Each of our specialists covers a few areas of our programme and all have been recruited for their passion and detailed knowledge of the region. They have all travelled extensively in this area so whoever plans your trip you can be sure that you will experience the very best of the country. Click on their profiles to read more about their background and travel experience.
Arista's passion for travelling round her native South Africa was nurtured from an early age. With her parents she spent every summer holiday criss-crossing the country, covering everything from the mainstream to the truly out-of-the-way. Carrying her enthusiasm and knowledge forward, she graduated from the University of Pretoria with a degree in Tourism Management. Part of her course involved working at a five-star lodge and her experience of this side of the industry has proved invaluable when researching new hotels and lodges for Audley. A British husband bought her to the UK where she set her heart on a job in travel, and was quickly snapped up for the role at Audley. Repeated visits to her home country have kept her abreast of the latest developments and in touch with her family.
As a resident of Witney and with her mother living in South Africa the role of South Africa Specialist at Audley could have been tailor-made for Charlotte. Having visited the country at least ten times before starting with us, she certainly knows the country better than most and has covered it extensively, visiting nearly every region. Her favourite area is the west coast, north of Cape Town around Saldanha Bay - a region relatively untouched by tourism and commercial development (and coincidentally where her mum lives)! Having just returned from a comprehensive six-and-a-half week trip to South Africa. Charlotte's knowledge of the destinations and sights is exhaustive and she knows all our favourite guesthouses, B&B's and lodges equally well. Outside of work Charlotte enjoys trekking and creative writing.
Marilyn grew up in Namibia, where she worked for a local tour operator which gave her the opportunity to continually travel through southern Africa before moving to the UK. Since joining Audley, Marilyn has enjoyed many safaris throughout Southern Africa and has also taken extensive trips to South Africa revisiting many of her favorite places. The Eastern Cape holds the most interest for Marilyn with the history, hiking trails and the Wild Coast being particular highlights. Most of all she enjoys the game viewing on the private reserves that can be found in the area and having had the chance to visit a them all she has her favourites and can't wait to return. Outside of work Marilyn enjoys outdoor activities such as snorkeling and canoeing when she gets the chance.
Prior to starting a Geography degree, Peter was fortunate enough to spend time at a golf academy in South Africa's Eastern Cape. When not taking tips from the pros, he was able to explore the scenic and historic Eastern Cape, and also spent time as a volunteer on a wildlife project at Shamwari Game Reserve. This time in South Africa gave him the desire to return to the country and on his most recent trip with Audley he spent time in the Cape Region and along the Garden Route, reacquainted himself with the game areas of the Eastern Cape, and checked out some new game reserves near the Kruger. In his spare time, Peter is a mad-keen sportsman, and can be found occasionally taking catches as the Audley cricket team's wicketkeeper, or out on the golf course.
Rachel grew up in a number of countries overseas so spent a lot of your time finding out about new countries and cultures. This inspired her to study archaeology at Durham University which in turn fuelled her passion for travel. Rachel spent 2 seasons in the French Alps working for a luxury ski company before moving to Exeter to work for a niche travel agent there. She has just recently returned from an extensive trip of South Africa from Kruger to the Cape travelling throughout this exceptionally varied and interesting country. In her spare time Rachel obviously likes to ski or snowboard as well as horse riding and she is also a reluctant sailor.
Sarah grew up in South Africa in KwaZulu-Natal. During the years she lived in South Africa she spent much of her time exploring the different areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Since leaving South Africa in 2000 she has made frequent return visits to see family, friends and revisit old haunts. A recent visit with Audley allowed her the opportunity to explore the Cape and discover all that it had to offer. During her 4 week trip she was able to visit most of the guesthouses, B&Bs and hotels preferred by Audley clients in the region. She was also able to visit a number of fantastic safari destinations in both the Eastern Cape and Kruger. As a South African herself, and also well-travelled, Sarah has an in depth knowledge of the country ready to share with Audley clients.
Arista Midwinter
01993 838 423
Charlotte Mellor
01993 838 414
Marilyn Tromp
01993 838 416
Peter Felix
01993 838 426
Rachel Read
01993 838 413
Sarah McGuinness
01993 838 418