Gloria Darvall

Africa Travel Specialist

Gloria’s professional and calm persona makes for a great contrast with some of our, ahem, louder personalities. She’s unflappable in times of crisis. (Crisis? What crisis?) She is also a seemingly bottomless fount of knowledge- something the entire team taps into on regular occasions.

Gloria is a true native of the beautiful Cedarberg area and she loves the tranquility and beauty of the region. She's been part of the team for 23 years and has seen and done it all.

Gloria's favourite destination, hands down, is Botswana. The natural beauty of the country and its people has left an everlasting memory deep in her soul. There is nothing as beautiful as the Okavango Delta while you glide across the waters in a mokoro, getting up close to nature.

One of her best experiences must have been watching the sunrise at Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. The peace and tranquillity and the slow waking sounds of the bush with the beauty as it unfolds before you, watching from the top of a cliff is one she will never forget

Gloria's bucket List destinations are Malawi and Tanzania.

More on Gloria

Most Memorable Sighting?

The first time I experienced a lion roaring, and the chills it sends down my spine. Just knowing how close I was to such a majestic animal, in its natural environment.

One thing you always pack on a Safari trip

A wide-brim hat with a tie strap is a must! It protects your eyes from the sharp African sun and the tie strap helps so you don’t lose the hat during a safari drive

Which month do you most enjoy travelling?

I love November – It is summer, but the temperatures are not too uncomfortably hot yet. It is also the season when the bush is booming with baby animals. There is a lot of activity and cute little animals to enjoy!

Gloria's Favourite Destinations

Namibia

The vast Etosha salt pan, the shimmering dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert and the Caprivi wetlands make Namibia an exhilarating safari destination.

Botswana

One of Africa’s last pristine lands - from the watery paradise of the Okavango Delta, to the shimmering white saltpans of the Makgadikgadi.

Zimbabwe

A Zimbabwe safari has far more to offer beyond the excitement of the Victoria Falls: superb wildlife sanctuaries, mysterious mountain retreats, open plains and lush floodplains...