Willa, South Africa Specialist
I took my first trip to Africa at age 18 when I volunteered in Ghana for three months. This experience sparked my decision to pursue a BA in International Relations at Wheaton College, where I focused on the Middle East and Africa. My studies took me to Egypt, Turkey, Morocco and Tunisia for the better half of a year where, while studying the politics of the region, I began building itineraries for friends as a hobby.
After college I spent the next four years working at several charities both in DC and Kenya which involved frequent research in countries throughout Africa.
My most recent trips have been to South Africa, Malawi and Victoria Falls, where I spent time hiking, horse riding, kayaking, exploring the winelands and exploring South Africa's famous game reserves awestruck by the wildlife.
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We had such an incredible time in South Africa, a place whose riches are not found in money, but in the nature, culture, and memories that we created.
The Morales Family traveled to South Africa for 10 days in July 2018, organized by Willa S
My daughter and I are very enthusiastic photographers and for us this vacation was a fantastic opportunity to capture the beauty of South Africa. We talked to country specialist Willa about what we wanted and she made it happen. She figured out all of the logistics and recommended incredible places to eat and tours. We had such an incredible time in South Africa, a place whose riches are not found in money, but in the nature, culture, and memories that we created.
I recommend visiting - Plettenberg Bay
South Africa's Garden Route is a such an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's hiking along dramatic cliffs, relaxing on deserted beaches, kayaking through canyons, golfing along sea cliffs, bungee jumping, scuba diving, whale watching or horse riding, you can experience the country and its incredible scenery in so many ways. It's a place I could come back to over and over. One of its particular highlights is the Tsitsikamma Forest, a national park home to the Storm River Canyon, dramatic coastal views, waterfalls, hiking trails, suspension bridges and a scenic restaurant right on the water.
I recommend staying at - Babylonstoren
The reason I love Babylonstoren is because it is so much more than just a hotel. The property is located in the winelands just outside Cape Town and has its own vineyard and winery, endless gardens and orchards, sweeping mountain views and great service and attention to detail. It blends the atmosphere of an Old Dutch farm with an Italian vineyard and is the kind of place where you can fish overlooking a dramatic mountain backdrop, explore the working farm or dine at one of the country's most renowned restaurants. They have mastered the feeling of home comfort yet still provide chic style and indulgence.
I'll never forget when…
Setting off on a walking safari into the bush from Marataba Trails Lodge our excitement and fear was palpable. We soon came across fresh rhino droppings and looked up just in the nick of time to find ourselves face to face with a giant rhino and her baby. We stood there staring at each other, not moving a muscle for what felt like hours. Finally, in one extremely abrupt movement they took off, crashing through the bush. I will never forgot that moment and the way it felt to stand in front of such powerful creatures, each of us blindly trusting that the other would do no harm.
Photos of Willa
Willa and Audley colleague on a cycling tour of the Cape Region
Willa on a stop-off along the Garden Route
Willa kayaking
Willa at an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
Willa visiting Plettenberg Bay