"Each time I come home always wanting more."
About me
My love of seeing new places and meeting new people began at a young age with regular trips to the continent. For me, travel has always been tied up with learning a new language so from French I graduated to Russian and dabbled in a little Czech and German along the way. Having begun my travel career focusing on Russia and Central Asia I was then fortunate enough to travel extensively in Mongolia, Indochina, Southeast Asia and the Middle East before finally visiting Africa (it was Ethiopia) in 2003. Over the last seven years I have been on many safaris, dived many reefs and even had a go at flying a light aircraft. Each time I come home high on new experiences and always wanting more.
Favourite places I’ve been
Madagascar - cultural fusion with an evolutionary twist of its own
South Africa - world-class cuisine, wine, whales, wildlife
Mozambique - wild coast, remote islands, diving
Kenya - family fun, safari and sun
Tanzania - plains, game, lakes, mountains and reefs
Namibia - desert, dunes, tribes, flying high
Ethiopia - ancient kingdom, tribal wonders, what do these monuments mean?
Zambia - majestic rivers and magnificent scenery, the wild heart of Africa
Botswana - an inland delta with abundant wildlife, great birding, bushmen culture
Seychelles - remote islands, miles from terra firma, heaven
Mauritius - world-class resorts, direct flights, a ‘no-brainer’ break
Travel nuggets
01. Never travel without an eye mask and earplugs; indispensable on planes.
02. I defy anyone not to be blown away by the restaurants of South Africa’s western cape.
03. Namibia from a light aircraft really takes some beating. Even better, take a flying lesson!
04. Did you know? Male leopard wee smells of buttered popcorn.
My hot picks
01. Vamizi, Mozambique - the ultimate desert island, no direct flights but turquoise sea and soft sands await. Some of the best diving off the African coast and the most laid-back vibe you could wish for. Big rustic rooms and private living areas where you can curl up in total peace. Try big game fishing at this world-renowned spot and be sure to test the barman on his cocktail skills.
02. Saruni Samburu, Kenya - overlooking a remote valley in the Laikipia region of northern Kenya Saruni Samburu sits among huge smooth rocks, the open-fronted rooms taking full advantage of the incredible view. Get to know your Samburu guides (you’ve never seen such peacocks!) and enjoy walks, game drives, massages and star-gazing in this utterly tranquil place.
03. Sasakwa Hill Lodge, Tanzania - views to rival those over the Ngorongoro Crater over a private reserve around the size of the Maasai Mara. This utterly grand Singita property leaves nothing out. Your private cottage is surrounded by a garden with infinity plunge pool and comes complete with a Swarowski telescope so that you needn’t miss a moment’s action on the plains below. There’s also a stable of beautiful horses, tennis courts, a croquet lawn and exquisite food. On top of this, the wildebeest migration charges right through the reserve in June.
04. Eichardts, Queenstown, New Zealand - I love the buzz of Queenstown and Eichardts is the place to stay. Right on Lake Wakatipu within walking distance of all the fab restaurants and bars, this intimate hotel has the most comfortable beds, complete with snuggly possum fur throws.
What my guests have said
“Sam, I cannot thank you enough for the extra effort you put it to make this all work for us. All who we spoke to whilst away were very impressed with your service so hopefully you might have a few extra customers. All in all a great trip thank you very much.”
“I do believe it makes a huge difference, having somebody planning your trip, who makes an effort to get to know places personally, so once again, in the name of our little group: Thank you very much for all your great suggestions and valuable help in organising this trip!”
“Samantha you were a pleasure to deal with. Despite our change of dates and holiday duration you never made us feel like we were being painful - quite the contrary.”
“Sam, you and the team did an excellent job!”
“Sam and all SD staff were very friendly, efficient and helpful. Felt very informed and knew what to expect. We loved receiving the leather travel wallet and spare copy (of travel details) to give to relatives. Great attention to detail.”
“Sam was extremely helpful and patient despite a few changes we made along the way.”
“Sam was first class. Her knowledge of the country and suggested itinerary was spot on and she was happy to work on several options until we finalised what we wanted to do.”
