This month we showcase Akke, self professed Africa junkie! Akke is one of our groups consultant and her vast knowledge and experience in all things Africa means she is the perfect person to put together any size, style or type of group to Africa.
How long have you worked at Goway?
14 years
What is your country of birth?
Netherlands
Have you lived in any country other than North America?
Netherlands & Australia
How many times have you been to Africa?
18 trips – yes, I am a self professed Africa junkie!
Do you have a funny story to tell about something that happened while you were travelling?
In 2007, I took a short leave of absence from Goway to help a friend set up a small safari lodge in Kruger Park. Our staff accommodation was fairly basic and the bathroom facilities were in a separate building from our sleeping huts. I woke early one morning after a restless night with a rather pressing bladder. As I walked to the door to go out, a flick of a tail caught my eye in the window. I checked it out and saw that two lionesses were lying right at my front door. Suddenly I didn’t have to go to the bathroom anymore!
Do you have a travel tip you can provide for your agents?
Tell your clients to travel with an open mind. We have a saying “TIA – This is Africa!”. Travel plans may not go exactly according to schedules but you always get there in the end and having a sense of humour and adventure is all part of the experience.
What is the one thing you wouldn’t leave home without?
My camera.
How would your friends describe you?
Huge animal lover, adventurous and easy going
Any special travel moments you’d like to share ?
Africa has been full of them for me. One of my favourites is sleeping under the stars in the Kalahari and having a whole family of meerkats join us for the most sumptuous outdoor champagne breakfast in the morning.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Experienced this in Tanzania earlier this year. Sitting on the roof of a landrover drinking a cold beer surrounded by 1.8 million wildebeest. It only got better from there with seeing lion cubs on the shore of Lake Ndutu, thousands of migrating storks flying through a spectacular sunset. Then arriving at our camp and not being able to get to our tents as a herd of buffalo was blocking the way. Talk about being in the midst of all the action!