Background
I took my first flight to Africa at the age of 10. This is where my journey started. Growing up in South Africa was a dream. It introduced me to its culture, wildlife, and amazing scenery. I then returned to the United Kingdom to continue my studies in Hotel Management. This career path took me all over the world. Having combined the knowledge gained from living in Africa and now in Edinburgh with 35 years of extensive experience in planning corporate and private luxury events worldwide, I now focus on my biggest passion, which is Africa.
Originally from
Brighton, Sussex
Countries Catrina has visited:
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Holland
Hungary
Israel
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Monaco
Norway
Poland
Qatar
Singapore
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tunisia
Turkey
UAE
Ukraine
Vatican City
Last Trip: Kenya
Next Trip: Australia
About Catrina
When you're not working or travelling, you're...
Reading African Non-Fiction Books
What is your favourite band and film?
It has to be Cold Play and of course "Out of Africa"
Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?
Great Rift Valley overlooking the Maasi Mara, the breath-taking endless savannahs are mesmerizing, and touches my soul
What are your top 5 must-pack items?
Hat, blister plasters, universal plug convertor, Walking Boots, Wrap/Scarf
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?
Kenya, for its most diverse and beautiful natural landscapes, abundance of animals, along with glorious climate and to work on a Safari lodge in my spare time.
What is a travel experience you will always remember?
Taking a hot air balloon flight over the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, and landing in the midst of thousands of wildebeest.
What is your first great travel experience?
My first flight over the African Plains in a single-engine Cessna aircraft.
What is your favourite hotel, why and where is it?
Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Oxfordshire. The essence of a tranquil English Haven set within a 15th-century manor house and gardens, owned by my favourite Chef -Raymond Blanc.
Which is your favourite beach, why and where is it?
Diani, Kenya. It feels so remote, so white and so untouched.
Which passport stamp are you the most proud of?
My Zambian stamp! The Kazungula border crossing from Zambia into Botswana is unique. This is the only place in the world where 4 countries meet and you experience a rusty old pontoon ferry crossing to take you across a river, which in the middle of the river you are literally in a quadripoint that separates four nations. This crossing point is now the Kazungula Bridge which opened up in 2018.
What destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Namibia
Have you ever worked abroad?
Yes, as a Chef in Switzerland during my early career.
Have you experienced culture-shock, if so, where?
Experiencing my first visit to a township during my teenage years.
If you had just 24 hours in a big city, which one would it be?
Tokyo
What do you miss most from home while you're away?
My family and my dogs
What's the funniest thing that's happened to you abroad?
The worst hair day ever. Having spent the day shark diving off the coast at Gansbaai, South Africa, not having a hair brush in site, sailing back to shore in the wind, taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain only to be met by strong winds at the top, finally driving back to the 5-star Taj Hotel in Cape Town. Only to be met by my client in the lift of the hotel, looking like I’d been dragged through a bush backward, with my hair as dry, frizzy, and as messy as you could ever have imagined it to be. You just had to laugh!
Pictures of Catrina on her travels
