Kirsty Perring, Owner, Travel Curator of Traversing Africa

I was undecided with regards to what I wanted to do as a career when I finished high school. Choices ranged from nursing to law to teaching. So instead, I did what all level-headed teenagers do and jumped on a plane bound for the UK where I spent 2 years working as a nanny and travelling around Europe. Unbeknownst to me at the time, children and travelling became the 2 key building blocks in what lead to the launch of Traversing Africa 27 years later. I have identified a niche in the travel market for families wanting to explore Africa with children in tow without having to compromise on luxury or cut back on their experiences but at the same time ensuring a safe, enjoyable and immersive trip for all members. The motive for this stemmed from travelling with my own child and understanding the degree of knowledge and depth of planning required to curate such a trip. After working in the industry for over 2 decades, I also came to the realisation that offering cookie-cutter itineraries lacking individuality was not the way I want anyone to encounter Africa, be it on a first-time trip or one of many. My main vision when Traversing Africa was conceived was that I wanted to be an architect in providing customised, personal, gratifying and life-enriching journeys to Africa to those who desired the same. A bit more about me… I am also the mother of 2 Yorkshire terriers Burt and Daisy. The only thing we dislike about travelling is leaving our pups behind. Luckily, they are so adorable that we have a number of aunts and uncles lining up to look after them while we are away. I have a thing for VW beetles and vans, especially yellow ones. My favourite animal to see on safari is wild dog, but I love all animals and have a weak spot for the underdogs such as hyenas and baboons.

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