Mari Jacobs

Africa Travel Specialist

Mari joined our team in 2003 and is a trip planner extraordinaire. She has always enjoyed planning family holidays, and jokes that as soon as the bags are unpacked from the last trip, she starts planning the next one. Mari is an avid traveller and enjoys planning trips with friends and family- she says these holidays also contain elements of research as she is always looking at places and experiences with the thought " Would my clients enjoy this?"

Mari loves dining and cultural experiences, she has a near unquenchable thirst for new experiences. For her, Africa is a complex rich and soul-searching destination where you reconnect with nature, your loved ones and yourself! Mari has a real passion for creating life-changing experiences and recommends the best restaurants, wine farms and hidden gems.

Mari has visited Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mauritius, Tanzania , Kenya and Uganda.

More on Mari

Most Memorable Sighting?

My fondest memory is when I was enjoying game drives with my parents in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. On all three of the game drives, we had excitement galore! We were surrounded by elephants at a waterhole, viewed a large pack of Wild dogs, and were charged by a leopard when we stopped under a tree and met by Hyenas during dinner time! My father said he had had enough excitement for a lifetime!

One thing I always pack on a Safari trip

Vicks VapoRub is a camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol rub that treats headaches, and muscle cramps and keeps outdoor bugs away. It also helps with clearing the nose after a game drive and soothes any insect bites! I always share mine when I am on safari!

Which month do you most enjoy travelling?

I love the sun and February is so hot along the west coast that you just want to spend time at the beach. February is an extremely popular month to travel to Africa. Great for the Winelands and Cape region and wonderful in Tanzania when the young are born during the migration. Also, the perfect time to have meals under the stars!