Giltedge - Africa
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Sean’s passion for the travel industry was ignited in 1990/1991 when, after completing a four-year Business Science degree in Cape Town, he worked and travelled in the UK and Europe. On returning to South Africa, Sean spent two years in the business development arena for Felix Unite, the pioneer of adventure travel and river adventures. In ’95, after a few years in the corporate market, he embarked on a three-month kayaking and mountain biking adventure with a few friends through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. In ’98, he rejoined Felix Unite Tours as a shareholder and MD of their inbound adventure tour operator, and grew this business before selling it to a listed group on the JSE in 2000. Sean then founded Giltedge Travel in 2001, together with Murray Gardiner, and they now have a staff of 55 energetic travel specialists. Sean has a special interest in the Incentives, conference and large group market, the adventure travel industry and new business development. He is also on the board of Sure Travel, the holding company for the corporate and leisure travel outbound business.
Countries visited: USA, Mexico, Belize, Guatamala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Croatia, Namibia, Zambia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya, Egypt, Dubai, China, India, Singapore, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles, Argentina, Brazil.
Why choose South Africa as your next holiday destination?For its space! It’s also a ‘rainbow’ nation with many different cultures, very hospitable people, wonderful wines, and wildlife that’s difficult to match anywhere else in terms of variety across the country and some of the best quality accommodation in the world. South Africa is Africa, but with a great combination of First and Third World. You can’t beat it for value for money, novel experiences and natural beauty. Our success in hosting the World Cup in 2010 bears testimony. Now come – and see for yourself!.
4x4 or chauffeur-drive? I’m a 4x4 man, the outdoors is important and although I’m in luxury travel I still love to sleep under the stars.
Big 5: where would you go? Kruger National Park or Sabie Sands.
Skiing or shopping? Skiing, the space, the speed and the fresh-air does it for me!
Best rooftop bar or restaurant? Drinks at the top of the Cape Royale in Cape Town in summer!
Best room with a view? The Royal Livingstone. It’s my favourite view of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls – the smoke that thunders.
My favourite food is…Seafood: freshly caught mussels and crayfish on the beach in Swakopmund and cooked and eaten on the beach an hour later. Followed up by a kabeljou for lunch with lemon, garlic and an ice-cold Sauvignon Blanc!
Secret weekend hideaway? Prince Albert in the Karoo, the olives are great, the lamb the world’s best and the skies the clearest.
Murray’s passion for the travel industry started when his family purchased a desolate piece of farm land in the Eastern Cape and transformed it into an award-winning private game reserve – Shamwari. After working for an internet company in London, he moved into the publishing world and helped launch the first edition of Giltedge Magazine in 1998. In 1999, Murray returned to South Africa and focused the magazine on Southern Africa and the Island Ocean islands. He then joined Sean Kritzinger in 2001 as a founding partner of Giltedge Travel, and together they have developed a business that covers most aspects of the tourism industry. Giltedge Magazine remains an integral part of the business. Murray is involved in finance and marketing.
Why choose Southern Africa for a holiday? South Africa offers diverse cultures and landscapes, stunning weather, amazing wildlife, friendly people, fantastic accommodation ... need I say more? It’s also the ideal platform to discover our intriguing neighbouring countries for a completely different travel experience, as well as the Indian Ocean islands for their endless, unspoilt white beaches and pure relaxation.
Beach or bush? Bush, especially in the malaria-free Eastern Cape for a safari with the family. So many private game reserves offer wonderful family experiences.
Golf or scuba diving? Definitely golf! Nothing like walking down one of the pristine South African golf course fairways on a balmy Sunday afternoon!
My best business hotel is…Saxon in Johannesburg. It is probably one of the best hotels in the world and you might bump into a celebrity or two.
Best room with a view? Penthouse at Pepper Club … 360-degree views of Cape Town.
Wine estates I recommend: Ernie Els Winery, Graham Beck or Waterford Estate.
Best holiday cookery course? At African Relish…a wonderful culinary experience in the small town of Prince Albert in the Karoo.
Warren joined Giltedge six years ago after a successful marketing contract with the Mantis Collection. He is an extremely keen golfer who has experienced most of South Africa’s golfing delights personally. Warren’s role as Giltedge Sport’s Sales and Marketing Manager incorporates marketing and operations for our specialist Inbound Golf and Sporting Divisions, but he also focuses on unique access and luxury packages to some of the top sporting events around the world (Tennis and Golf Majors, Formula 1 Grand Prix’s and World Cup events).
Countries visited: United Kingdom, Sweden, Singapore, Bali, South Africa extensively
Golf or scuba diving? That’s easy…golf! I don’t travel without packing my golf clubs, a surfboard and at least one guitar (small cars are not an option).
Most exciting sporting package of the moment? VIP hospitality package to the US Open Tennis Tournament including a meet and greet with Anna Kournikova. Apart from meeting Anna, wouldn’t it be great to watch Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal battle it out on the hard courts for the final major of the year?
Best room with a view? Any of the suites at Tintswalo Atlantic overlooking Dungeons (Big Wave spot under the Sentinel in Hout Bay).
Balmy summer days mean… Nine holes after work with my daughter in tow.
My favourite traditional dish is… Mopani worms.
Best flight tip: dominate the arm rest as soon as you sit down!
Sandra joined Giltedge Travel seven years ago. She previously worked as a Senior Consultant and Incentive Manager for 12 years at a Johannesburg-based company. Sandra is currently the General Manager of our Inbound Division and works closely with her great team to ensure that the company continues to evolve, set new standards within the industry and to strive for service excellence.
Honeymooners will love ….a private bush bath - complete with rose petals and bubbles - on the wooden deck of your beach chalet at Marlin Lodge.
I always tell my clients to…bring a WARM jacket for game drives!
Cruises or trains? Have never been on a cruise…have a bit of a phobia about them! Went on Rovos Rail and loved every minute of it…sitting outside in the viewing car with a glass of bubbly can be a great way to pass an afternoon.
St Petersburg or Helsinki? St Petersburg…in summer!
Beach or bush? Most definitely beach – nothing like a little R&R with sea, sand and sun!
Boma dinner or fine dining? Boma dinner – yes, it can get chilly in Winter, but dining under the stars around a huge bonfire with a warm blanket holds big appeal for a city girl!
Turkish delight or chocolate? Chocolate please!
Golf or scuba diving? Preferably neither!
Jenny has been with Giltedge Travel for six years and has successfully taken our brand to travel agents across the length and breadth of the USA and more recently also to Australia. Her passion for SA has not gone unnoticed especially when she has the captive audience of agents on FAM trips. These 14-day trips are not for the faint-hearted but they do enable the participants to return to their desks with a wealth of knowledge and personal experiences enabling them to confidently offer vacations-of-a-lifetime to their valued clients. Every two years Murray and Jenny combine their talents to publish the elegant Giltedge magazine featuring some of our preferred suppliers – can’t fit them all in unfortunately. At every possible opportunity the magazines are personally taken and sent around the world to bring attention to our exotic continent, its people and the experiences to be enjoyed by guests of all ages during their travels.
Cruises or trains? Both! An Alaska cruise and Rovos Rail.
Most romantic safari lodge? Royal Malewane Private Game Reserve but my most romantic safari is Tswalu’s night drive in the Kalahari.
Strangest travel request? Separate itinerary for luggage.
Most challenging celebrity booking? Nothing we can’t handle.
I always tell my clients to… pack a spare set of lingerie in case luggage goes missing.
My dreamiest spa destination is…Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa.
Secret weekend hideaway? Phantom Forest Eco Reserve near Knysna.
Big 5: where would you go? Savanna Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands.
Most delicious traditional dish I tasted was… warthog.
I don’t travel without…my eyedrops.
Best airport lounge? Air Emirates, Dubai International.
Lauren joined the Giltedge Travel team just over three years ago. She’s currently our Senior Sales Consutant and also focuses on all enquiries received via our website. Her product knowledge is extensive and enables her to compile tailor-made packages to suit all interests and special requirements with great passion.
Places visited: Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, USA, UK, France, Italy, Spain
Beach or Bush? A truly impossible choice if you ask me as Southern Africa has some of the best of both… so why not pair them? A safari followed by a week sunning yourself in Mauritius or the Seychelles – it’s the perfect holiday!
Big 5: Where would you go? The Sabi Sand Reserve always wins hands down for game experience on a short time-frame as its always almost guaranteed that you will see most, if not all of the Big 5. The Reserve is world renowned for its Leopard, my personal favourite…
Secret weekend getaway? I love the Winelands… there are so many beautiful places to stay, from boutique hotels right in the centre of villages, to rustic farm cottages. My latest favourite is the Robertson Small Hotel – a gorgeous little gem in the Robertson Valley.
I don’t travel without…A huge bag with an outfit for every occasion, enough toiletries to last a month, books, copies of all my documents and so on. A bit pedantic perhaps?
Most memorable childhood holiday? We had some amazing holidays as children, and funny enough they were far simpler than those we do today. One of my favourites was the Comoros – a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. It entertained the whole family and was our first beach holiday together. My other favourite destination (even now) is the northern KwaZulu Natal coast – it is wild and undeveloped, and perfect for a family trip.
Stephanie has been with Giltedge Travel for seven years and has created a strong client base in this time. She’s our Key Accounts Manager and works with many of our long-standing agents abroad. In her years with Giltedge Travel (she has worked extensively with well-travelled clientele) she has never failed to deliver an unforgettable holiday to even the most experienced traveller. In addition, Stephanie has developed a special area of expertise in family travel and honeymooners.
Paradise island or hip city? I think paradise island – especially for some time out with your loved one – Maldives or Seychelles would be my best bet! Or even Azura on Benguerra Island!
Honeymooners will love …. A private picnic on top of Table Mountain, or even a romantic dinner on a yacht – all enjoyed in Cape Town of course.
Best family holiday destination? Garden Route – loads of family fun to be had and variety for all!
Gourmet cuisine or food markets? Gourmet cuisine. We have some of the best chefs and restaurants here in SA – most clients always leave saying – ‘And the food!!!’ and they’re right! I love sushi and NOBU at the One & Only Cape Town is fantabulous!
Most romantic safari lodge? Singita Sweni – so intimate and relaxing.
Robyn comes from a travel agency background, so her experience has assisted us greatly in the Inbound Department. She joined Giltedge Travel three years ago and is now one of our Senior Travel Consultants specializing in tour groups, MBA programmes, family travel and top-end individual travellers. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Robyn and she’ll go out of her way to assist her clients in any way possible.
My idea of an island paradise is…The Maldives – I would go back any day the snorkelling is phenomenal!
Best room with a view? Views Boutique Hotel in Wilderness situated on top of a dune with unsurpassed views of the ocean.
My green tip for travellers… water is so scarce in Africa so during your let the hotel or lodge know that it is not necessary to change your towels everyday. Small things go a long way.
Boma dinner or fine dining? Boma dinner – I love eating under the stars and relaxing next to a huge bonfire.
Balmy summer days mean… carefree days on the beach, sundowners on Noordhoek Beach or Chapman’s Peak.
Richard joined our team just over 3 years ago and brought with him a wonderfully contagious and positive energy. In addition to his role as our Sales Manager to the UK and Nordic markets, Richard is also one of our Senior Consultants. He has arranged holidays for a number of international celebrities and specializes in creating tailor-made itineraries for five-star individual travellers.
Golf or scuba diving? Golf – there no sharks in the bunkers or rivers.
Wine estates I recommend A day with out wine is like a day without sunshine so I would recommend any of the wine estates in the Constantia wine valley or surrounding areas. Take a driver – you don’t want to have to drive yourself (trust me on this).
Honeymooners will love …. Oceana in the Eastern Cape (a slice of heaven), or a dinner at the most romantic table in Cape Town (can’t say where but I will be able to book it for you and you will never forget it).
Best holiday cookery course? I don’t go on holiday to cook but I do go on holiday for people to cook for me, therefore I would say – The Chef’s Table at La Residence in Franschhoek (best hotel I have ever stayed at in my 12 years in the travel industry). It did inspire me to cook when I got home.
Best room with a view? Noetzie Castle near Knysna. If you can afford it, you will never forget it.
Binocs or book? Hello! Magazine.
Jazz or classics? Madonna .
Best airport lounge? Cathy Pacific First Class lounge in Hong Kong.
My idea of an island paradise is…North Island, Seychelles.
Amina has been with Giltedge for nearly three years, starting out as our receptionist and now working as an admin Inbound assistant. She deals with all the final packaging and creating documents, making sure that all bookings correspond with clients’ requests. Amina comes from a customer service background which is of key importance in to the travel industry.
Paris, New York or London? Definitely the fashion and romantic capital Paris have to say it like the French.
Shanghai, Miami or Melbourne? Been to Miami and have to say I so love the weather and warm ocean…just didn’t have enough time to experience the shopping!
Beach or bush? I definitely am a beach girl. Love SA summer nights with the gushing sound of the waves while having a light dinner with someone special while the white sand massages your feet.
Big 5: where would you go? Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
I don’t travel without…my cell phone. Have to stay in touch with the world…have way too many fans!
Turkish delight or chocolate? Wow that’s difficult. How can you even ask? I cannot choose, sorry. Love both.
Living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world drew Corné to the exciting industry of tourism 16 years ago. With a combination of sales and coordinating experience she has the capability to build strong relationships with clients from the start, assisting in careful planning of their travel requirements right through to final execution. Corné’s forte has always been conferencing, events and groups of any size, which is why she coordinated the entire Mexican sports group for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – a task that required complete dedication (after-hours due to time zones) for over a year.
Countries Visited: Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Israel, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Russia, USA, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Hong Kong and South Africa.
Honeymooners will love …. Zanzibar. It’s so rural and untouched by tourists, plus you can go on safari on the mainland - a mere thirty-minute flight away.
Most romantic safari? Serengeti National Park.
My best business hotel is… the Michelangelo Hotel in Johannesburg with the buzzing vibe of Sandton Square to enjoy in the early evening.
Most delicious traditional dish I tasted was… Chicken Tikka at the Taj Jaipur Palace Hotel.
My dreamiest spa is… the Librisa Spa at the Mount Nelson Hotel.
Best rooftop bar or restaurant? The bar at the top of Table Mountain.
When in Durban, don’t miss…a rickshaw ride and a Bunny Chow.
My green tip for travellers… Only leave your footprints behind.
Rhynhardt joined Giltedge Travel when we merged with his previous company, Titch Tours, just over two years ago. He has worked in the Inbound tourism industry for 14 years and therefore has extensive knowledge. Rhynhardt is very well travelled and takes great pride in delivering excellent service to his clients. Over the years he has specialized in the operation of tour groups, adventure travel and golf tours. His attention to detail ensures that he also has a base of loyal agents working with individual travellers.
Countries Visited: Namibia, Zambia, Mauritius, UK, Ireland, Germany, The Netherlands, and South Africa extensively.
Paradise island or hip city? I won’t last in Survivor so hip city for me.
Gourmet cuisine or food markets? Gourmet cuisine paired with excellent wine.
Wine estates I recommend: Delaire Graff Estate, Graham Beck, Vrede en Lust.
Honeymooners will love ….La Residence, Franschhoek.
Most romantic safari? Ulusaba Cliff Lodge.
Best family holiday destination? Pezula.
Secret weekend hideaway? I have a new one…Old Mac Daddy near Elgin.
When in Jozi, don’t miss…Soweto.
Best room with a view? Birkenhead House, Hermanus.
Jazz or classics? Classics.
Charlotte also joined Giltedge Travel when we merged with ‘Titch Tours’ where she gained invaluable experience over a period of 15 years – one of which was as their office manager. We benefit greatly from her wealth of knowledge and great passion for incentive and conference travel. She has already operated a number of large incentive groups very successfully and will be focusing her attention on developing this area of our Inbound business.
Countries Visited: Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Seyshelles, Russia, UK, India and South Africa extensively.
Beach or bush? Definitely bush, love the thorn trees, smell of dust and quiet.
Gourmet cuisine or food markets? Food markets for sure, you can find me at the Biscuit Mill in Woodstock on a Saturday morning.
Most memorable childhood holiday? Wild Coast holidays and signing cream soda to the bar tab.
Wine estates I recommend: but not only for wine - Ernie Els for views, Guardian Peak for food, Waterford for chocolate and wine tasting.
Secret weekend hideaway? Our beach cottage on the West Coast, in a private Nature Reserve.
Joburg or Cape Town? Cape Town, we do live in the finest city in Africa. Don’t miss the summer sunset concerts at Kirstenbosch
My tip for flying…take rescue remedy for jetlag.
My green tip for travellers… don’t drink bottled water, you can drink tap water in SA.
Stella’s love for travel started at a very young age exploring South Africa’s sunny beaches or escaping to the bush, tracking wildlife in the Kruger National Park. After completing a Diploma in Travel and Tourism, Stella moved to Cape Town and was instantly smitten with this extraordinary city. She recently celebrated 10 years in the travel industry and loves Africa - the people, the diverse cultures, the magnificent scenery and the food. She has spent time working in hotels, guest houses, a corporate travel agency and is finally designing dream holidays for her guests from around the world. Her favourite destination remains the Kalahari Desert. The isolation and rugged landscape touched her heart like no other place she’s been… and nothing quite compares to sipping a G&T while watching an African sunset.
Countries visited: England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Mauritius and Swaziland.
Skiing or shopping? Shopping of course! Cape Town will satisfy even the most particular shopaholic. From the finest jewellery to chocolate and township art; not to mention the False Bay Coastline’s range of antique and bric-a-brac shops. What more could a girl want?
Honeymooners will love …. Tintswalo Atlantic at the base of Chapman’s Peak. It is intimate and luxurious, out of the hustle and bustle of Cape Town but close enough to enjoy all this cosmopolitan city has to offer.
Jazz or classics? Does Abba count as classics? Then definitely classics…
My dreamiest spa is…The Saxon Spa & Studio in Johannesburg is an absolute must… pure indulgence for any weary soul.
I don’t travel without…Sunscreen and a sense of humour; somewhere along the line you will inevitably need these.
Best rooftop bar or restaurant? The Leopard Room Bar at the Twelve Apostles Hotel is my favourite sunset spot. It’s not quite a rooftop bar, but the views over the Atlantic are breathtaking. Nothing beats sipping a Crème Brulée Martini while watching the whales frolic in the ocean below.
Best birding spot? Definitely Madikwe Game Reserve. With its location on the edge of two very different habitats, the reserve offers spectacular scenery and over 350 bird species including many fascinating raptor species - my favourite.
After travelling for seven years Elaine returned to South Africa as it is home-sweet-home and still the most beautiful place she has ever seen. She quickly found a job in the travel industry and has now been in our accounts department for three years. She loves working closely with the diverse and hard working consultants that make up the Inbound team.
My idea of an island paradise is…Piña Colada on Pigeon Beach in Antigua in the Caribbean.
Private guide or group tour? Neither: I prefer to do things myself!
Most romantic safari? Gorah Elephant Camp in the Eastern Cape. This is where I spent part of my honeymoon. It was fantastic!
I don’t travel without…my wet wipes.
Best birding spot? Birds are not my favourite to watch and, besides, I don’t have the time with a 15-month-old boy!
Best rooftop bar or restaurant? Deia in Mallorca – a very small town along the coast where there is a well known restaurant with the best paella and the most breathtaking view across the Med.
Most delicious traditional dish I tasted was… tapas
4x4 or chauffeur-drive? 4x4 by far!!
GPS or good old map? Personally I am not technically minded, so good old map!
Lindy is an experienced Chartered Accountant who has worked both locally and internationally within a wide range of industries, bringing a diverse financial and analytical experience base to the Giltedge Team. Lindy has a passion for travel and has travelled to six continents to date, with the Antarctic still to explore!
Joburg or Cape Town? Cape Town – which city can complete with Cape Town’s white beaches, pristine golf courses, incredible mountains and heavenly wine estates?
Paradise island or hip city? Paradise Island – I still love Mauritius – it is perfect for both a romantic getaway for couples and fun-filled holiday for families.
Most romantic safari lodge? Leopard Hills in the Sabi Sand. We had our honeymoon there and it was an unbelievable experience.
Most memorable childhood holiday? Being chased by an elephant, while driving in the Kruger Park
Most delicious traditional dish I tasted was….in Bellagio, on Lake Como – I had the most incredible risotto imaginable!
Binocs or book? A pile of novels is compulsory on any holiday of mine. We have been so privileged with our safari experiences – there has been no need for binocs as the animals have been so close!
