My name is Lotte, and I am your luxury travel designer. Growing up in the Netherlands, travel was always a key element of my life. As I explored further afield, I was quickly captured by Africa and how the joy of discovering these different countries and cultures can nurture a person’s soul.
I had to share this feeling with others and started working in tourism from a young age, almost 20 years ago. In 2017 I opened up my own boutique, luxury travel agency in the Netherlands called ‘Safari Design’, and committed myself to crafting extraordinary experiences across Africa, carefully tailored to my individual clients to ensure that each trip is a trip of a lifetime.
In this role, Africa became my second home, but in March 2020 I finally took the plunge and moved permanently to the beautiful Malawi. I will guide you through the possibilities and tell you about my favourite places in Africa. I focus on luxurious boutique lodges in unspoiled and uncrowded destinations for the most enjoyable and enriching experience.
Thanks to my years in the business, I have built long-lasting relationships on the ground, ensuring ultimate reliability and exceptional service throughout your trip. My promise to you is that I only work with the best people and places that I trust and recommend wholeheartedly, guaranteeing you a superbly seamless vacation.
Sleep out under the stars with the Big 5 in Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa; or paddle the murky waters of the Zambezi River.
Experience true wilderness on a mobile walking safari in Zambia, or admire the sweeping Busanga plains from a hot air balloon.
Marvel at the rugged rock desert of Damaraland in Namibia or the water-rich Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Come face to face with an elephant in South-Africa or luxuriate in the Sabi Sabi.
Safari has come a long way since the dusty days of the early explorers.
Opulence at its finest lives within some of Africa’s great national parks, with the likes of fly-in safaris, gourmet dining, private plunge pools, personal butlers, private activities, hot air ballooning, helicopter excursions, all while maintaining a traditional authenticity and exemplary level of comfort.
Spend your mornings on a game viewing activity, stopping for a tea break and a piece of cake before returning for a decadent breakfast.
Enjoy the peace and quiet of camp, lounging in the African sun by your private pool before a freshly prepared lunch by the skilled team of chefs.
Wind down with a siesta as the afternoon breeze caresses you before heading out on your evening activity.
Stop for a G&T and some nibbles as the sun sets over the African landscape, then head back for a sumptuous three course meal and stories round the camp fire.
Doze off to the sounds of the wilderness in your own personal haven.
There is an endless possibility of things to see and experience around the globe that we can’t possibly have time for it all – but you’ve got to make a start somewhere, right?
Why not veer off the standard template of holidays and think outside the box.
We can arrange some of the most wild and weird activities that will send the soul tingling, and have you reliving the story many years from now.
Ever thought about star bathing beneath the Milky Way in the remote hills of the Cederberg?
Or embark on a photographic ocean safari with expert Steve Benjamin.
Sip wine in between flying in a helicopter from vineyard to vineyard, or try your hand at blacksmithing.
Spend three days in a luxury villa foraging the wilderness for your food, or see how you fare as a cattle rancher in the Karoo.
These expertly conceived and soulful experiences are changing the way people travel as we guide you down the road less travelled.
These exclusive experiences are not found anywhere else, for we connect you with real and interesting people as they invite you into their worlds to share their passion and vitality.
Having travelled to many of the vineyards in South Africa’s winelands I am mainly specializing in South African wines.
My passion for wine has always been there, but it really took off when we opened up our very own wine business here in Malawi, importing fantastic wines from the very best vineyards in South Africa and focusing on the small independent and family run boutique wineries.
This business was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel was at its lowest and it has blossomed into the biggest wine supplier in the country, enabling the lodges, restaurants, bars, shops and people of Malawi, to provide and enjoy the wine they deserve.
Another string to my bow, I am currently studying to become a sommelier with WSET.
Please visit Wines and Wings for information and enquiries.
Food plays an important part in any vacation, but why not bring it to the forefront of your travels and sample an array of delicacies every step of the way.
Experience the good life in South Africa’s Western Cape, as you explore the picturesque winelands and sip a zingy shiraz in the adorable French colonial town of Franschhoek.
Bask in the glitz and glamour of the city of Johannesburg at world class restaurants, overlooking the cityscape.
A superior dining experience evokes a feeling of joy one can’t describe and the feeling will stay with us for a long time after.
Enjoy refined dining with a chef’s experience taster menu at South Africa’s 2019 Restaurant of the Year, ‘La Colombe’, or pair delicate macarons with elegant sparkling wines.
Savour the taste of the Atlantic Ocean and the flavours of the land at Cape Town’s ‘Fyn’, and at ‘Quoin Rock’ with their 7-course tasting menu.
You will experience top quality, locally grown and ethically sourced ingredients curated into works of art with unique flavour combinations and thoughtful wine pairings.