Uluntu Africa is fully owner managed between three directors with a significant combined experience of the African tourist industry. The knowledge and expertise of the partners is wide ranging and complimenting.
Liesel Smith has worked with many overseas operators and has extraordinary product knowledge. Louise de Waal and Paul Giess have a huge combined experience working as international sustainable tour operators with a wide product knowledge of Southern and East Africa.
Helen Turnbull is the founder of Serendipity Africa, a consultancy that offers a comprehensive range of advisory services, as well as support to help tourism businesses to become ethical and responsible within the parameters of their baseline operations. By providing businesses with a structured framework to implement a balanced economic, environmental and social foundation, we have a chance to secure the long term sustainability of Africa’s tourism. Helen is also an accredited FTTSA trainer and marketing & PR specialist, and works with Uluntu Africa as an independent consultant to assist tour operators, property owners and government organisations to develop sustainable tourism services and products.
Our tried and tested service is based around strong partnerships built over many years of working in the fair trade tourist industry in Africa.
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LIESEL SMITH
I imagine the fact that I was raised by parents with a real passion for adventurous explorations may be the cause of my wanderlust. As a young child growing up in magical Limpopo, my first camping safari in neighbouring Botswana inspired me to want to know more about the world, and after completing a degree in Cultural Tourism and Anthropology I finally packed my bags to travel abroad. I eventually returned to South Africa after many foreign adventures to start a career in tourism. That was nearly 8 years ago and today I am still surrounded by maps, plotting new routes and discovering new places on this remarkably diverse continent.
African countries visited: Morocco, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho.
Travel philosophy: Get to know the country you are visiting – read local literature, listen to local music and eat local food.
LOUISE DE WAAL
Born & bred in Holland, lived & worked for 18 or so years in England and now live my dream in Cape Town - probably the most beautiful spot in the world. I have always had a passion for travelling, meeting new people from different cultural backgrounds, learning about a country’s history and discovering new landscapes, but got bitten by the Africa bug big time after having worked as a volunteer in Tanzania. With an academic background in environmental science, environmental issues and sustainability are part of my believe system and lifestyle. To organise somebody’s dream holiday and at the same time making sure that those trips make a positive impact on the destination and its people, is a real honour.
African countries visited: Egypt, Tunisia, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
Most amazing travel experience: Too many to chose from, but my first wild dog encounter in Selous (Tanzania) definitely occurs in the Top 10.
PAUL GIESS
Born in the UK but now moved to South Africa and reside in the fabulous city of Cape Town. I love the country and its relaxed lifestyle and breathtaking landscapes so much that it is only fair to share the experience with the rest of the world. After a career in education and research in the UK I ran my own travel business from the UK for many years before moving here in person to be part of Uluntu Africa. It is now my pleasure to sit in front of our stunning mountain and sea view working on and perfecting your dream itinerary for visiting the Rainbow Nation.
African countries visited: Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Swaziland and South Africa.
Travel tip: Respect the local way of life and give a good impression everywhere you visit. Your countrymen will be prejudged based on the impression that you gave. So do it not only for yourself but for your fellow travelers.
HELEN TURNBULL
Independant Consultant, Serendipity Africa
First encounter with the continent of so called ‘dark’ Africa at the age of 13 when we moved over as a family for a five year work assignment. My father was involved in the building of a new railway line that would link the coast with the iron ore mines of the Northern Cape. We first settled on the West Coast for a year and then moved further north to Kathu, a very remote, small town on the edge of the Kalahari, which was the catalyst that awakened my interest in the natural environment and wild places. After school I moved to Europe to study, but continued to miss the vastness the freedom and possibilities that South Africa offered. In 2001 I returned permanently and settled in Cape Town, establishing a new company focused on sustainable tourism development.
African countries visited: Tunisia, Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Lesotho, Mauritius.
What I love about South Africa: The rich tapestry of culture and heritage combined with an energy and vibrancy even in the most challenging environments.