I was astonished to see a family of rare white rhino. That alone would be worth the airfare from Nairobi, but this heavenly place has drawn royalty for a reason. Herds of elephants amble along ancient...
From time to time our various international satellite representatives send through some wonderful travel stories for us to share with you. Delta Willis, based in the USA, has recently returned from a trip to Tanzania and has sent through this lovely account of her...
It is Kenyatta Day in Kenya, October 20th. Actually it is now known as Mashujaa or Heroes Day. Big celebrations are to be held in Nairobi and as a result, the government have declared that Nairobi air space be closed for much of the morning. This meant my flight from...
It’s probably about 4.30 when I hear my one and a half year old calling me from his camping cot a mere foot away from my bed, in the Kruger Park. He never wakes up this early! As I become aware of my surroundings I hear the birds starting to chirp outside, each...
Just a few hours from Johannesburg, near Nelspruit in the Crocodile Valley Nature Conservancy, I found a gem of a lodge – Tomjachu Bush Lodge. The tranquility and the surrounding beauty is like a day at the spa – slows you down and pampers all your senses. Before you...
Despite having considered cancelling their holiday to Kenya due to bad press, our clients Ronald and Maris Rosenberg returned with fantastic feedback. In Maris’ words, their trip was ‘flawless’. Their nervousness about Kenya was apparent right up to departure but they...
Luxurious safari tents, comfortable beds, a warm fire, hot chocolate, delicious afternoon teas, great fireside stories, wonderful sounds of the bush at night - Elephant Pepper Camp, in the Masai Mara, is without a doubt, one of the best camps I've been to in my nearly...
“Look at those elephants mum, they are so quiet, they look like ghosts in the moonlight.” This was my daughter and we were enjoying sundowners at Kwandwe Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. The elephant would have gone unnoticed were it not for her sharp eyes in the...
I have been exploring lodges and camps around Africa for most of my adult life but it is not often that I am made to feel completely at home. Samara Game Reserve, in the heart of the Karoo, South Africa is one such place. Perhaps it was the family dogs; the happy,...
I was fortunate to have an amazing visit in December to Mashatu Game Reserve, located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana. This is a national park in Zimbabwe and the Mapungubwe National Park, a World Heritage Site in South Africa. ...
Jim Heck has worked and lived in Africa since the early 1970s, has owned and headed several companies promoting and selling African travel and has written three guide books. He has personally guided more than 100 safaris for more than 3,000 customers throughout...
"OMG, Oh My actual God - it’s a real, live elephant, and I am really here, seeing it with my own eyes!!” Her face flushed with pleasure, camera at the ready, this was my sister-in-law’s response to her first sighting of a wild elephant. We were on safari en...
"Within minutes of landing at the Lewa north of Mt. Kenya, I was astonished to see a family of rare white rhino. That alone would be worth the airfare from Nairobi, but this heavenly place has drawn royalty for a reason. Herds of elephants amble along ancient...
From time to time our various international satellite representatives send through some wonderful travel stories for us to share with you. Delta Willis, based in the USA, has recently returned from a trip to Tanzania and has sent through this lovely account of her...
It is Kenyatta Day in Kenya, October 20th. Actually it is now known as Mashujaa or Heroes Day. Big celebrations are to be held in Nairobi and as a result, the government have declared that Nairobi air space be closed for much of the morning. This meant my flight from...
It’s probably about 4.30 when I hear my one and a half year old calling me from his camping cot a mere foot away from my bed, in the Kruger Park. He never wakes up this early! As I become aware of my surroundings I hear the birds starting to chirp outside, each...
Just a few hours from Johannesburg, near Nelspruit in the Crocodile Valley Nature Conservancy, I found a gem of a lodge – Tomjachu Bush Lodge. The tranquility and the surrounding beauty is like a day at the spa – slows you down and pampers all your senses. Before you...
Despite having considered cancelling their holiday to Kenya due to bad press, our clients Ronald and Maris Rosenberg returned with fantastic feedback. In Maris’ words, their trip was ‘flawless’. Their nervousness about Kenya was apparent right up to departure but they...
Luxurious safari tents, comfortable beds, a warm fire, hot chocolate, delicious afternoon teas, great fireside stories, wonderful sounds of the bush at night - Elephant Pepper Camp, in the Masai Mara, is without a doubt, one of the best camps I've been to in my nearly...
“Look at those elephants mum, they are so quiet, they look like ghosts in the moonlight.” This was my daughter and we were enjoying sundowners at Kwandwe Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. The elephant would have gone unnoticed were it not for her sharp eyes in the...
I have been exploring lodges and camps around Africa for most of my adult life but it is not often that I am made to feel completely at home. Samara Game Reserve, in the heart of the Karoo, South Africa is one such place. Perhaps it was the family dogs; the happy,...
I was fortunate to have an amazing visit in December to Mashatu Game Reserve, located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana. This is a national park in Zimbabwe and the Mapungubwe National Park, a World Heritage Site in South Africa. ...
Meet Wendy, a seasoned professional diving headfirst into the world of travel. Her diverse career path shows she’s a pro at switching gears, bringing a fresh perspective to understanding what our clients need and helping our team deliver top-notch service.
When she’s not at work, Wendy’s all about the simple joys. She loves being outdoors, hiking, and spending time with her kids, grandkids, and close friends.
Wendy’s zest for new experiences, whether in her career or personal life, perfectly aligns with our team’s spirit. We’re all about embracing change and delivering unmatched service and support to our clients!
Wendy’s Favourite Place: Hermanus
Top Travel Tip: Never be late and make sure your passport is valid
Wendy Never Travels Without: Your cell phone
Her Favourite Pastime: Walking and spending time with her grandchildren
Meet Lisa de Swardt, Pulse Africa’s Jill-of-all-trades.
Born and raised in Kenya, Lisa has a deep seeded passion for all things African. Pursuing a career in the travel industry seemed an obvious route to follow and now, many years later, Lisa has evolved from consulting to marketing and all things IT.
Lisa’s Favourite Places: The Kenyan coast and Laikipia.
Top Travel Tip: Ask the locals where to eat, shop and watch the sunset.
Lisa Never Travels Without: Her many kikois
Her Favourite Pastime: Making jewellery
Meet Lisa Seinker, Pulse Africa’s Southern Africa Travel Specialist.
Hailing from the vibrant city of Cape Town, Lisa maintains a deep affection for her hometown. Boasting a career spanning over three decades in the industry, she possesses unparalleled knowledge and expertise in Southern Africa. Lisa’s true passion lies in meticulously crafting unforgettable, bespoke experiences for her clients.
Lisa’s favourite place to visit: Cape Town
Top travel tip: Check your passport well in advance and make sure it has not expired.
Never travel without: Your camera, binoculars and some good books to read.
Favourite pastime: Tennis
WHERE CAN I GO?
Blessed with towering elephants, zebra crossings and enigmatic landscapes, Botswana is one of the great safari destinations in Africa.
Botswana
With hauntingly beautiful landscapes supporting an abundance of wildlife, impossibly beautiful weather and the most friendly, welcoming people, Kenya is the quintessential safari destination.
Kenya
From the moment you arrive in Madagascar, a sense of the unusual envelops you. Explore one of the most biodiverse places in the world as most of what you’ll see here is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Madagascar
Nowhere else can you indulge in flaky croissants for breakfast and seafood curry for dinner, or admire pastel-coloured Hindu temples on the road alongside French colonial mansions. With a hypnotic blend of Indian, African and French influences, Mauritius is a gem that enchants all who visit.
Mauritius
Mozambique is no ordinary holiday destination. It uniquely combines not only spectacular beaches, but also impressive colonial architecture and fascinating local culture.
Mozambique
Namibia is a land of incredible contrasts and colours where dry, arid desert meets the roaring Atlantic Ocean.
Namibia
Prepare to be left in awe as you adventure into mist-shrouded forests and lush tea plantations. Holidays in Rwanda offer a heart-stopping adventure and wonderful wildlife encounters.
Rwanda
When the going gets tough, the tough get going; whilst the rest of us conjure our ideal escape, dreaming of the Seychelles with golden beaches, secluded coves, and tropical coco de mer palms.
Seychelles
From city getaways to safaris and beach holidays, South Africa is a world in one country, accommodating all types of travellers. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', this is an extraordinary country to which you will want to return again and again.
South Africa
The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains full of legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation.
Tanzania
Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. With its dense misty forests, snow-peaked mountains, glassy lakes and sprawling savannas, it’s no wonder this beautiful country is dubbed the Pearl of Africa.
Uganda
A holiday in Zambia bursts with adventure and natural beauty. From awe-inspiring walking safaris and exhilarating white-water rafting, to seeing one of the world’s largest waterfalls, there are very few places left in the world where such wild experiences are still possible.
Zambia
The archipelago of Zanzibar comprises several islands in the Indian Ocean that bead their way down the shores of East Africa, just off the coast of Tanzania. This group of islands, surrounded by beaches that rate among the world’s most beautiful, will allow you to discover peace and serenity unlike anything you've ever experienced.
Zanzibar
Bungee jump over Victoria Falls, white water raft down the Zambezi River, canoe beside fish eagles swooping over Lake Kariba or soak up the magic of the bush in Hwange National Park. A safari holiday in Zimbabwe piques all the senses.
Zimbabwe
WHERE CAN I GO?
Botswana
Kenya
Madagascar
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Rwanda
Seychelles
South Africa
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Zanzibar
Zimbabwe
Meet Bronwen, Pulse Africa’s Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Expert.
Bronwen has travelled extensively around the countries that she sells and has developed a special love for each of them.
She loves nothing more than sharing her passion for these countries with her clients.
Bronwen’s Favourite Place:Old Mdonya River Camp, Ruaha National Parki
Top Travel Tip: always smile and be nice.
Bronwen’s Never Travels Without: A good book and her camera
Her Favourite Pastime:waking up before everyone else and enjoying a strong coffee whilst listening to the birds chatter
Meet Vanessa, Pulse Africa’s Southern Africa Travel Specialist.
Vanessa was born and raised in the Mpumalanga Lowveld, which is one of her favourite places in South Africa. She spent her entire 20’s travelling the globe and in her thirties, she settled down and started working in the travel industry, which she’s been doing for the last 15 years.
Vanessa’s passion is travel and her favourite book is an atlas! She is raising a beautiful little girl and they live – together with their 3 dogs – in Johannesburg.
Vanessa’s favourite place: Prague
Top travel tip: Immerse yourself in the culture of the country you’re travelling in.
Vanessa never travels without: a good book, a diary and an open mind.
Her favourite pastime: writing, reading, gardening, cooking.
Having stepped away from the travel industry for a few years, Kath Robins is returning to her passion. As an avid traveller with a now empty nest, Kath is looking forward to sharing and experiencing the destination expertise offered by Pulse Africa.
Favourite Place(s) :Seychelles and Yorkshire
Top Travel Tip :Expect the unexpected
Never Travel Without :A sense of humour and wonder, a camera
Favourite Pastime :Painting and reading
Meet Bronwen, Pulse Africa’s Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Expert.
Bronwen has travelled extensively around the countries that she sells and has developed a special love for each of them.
She loves nothing more than sharing her passion for these countries with her clients.
Bronwen’s Favourite Place: Old Mdonya River Camp, Ruaha National Park
Top Travel Tip: Always smile and be nice
Bronwen Never Travels Without: A good book and her camera
Her Favourite Pastime: Waking up before everyone else and enjoying a strong coffee whilst listening to the birds chatter
• Watch a large breeding herd of elephants walk across a dry lake in Amboseli
• Canoe on the Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi NP where I got very close to the largest crocodile I have ever seen
• Trek gorillas in Uganda, nothing ever prepares you for that moment seeing them up close
• White water rafting in Victoria falls
• Watch a herd of elephants dig for water in a dry river bed in Ruaha National Park
• Walking on foot in the Selous and being followed by an elephant who stopped to smell everything we touched
• Walking Safari in Hwange National Park and getting close to an elephant …safe distance, excellent guide very thrilling and educational
• Camel trekking and camping under the stars from Sabuk
• Watching the sunset from a house boat on Chobe River listening to hippo and fish eagles (with a cold beer in hand – you might not want to add that part)
• Snorkeling off a dhow in the bay in Mafia
• Bird watching in Lake Manyara National Park from Wayo Camp
• Spend time in Katavi National Park for remoteness and large herds
• Walking in Kafue National Park
• Self drive and camping in the Kgakagadi Transfrontier Park
• Night desert walk in Swakopmund
• Orange River Canoe trip
• Camp in the Central Kalahari
• Visit and camp in Namaqualand in Spring
• Camp in the desert in Morocco under the stars
• Spend a night in a tree house in Hwange National Park and sleep under the stars
Meet Leandra Hanger, Pulse Africa’s Supplier and Rates Guru.
Leandra is our product and rates guru and coffee connoisseur. Her organisational skills are second to none and subsequently we have a highly sophisticated product information system. Not only does she negotiate some fabulous rates for our clients, but she ensures that the consultants are always up to date with the latest product training.
Leandra’s Favourite Place: South Africa
Top Travel Tip: Always trust to travel expert at Pulse Africa, and research your destination…this will prepare you to be blown away!
Leandra Never Travels Without: Passport, travel insurance, camera and bottled up excitement!
Her Favourite Pastime: Spending time with my family and sharing special memories with family and friend….over coffee!
Meet Nancy Wood, Pulse Africa’s Marketing Guru and Africa Travel Specialist.
Our resident Canadian, Nancy Wood came to Johannesburg in 2001 for a 3-year posting … and never left! She has travelled extensively on the continent and offers a foreign perspective in planning African travel for her clients.
Nancy’s Favourite Place: Sabi Sands
Top Travel Tip: When deciding what to pack: Take half the clothes and twice the money!
Nancy Never Travels Without: A patient attitude- it goes a long way
Her Favourite Pastime: Dancing and tennis. Not at the same time
Meet Lia Tynan, Pulse Africa’s Financial Manager.
Lia is our feisty, Greek financial manager. She works with our numbers all day, every day and ensures that every cent is where it should be. Her sense of humour keeps us all smiling.
Lia’s Favourite Place: San Francisco
Top Travel Tip: Pack light
Lia Never Travels Without: A face towel
Her Favourite Pastime: Shopping and reading a good crime novel
Meet Melanie Lowe, Pulse Africa’s Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Island Travel Specialist.
Melanie Lowe has been an enthusiastic traveller from a young age exploring a vast array of countries across the world and many throughout Africa. Melanie has an extreme passion for the African bush and is excited to share her experiences with her clients.
Melanie’s Favourite Place: Kruger National Park and Mozambique
Top Travel Tip: Never miss the opportunity to experience new adventures and local experiences
Melanie Never Travels Without: A good book and her camera
Her Favourite Pastime: Horse riding
Meet Sandi Elkington, Pulse Africa’s East Africa Travel Specialist.
Sandi Elkington has a passion and reverence for her work like no other. She is in charge of the East-African destinations, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and the spice island of Zanzibar. Sandi has a genuine love for her job and Africa and brings this passion to the forefront in planning safaris for her clients.
.Sandi’s Favourite Place: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Top Travel Tip: Take a smile, good manners and general common sense. Learn a few local words before you travel. Oh, and tip your shoes upside down before putting them on in the mornings!
Sandi Never Travels Without: Her passion for adventure and fun
Her Favourite Pastime: Swimming
Meet Nicci Lenferna, Pulse Africa’s Director & Group Travel Specialist.
Nicci Lenferna was the first to join Pulse Africa with Sandy Wood. Her attention to detail and lively attitude have earned her a reputation for major group event planning and coordination. Nicci plans small, medium and large scale private and corporate group trips around the world, all year long, each one boasting a unique success.
Nicci’s Favourite Place: Madagascar
Top Travel Tip: Visit fewer places for longer periods of time
Nicci Never Travels Without: A kikoi
Her Favourite Pastime: Exploring new destinations
Meet Sandy Wood, Pulse Africa’s Managing Director.
Kenyan-born Sandy Wood has been at the helm of Pulse Africa since she started the business in 1991. Her expertise spans across all regions that Pulse Africa offers as destinations and she is constantly pushing these borders, exploring new regions and countries to offer her clients.
Sandy’s Favourite Place: Laikipia, Kenya
Top Travel Tip: Research the country you are visiting before departure
Sandy Never Travels Without: A sense of humour
Her Favourite Pastime: Entertaining friends at home
Meet Natasha Jericevich, Pulse Africa’s Southern Africa Travel Specialist.
Natasha Jericevich has been an avid traveller her entire life. Encouraged to do so from a young age by her father, she set out exploring different regions of the world before settling into African tourism. Sincere and imaginative, Natasha is able to empathise with her clients, creating dream safaris they will never forget.
Natasha’s Favourite Places: Okavango Delta, Botswana & Seychelles
Top Travel Tip: Take the opportunity to experience new things
Natasha Never Travels Without: Her Nikon camera
Her Favourite Pastime: Photographing new places
• Trekked with the gorillas in Rwanda
• Joined a walking safari in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
• Swam in Devil’s Pool in Livingstone, Zambia
• Gone on safari in the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
• Cycled in Lake Manyara National Park
• Island hopped in the Seychelles, visiting Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Fregate & North Island
• Ticked off numerous safaris to Botswana. Some of the highlights included mokoro trips in the Okavango Delta, helicopter flips over the Linyanti Reserve, quad biking and having a meerkat interaction in the Magkadikgadi Salt Pans
• Visited Dead Vlei & Damaraland in Namibia
• Explored Mozambique, including historical sites such as Ibo Island and Ilha de Mozambique, island hopping from Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Island, Medjumbe Island, Matemo Island and Quilalea Island, and a safari in Gorongosa National Park
• Gone paragliding in Mauritius
• Visit Antarctica
• Visit Argentina & Chile
• Visit Venice & Rome
WHAT CAN I DO?
The palm-lined, white-powdery beaches of Africa are those that dreams are made of. Whether you’re looking for the perfect island holiday, or an adventure-packed water sports paradise, there is a spot for you on the continent.
Beach
East Africa is where safaris were born and the rest of Africa is where they have grown-up. Whether you are keen on day or night safaris, walking safaris, specialised photographic or ornithological safaris, there is definitely a safari to suit you.
Safari
A trip to Africa is, more often than not, planned around animals. Be it the Big 5, the great migration, gorillas or lemurs, there is no question that the animals take centre stage.
Animals
Second possibly only to the animals, the landscapes in Africa are to be marvelled at. From jungles to deserts, mountains to oceans and the wide open savannas of East Africa, the enormity of these landscapes will leave you speechless.
Landscapes
Africa is not short of adventure, in fact it is the ultimate adventurers’ playground. Whether you’re looking for water adventures, animal adventures or adrenaline pumping adventures, you’ll find something to thrill you in Africa.
Adventure
There is no shortage in Africa of world-class spas, golf courses or yoga retreats. If you’re looking for a wellness holiday, then we have a place for you.
Wellness
South Africa is a country that lends itself to long, fascinating road trips. The landscapes are breath-taking and the routes full of interesting little stops. If you’re looking for a self-drive adventure, then this would be the place to do it.
Self Drive
There is no shortage of art nor culture in Africa. With over 3,000 tribes spread across 53 countries there is so much to see, learn and experience.
Arts & Culture
The history of Africa is certainly colourful. It begins with Ancient Egypt then the discovery of hominids in East Africa and continues with slavery, tribal wars, colonialization, and political unrest. The continent is a patchwork quilt of stories and legends like no other.
History
WHAT CAN I DO?
Beach
Safari
Animals
Landscapes
Adventure
Wellness
Self Drive
Arts & Culture
History