Meet our African Specialists

Waathiq Hilton | Sales Director

With over 18 years in sales leadership, I’m grateful to bring my experience to African Bush Camps. Passionate about creating meaningful guest experiences, I focus on team development, revenue growth, and customer engagement. Based in Cape Town, I have the privilege of helping travelers connect with Africa’s most extraordinary destinations, ensuring each journey is effortless and immersive.

Favorite ABC Experience, Activity, or Destination:

The Magic of Three Countries safari itinerary. This itinerary allows you to experience the best of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe in one seamless journey.

What do you love most about ABC?

Our people!

Johan Smit | Sales Manager

I’ve been in the tourism industry for 11 years and heading into my 12th. Most of my experience has been in product development across Southern Africa, with the last three years focused on Europe. While Europe is quite different, it’s helped me understand diverse markets and refine how I create meaningful, experience-driven travel that always connects back to Africa.

Favorite ABC Experience, Activity, or Destination:

I’m especially drawn to Atzaró Okavango Camp in the Okavango Delta. The combination of design, atmosphere, and its strong connection to place really resonates with me.

What do you love most about ABC?

The people and the energy. Everyone I’ve met or spoken with from African Bush Camps has such genuine passion for travel and the purpose behind it. There’s an authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Ashleigh Bell | Senior African Specialist

I grew up between Zimbabwe and South Africa, where I developed a lifelong passion for the bush and the wonders of safari. I’ve been lucky enough to explore some of the most breathtaking wild spaces, and witnessing the magic of our national parks left me with a profound sense of connection and fulfillment. It’s a feeling I’m eager to share – because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the incredible beauty of our wild places.

Favorite ABC Experience, Activity, or Destination:

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. With views overlooking Lake Kariba, it always feels like you’re being welcomed back to your home away from home.

What do you love most about ABC?

The true magic of our Experiences lies in the people. Here, you’re not just a guest – you’re treated with genuine care, and every moment is personally tailored to you.

Ross McGeary | Senior African Specialist

Growing up in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, I was immersed in wild places from a young age. Inspired by family and mentors who were passionate naturalists, I trained as a safari guide after university, sharing my home’s incredible wildlife with guests from around the world. After a stint in the corporate world, I realized I missed the profound impact of safari experiences. That led me to African Bush Camps, where I’ve been designing unforgettable journeys ever since.

Favorite ABC Experience, Activity, or Destination:

Any of our Experiences in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe!

What do you love most about ABC?

Whilst our Experiences can surpass even the highest expectations, we’ve stayed true to what a safari should be: an opportunity to experience authentic Africa.

Chanel Geldenhuys | African Specialist

I started my journey in the travel and tourism industry by selling coach tours across Europe, the USA, and other international destinations, which gave me a solid foundation in itinerary planning and guest engagement. While I enjoyed helping travelers explore the world, I eventually discovered my true passion: showcasing the diversity, richness, and natural beauty of Africa. My focus is on designing tailor-made safaris that offer not only incredible wildlife experiences but also meaningful cultural and conservation connections.

Favorite ABC Experience, Activity, or Destination:

One of my favorite itineraries is our multi-country safari that combines Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. It offers an incredible mix of game viewing, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural connections. What makes it truly special is the balance between luxury, adventure, and meaningful impact through our community and conservation initiatives.

What do you love most about ABC?

I love that African Bush Camps goes beyond the traditional safari experience. We are genuinely committed to making a positive impact through conservation and community engagement. I’m proud to be part of a team that is passionate, innovative, and always striving to offer authentic, purpose-driven travel.

Molebogeng (Lebo) Modikwe | African Specialist

I began my travel journey in 2015 with an internship at Mango Airlines and soon took to the skies as Cabin Crew. After several rewarding years in aviation, I embraced a new adventure in 2022 — becoming a mother. I spent the next two years focused on family before returning to the travel industry in 2024 with Titan Travel. Later that year, I joined African Bush Camps as a Client Experience Consultant, and in 2025, stepped into my current role as a Safari Expert. It’s a joy to help others experience the magic of Africa’s wild spaces.

Favorite ABC Experience, Activity, or Destination:

The Icon Experience at African Bush Camps stands out as the one because it captures the essence of what makes a safari truly unforgettable: a seamless blend of raw wilderness, luxury, and deep connection.

What do you love most about ABC?

What I love about African Bush Camps (ABC) is their authenticity with purpose. They don’t just offer safaris—they create meaningful, life-changing experiences rooted in conservation, community, and connection. It’s definitely the authentic, untouched wilderness.

Takudzwa Chihwai | African Specialist

My passion for travel began in high school and led me to study tourism. I started out in hospitality, where guest stories and safari excitement sparked a deep love for Africa. That passion led me to fully transition into the travel industry, where I could help others discover the beauty, culture, and people of this incredible continent. Joining African Bush Camps was a natural next step. It’s a place where I can live my dream and help others experience the beauty of home.

Favorite ABC Experience, Activity, or Destination:

The Magic of Three Countries package is my favourite! It combines the best of Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe into one extraordinary journey, showcasing Africa’s rich diversity in landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

What do you love most about ABC?

What I love most is the people. From the communities we support to the teams in camp and behind the scenes, everyone is part of something bigger. I love creating authentic, purpose-driven experiences that truly connect people to Africa.

Benjamin Lederer | Senior African Specialist

I entered the travel industry partly by chance, guided by a deep-rooted passion for Africa. After moving to Cape Town with my parents as a child, my first safari experience left a lasting impression on me. That early exposure sparked a lifelong love for wildlife, conservation, and the African continent. More than a decade later, that passion continues to drive my journey in the travel sector, and I haven’t looked back since.

Favorite ABC Experience, activity, or destination:

Lolebezi in Lower Zambezi – there is nothing like a canoe safari! A true wildlife adventure.

What do you love most about ABC?

The people that work for ABC and the common passion for wildlife and conservation.

Christin Francis | Senior African Specialist

I’m originally from Germany, where I studied Tourism and Hospitality Management. During my studies, I spent four months in Durban on exchange and fell in love with South Africa, which led me to move to Cape Town a year later.

Travel has always been part of who I am, and I knew early on that I wanted to build a career connecting people with new places and experiences. Over the years, I have worked across the industry, from reservations and guiding to international sales across Africa and Central America, shaping my understanding of what truly makes a journey memorable.

Favorite ABC Experience, activity, or destination:

Visiting Hwange National Park has long been a dream of mine, especially experiencing Somalisa Camp as the place where everything started. There is something very meaningful about connecting with the roots of a story.

What do you love most about ABC?

What stands out to me most is the authenticity. It feels real and grounded. I also admire the commitment to creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for guests while genuinely supporting local communities and conserving wildlife. And most importantly, it is the people. From everyone I have met so far, there is a real sense of passion and care behind what they do.

Denise Ribeiro | Senior African Specialist

I’m originally from Brazil and began my career in banking before discovering my passion for travel while working on cruise ships, an experience that changed my path entirely. Since then, I have explored more than 43 countries and represented international luxury hotels worldwide. After meeting my husband in Mauritius, I made South Africa my home and fell in love with Africa’s wildlife, cultures and landscapes. Following motherhood in 2023, I returned to travel with renewed purpose, creating meaningful journeys that leave a lasting impact.

Favorite ABC Experience, activity, or destination:

My favorite ABC journey would have to be the Magic of Three Countries safari, bringing together Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia in one incredible adventure. It is such a powerful combination of diverse landscapes, exceptional wildlife, and that perfect balance between raw nature and refined comfort. To me, it represents the ultimate African safari experience.

What do you love most about ABC ?

What I truly love about ABC is that it is about so much more than just safaris. There is heart behind everything, from the guiding and personalized service to the genuine commitment to conservation and local communities. You can feel that it is driven by passion and purpose.