Five Best Places in South Africa to see The Big Five | Ingrid Geertsema | Ep 105

The World Vegan Travel Podcast

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In today’s episode, we’ll be talking to Ingrid Geertsema. Ingrid was Born in the Netherlands and she lived in the Hague until 2000. Her desire to travel was always strong and after high school, she struck a balance between exploring Europe and working in the Netherlands to pay for her travels.
In 1996 she decided to go back to school and studied Communication Management at the University of the Hague, where she also joined an exchange program with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (USA). Two months after earning her degree in 2000 the travel bug hit home once more, and Ingrid traveled to South Africa on holiday. This time, there was no returning home.
Ingrid worked as a tour guide for Baobab Reizen, a Dutch overland company, for three years. During this time, Ingrid traveled extensively throughout southern Africa. At the end of 2003, Ingrid finally settled down in the town of Hoedspruit, Limpopo, where she joined Transfrontiers Wildlife Walking Safaris. In 2009, Backroads Africa was born as an in-house travel agency, assisting people who had booked a walking safari with the rest of their itinerary.
Having worked in the safari and lodge industry for more than 20 years now, Ingrid understands the varying needs of independent travelers that come to Africa on holiday, to work, study, or sometimes fulfill a dream. Ingrid combines her love and passion for travel and Africa with a personalized approach and a 100% commitment to not just meet but exceed the expectations of her clients.
Ingrid is also a certified Life Coach and NLP Practitioner, a Vegan Nutrition Health Coach, and a Health Transformation Coach
As a Vegan Travel Specialist Ingrid assists local and international vegans with safe, ethical, affordable, and adventurous itineraries that include vegan guesthouses, lodges, and sanctuaries.
Ingrid and I had a wonderful conversation getting to know each other a little more and I loved hearing her perspectives on the best places to visit in South Africa to see the iconic African Animals.
So in this episode, we talk about:
How Ingrid’s love affair with Africa started
Her considerable experience in the travel industry in South Africa and the surrounding countries
The definition of the Big Five, game reserves vs National Parks
South Africa as a destination compared with other countries: cost, experience, medical issues
Different accommodation types
How it is to travel as a vegan in South Africa

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