AiAfrica Travel
For your bespoke African journey

Having travelled extensively through most of Southern Africa, East Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, several countries in Asia, and Europe, I have come to the realisation that life is no longer about acquiring things, it’s about investing in experiences like travelling with family, taking long walks on the beach, discovering new cultures and foods, listening to music, and reading when there is time. I love what I do and cannot think of a better calling than making my clients travel dreams come true! Having worked at various large tour operators where I expanded my knowledge of Africa's destinations and offering and honed my management and operational skills, I founded AiAfrica Travel in 2009.

With my curiosity about the world’s diverse sceneries, cultures, customs, cuisines and religions, it is no surprise that I did a degree in tourism. After my studies I held various management positions with world-renowned airlines. What better way to see the world than to work in aviation? During this time, I was the sales manager for Latin America at a prestigious American carrier, which allowed me to immerse myself in the Latin market. Originally from Argentina, I am fortunate to have lived in Canada, the United States and Chile and to have visited 5 of the world’s continents. I unexpectedly discovered "my place in the world" during a 4-night visit to Cape Town. My crush on the Cape expanded to the entire country and it led me to move permanently to Africa, the continent that I love and that I continue to discover with avidity. In 2012, I was lucky that Miriam crossed my tourism path again and, we have not stopped working together since then. My favourite big city is Rome. My favourite small one is Siena, both in Italy. My favourite sunset is the one seen from Blaauwbergstrand, Cape Town. My favourite nature spot is the Serengeti in Tanzania. My favourite place to eat is a pizza place in Montevideo. The city I have been the most surprised by is Washington DC.

I grew up in Koekenaap, a town in South Africa's Western Cape with less than 2,000 people. That meant going to school in Lutzville, nearby. I knew I wanted to work in travel and when I finished high school in 1999, I ventured to the beautiful town of Stellenbosch and studied Tourism & Travel at Boland College. My tourism career started at the Protea Hotel Tygervalley before working for an inbound Tour Operator where I worked with groups and FIT’s. After six years in Cape Town I married my best friend Jarque and we moved to Port Nolloth on the Westcoast, close to Namibia. It is a small town and as you can imagine tourism options are limited there. Chance would have it that my former colleague, Miriam was visiting Port Nolloth and we had a lovely catch-up. The rest is history and I have been working at AiAfrica Travel remotely ever since, doing what I love doing most, with a forced sabbatical during covid. In the meantime, Jarque and I have moved back to my roots and we live with our two very handsome boys Janu & Lian in Lutzville. I love spending time with my family and spending time in nature. Reading is also a passion of mine. And of course – travelling!

I am based in Barcelona and have been AiAfrica Travel’s voice to the European market since 2013. Before joining Miriam’s team, I gained vast experience in the aviaiton industry. To this day, I love travelling around the globe, but my most memorable travel experience so far has been visiting KwaZulu Natal and The Greater Kruger in South Africa. During this journey I understood the saying “You can leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you”!

My entire working career has been in tourism, starting in 1988. Home is Norway, but as a tour leader and guide I have worked in Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Malta, the United States, the Caribbean, Australia and Malaysia, living for shorter and longer periods in each place. Since 2003, I have been coming to South Africa for 6 months of the year, initially as the Destination Manager for a large inbound company, managing tour leaders and groups originating from the Nordic countries Nowadays I am fortunate to work as a freelance tour leader and guide, which allows me to arrange groups with AiAfrica Travel for the nordic travellers and to fly the AiAfrica Travel flag in Scandinavia for the six months of the year that I am at home, where I also run a small mountain lodge.

After 25 years in the Commercial Aviation industry, José started Global Destinations in 2009, representing DMCs from around the globe to the Latin American market. Having gained invaluable knowledge of the different market segments, José offers Operators, Corporates and the MICE market support with analysing destination related market trends, developing marketing products, arranging destination presentation workshops, training and more. Dedicated, enthusiastic and professional, we are delighted to work together with José.

I have not always been in Travel. My career started in the financial services industry. When our children were growing up, I worked alongside my husband in his business. As our kids started tertiary education, I was ready for something more stimulating and challenging. Joining the AiAfrica Team in 2014 has been the right choice and I have enjoyed every moment so far. Routine, figures, and administration is what makes me tick. It can be stressful at time, but it keeps me on my toes and motivated! I enjoy travelling throughout South Africa and beyond, but if I could choose my happy place, the Garden Route holds a special place in my heart.