Africa – it's my home, and offers something unique for everyone; from diverse landscapes and culture, to vibrant cities and the unspoilt wilderness.
- Specialist countries
- Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Seychelles
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After school I studied a years diploma in Travel and Tourism, before beginning my varied career in tourism. I worked at Groot Constantia Wine Estate, and then managed some guest houses, before spending time in the US. When I returned in 1997, I started working for a leading groups and incentives tour operator, before moving with my MD who started the first internet-based African travel company in 1999.
In 2005 my husband and I relocated to London with a plan to work and travel through Europe. I joined Expert Africa and it was here that my knowledge for Southern Africa really began to grow. It wasn’t long until I was sent to Botswana to explore the Okavango Delta. This lead to numerous trips through northern Botswana visiting camps in Chobe, the Kwando-Linyanti, Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
I then moved on to research Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, Seychelles and Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, North Luangwa, Liuwa Plain, Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue and Livingstone.
My most recent trips have been to Zimbabwe, exploring Hwange National Park and Mana Pools. Two very different areas, but both equally as fascinating.
I’ve been privileged throughout my 25-years in travel to experience some incredible destinations, but the sunny shores of Cape Town enticed me back home. I operate a satellite office for Expert Africa in the seaside village of Kommetjie, and feel I have the best of both worlds - living in Cape Town, and still connected, daily, to the UK.
Lucy's most recent Africa trips
South Africa
One of my absolute favourite properties along the Cape's most beautiful Garden Route... Schoone Oordt Country House, in Swellendam. If I could stay for one week or more, I would! This visit was unfortunately just a short, one night stay, to break the drive from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape (as a section of the N2 freeway was closed due to recent flooding) but Schoone Oordt provided the most comfortable beds and friendly welcome. We will be back!
- I visited
- Swellendam
Zimbabwe
Nine months after my first safari to Mana Pools, I got to return to Zim, to explore the diverse and expansive Hwange National Park. But before the start of my safari, I had a night in Victoria Falls – having come off the very convenient Cape Town / Vic Falls direct flight. For this safari I wanted to explore as many different parts of Hwange as possible – in just 10 short days. I started in the south-eastern corner of the park, then headed to the more central parts, before ending off in the more remote and rugged northern region. There was a lot of driving involved, with some very long and bumpy road transfers between the camps (most guests will fly!) but witnessing the change in landscapes made it all worth it!
- I visited
- Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe
After all my years in the travel industry, I had yet to go on a big game safari in Zimbabwe – other than the Zambezi National Park of course. For this trip I got to focus on Mana Pools, and a few of the private concessions beside it - and what a treat it was!
- I visited
- Mana Pools National Park
Lucy's previous Africa research
Zambia
As a Zambia specialist, my primary role for the 5th edition guide was to organise the research trip for one of our key contributors. With extensive knowledge of the camps we feature, I also played a significant part in updating several lodges.