Meet The Team
Passionate professionals dedicated to crafting unforgettable safari experiences
Courtney Blunden
About Courtney
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Cecilia Blunden
About Cecilia
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Mallory Kuyk-Michaels
About Mallory
With a background in operations, finance, and human resources, Mallory has spent her career ensuring systems and teams run seamlessly. After years in a corporate environment, she transitioned into the safari and travel industry, combining her professional expertise with a lifelong passion for wildlife nurtured during family trips to Kruger National Park. Today, she oversees trade relationships, guest experiences, digital systems, and team development, ensuring Sun Destinations delivers unforgettable journeys for every guest.
Why she loves the safari industry: Growing up visiting Kruger National Park for weeks at a time instilled in Mallory a deep connection to nature and a clear understanding of how meaningful safari experiences can be. Moving into travel felt like a natural shift, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Favourite safari moment: At nThambo Tree Camp, Mallory had the privilege of experiencing the legendary tracker Isaac in action. While tracking a lion pride, Isaac walked into the bush alone, and minutes later, the entire pride appeared exactly where he had predicted. That combination of skill, instinct, and deep connection to the bush has stayed with her ever since.
Fun fact: Dream safari destination: Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana. Never goes on safari without lip balm. Favourite sundowner: Amarula on ice or a crisp gin & tonic at golden hour.
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Monique Grobler
About Monique
Monique joined Sun Destinations in 2019 and has since worked with a portfolio of unique boutique safari lodges. She builds strong relationships with trade partners and connects travellers from around the world with unforgettable wildlife experiences. With a deep appreciation for nature, Monique is driven by the opportunity to share the magic of South Africa while providing exceptional service to every guest.
Why she loves the safari industry: Monique’s passion for wildlife drives her—not only to help protect it but to give people the chance to experience it respectfully and fully. She believes spending time in the bush is the perfect reset, and she feels lucky to help others enjoy that same transformative experience.
Favourite safari moment: A recent trip to Chacma Bush Camp, where she spent over an hour tracking a pride of lions. The experience highlighted the beauty of patience in an unfenced reserve, reminding her that nothing is ever guaranteed—and that makes every encounter extraordinary.
Fun fact: Never goes on safari without a good book for quiet moments between game drives. Dream safari destination: Botswana or Zambia. Favourite sundowner: a sunset with a Gin & tonic in hand.
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Kat Scriven
About Kat
Wordsmith, word wizard—call her what you will, words are Kat’s thing. She began her career at Elle Decoration, immersed in the world of design, but soon realised her heart belonged in wilder places. From there, she worked as a freelance writer for airline magazines and as a copywriter for a boutique agency. Along the way, she launched a jewellery and beaded product line collaborating with female artisans from India and the Maasai to create handcrafted pieces. When the business closed during Covid, Kat returned to her first love—storytelling—which led her to this exciting new chapter as a content specialist in an industry she’s deeply passionate about.
Why she loves the safari industry: Travel is in Kat’s DNA—it’s not just something she does, it’s part of who she is. The safari world allows her to merge her love for writing, exploration, and conservation. As one of her favourite authors said, “safari is a way of life,” a sentiment she truly identifies with.
Favourite safari moment: Six years ago, Kat drove from Cape Town to Kenya and back with her best friend, exploring everything from the baobab islands of Botswana’s salt pans to the surreal terrain of Turkana in northern Kenya. Earlier this year, she revisited one of her favourite places—Shaba Reserve in northern Kenya—where she and her partner camped beneath whispering palms, listening to elephants pass quietly by in the night.
Fun fact: Never goes on safari without her trusty monocular and bird book. Dream safari destination: Ruhengeri, Rwanda, to see the gorillas. Favourite sundowner: Amarula on ice (or stirred into chai).
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Christene Caetano
About Christene
Christene oversees the accounts, human resources, and administration for Africa on Foot, Chacma Bush Camp, and nThambo Tree Camp. Her role includes managing payroll, financial reporting, and day-to-day operations, ensuring each camp runs smoothly and efficiently. With a strong eye for detail and a passion for people, Christene keeps the heart of camp life beating seamlessly behind the scenes.
Why she loves the safari industry: Christene believes that experiences and memories far outweigh material things—and the safari industry allows her to be part of creating those lasting moments for others.
Favourite safari moment: A walking safari and tented camp experience in the Kruger National Park, where experienced trails guides led her to walk safely among wild animals—a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
Fun fact: Never goes on safari without a hair tie! Dream safari destination: Zimbabwe. Favourite sundowner: Brandy & Coke.
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Alesia Graham
About Alesia
Alesia joins Sun Destinations with a strong background in sales administration and client service, having worked in both the corporate furniture and conference industries. Highly organised and detail-oriented, she thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys supporting both customers and internal teams. Excited to bring her skills into the safari and travel space, Alesia is eager to grow and contribute to meaningful, memorable guest experiences.
Why she loves the safari industry: Alesia was ready for a new challenge in a field that aligns with her love for travel. The safari industry excites her because it offers the opportunity to be part of creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for guests.
Favourite safari moment: During her honeymoon, Alesia stayed at nThambo Tree Camp and Chacma Bush Camp, where she was captivated by the beauty of the bush and the feeling of being completely immersed in nature—an experience she can’t wait to repeat.
Fun fact: Never goes on safari without her binoculars! Dream safari destination: Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. Favourite sundowner: a little G&T.
Why she loves the safari industry: Monique’s passion for wildlife drives her—not only to help protect it but to give people the chance to experience it respectfully and fully. She believes spending time in the bush is the perfect reset, and she feels lucky to help others enjoy that same transformative experience.
Favourite safari moment: A recent trip to Chacma Bush Camp, where she spent over an hour tracking a pride of lions. The experience highlighted the beauty of patience in an unfenced reserve, reminding her that nothing is ever guaranteed—and that makes every encounter extraordinary.
Fun fact: Never goes on safari without a good book for quiet moments between game drives. Dream safari destination: Botswana or Zambia. Favourite sundowner: a sunset with a Gin & tonic in hand.
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Andrea McEwan
About Andrea
Andrea brings over seven years of experience in customer service and social media, with a strong background in both retail and travel. Her previous roles in hospitality, catering, and supporting international travel campaigns—like easyJet—helped her develop expertise in travel arrangements, itinerary changes, and guest support. Today, she manages bookings and logistics for guests at safari lodges, coordinating with lodge managers, transfer companies, and agents to ensure a seamless experience from inquiry to post-stay.
Why she loves the safari industry: Although Andrea hasn’t yet been on a safari herself, her passion for nature, adventure, and meaningful travel experiences drew her to the industry. She’s excited by the idea of immersing guests in the wild, helping them discover wildlife, landscapes, and cultures in authentic ways.
What she loves most about Sun Destinations: Andrea values representing an authentic portfolio of safari lodges and connecting with agents and clients from around the world. She finds it rewarding to contribute to unforgettable travel experiences.
Fun facts: Dream safari destination: Sun Destinations portfolio. Never goes on safari without chapstick. Favourite post-game-drive sundowner: Hunter’s Gold.
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Amy Williams
About Amy
Amy is a Reservations Consultant at Sun Destinations, helping clients plan and book unforgettable safari experiences. She has a strong background in customer service and administration, having previously worked in eCommerce and office management. Her experience in problem-solving, organisation, and client relations makes her adept at ensuring every trip runs smoothly.
Why she loves the safari industry: Amy loves helping people connect with nature, discover new places, and create memories that last a lifetime. The adventure, wildlife, and stories that come with travel make the industry a perfect fit for her.
Favourite safari moment: At Nyala Safari Lodge, she witnessed a leopard lounging in a tree on one side and three lionesses napping on the other—an awe-inspiring moment of stillness and raw beauty in the wild.
Fun fact: Never goes on safari without sunscreen and a good camera. Dream safari destination: Botswana & Kenya. Favourite sundowner: Gin & tonic or an ice-cold beer.
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Shondre Lomas
About Shondre
Shondre brings over a decade of experience in the travel and tourism industry to Sun Destinations. She began her career as a travel consultant specializing in Southern African destinations before moving into operations, managing logistics for clients across Africa. Now part of the reservations team, she focuses on the Kruger Park portfolio, helping guests craft seamless and memorable safari experiences.
Why she loves the safari industry: Shondre is passionate about sharing the beauty and magic of Africa—creating unforgettable experiences, connecting people with nature, and inspiring others to appreciate the wild.
Favourite safari moment: While staying in Welgevonden Game Reserve, Shondre witnessed two male lions communicating with deep, resonant mating calls just meters from her vehicle—a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Fun fact: Never goes on safari without her camera and Vaseline for those breezy game drives; her go-to sundowner is a classic gin & tonic.
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Eslyn Van Der Sandt
About Eslyn
Eslyn brings 30 years of experience in finance, administration, and leadership, having managed large teams and focused on empowering staff. In her current role, she oversees the financial and administrative operations of Sun Destinations. Looking ahead, she hopes to become more involved at the camps, using her expertise to support staff training and development in finance and administration.
Why she loves the safari industry: Eslyn is drawn to the safari and travel industry for its sense of exploration and discovery. No two days are the same, and she enjoys the thrill of coordinating luxury lodges, guiding guests, and sharing African culture while witnessing the awe and joy of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Favourite safari experience: Multi-day walking safaris in Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park. She loved walking through Africa’s oldest game reserve, engaging with the rhino conservation program, observing abundant birdlife, and enjoying the park’s solitude, often traveling long distances without seeing another vehicle.
Fun facts: Dream safari destination: Serengeti National Park. Never goes on safari without mosquito repellent.
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Rosemary Marx
About Rosemary
Rosemary brings decades of experience in safari and travel, having worked as a Marketing Manager, General Manager of 5-star lodges in Zimbabwe and Kruger National Park, and as a Safari Consultant. Her extensive knowledge of lodges, wildlife, and bespoke itineraries allows her to create unforgettable experiences for guests across Africa.
Why she loves the safari industry: Born into a family deeply connected to Africa—her grandfather lived in Kenya, and her father grew up on a farm in Mozambique—Rosemary’s life has always revolved around wildlife and travel. She studied Game Ranging and Game Lodge Management and has journeyed overland through Africa, combining her passion for the bush with her expertise in guest experiences.
Favourite safari moment: Living and working in the Kruger National Park, she had the privilege of witnessing Duke, a legendary “super tusker” with record-breaking ivory, up close—a memory that embodies the awe and majesty of the African wilderness.
Fun fact: Can never go on safari without her husband Anthony. Dream safari destination: Ethiopia, to see the rare Ethiopian wolf. Favourite sundowner: Amarula on crushed ice in summer, or hot chocolate with a splash of Amarula in winter.
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Corlia Oosthuizen-Pelser
About Corlia
Corlia is a proud South African with over 15 years of experience in travel and tourism. She began her career in hospitality and guest relations before specialising as a tour operator, designing custom itineraries across Southern Africa. Passionate about creating unforgettable, personalised experiences, Corlia works closely with each guest to craft immersive safaris, handpicked lodges, and local encounters that showcase the heart and soul of Africa.
Why she loves the safari industry: Growing up in South Africa, Corlia developed a deep connection to nature and the African bush. Sharing that wonder with others and seeing the joy on their faces is what keeps her inspired.
Favourite safari moment: A walking safari at Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails, where she experienced the bush at a slower, more immersive pace, tracking wildlife on foot and learning to read the environment—a humbling and exhilarating encounter.
Fun fact: Never goes on safari without binoculars. Dream safari destination: Lower Zambezi, Zambia. Favourite sundowner: a classic gin and tonic with fresh lime under an acacia tree.
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