Mari Jacobs

Mari Jacobs

Africa Travel Specialist

Mari joined Cedarberg Africa in 2003, bringing with her a lifelong curiosity about the world beyond the farm where she grew up. For her, the appeal of African travel lies in its incredible diversity, natural beauty and the experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

What first sparked her love for African travel?
"I grew up on a farm in a small community, so exploring the world out there was always something I wanted to do. And there is no better place than Africa, with the most beautiful, natural and diverse experiences with nature and wildlife."

An avid traveller, Mari enjoys planning trips with friends and family. These holidays also double as research, as she is always looking at places and experiences through the eyes of her clients, asking herself, “Would my clients enjoy this?” It is this curiosity, combined with her love of discovering new places, that informs the holidays she creates for others. She has a particular passion for complex multi-country itineraries and trips that bring generations of a family, or groups of good friends, together.

Fine dining, wine tasting and discovering those special places that others might overlook are all part of the pleasure. Mari has travelled extensively across Africa, visiting Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. For her, the best travel experiences offer the freedom to slow down, explore and truly appreciate where you are.

More on Mari

• What is your most memorable wildlife sighting, and what made it so special?

On safari with my parents in the Timbavati, a leopard came out of the bush and almost landed on top of the tracker. I’m still not sure who was more scared, the leopard or the tracker!

• What is your top safari packing tip that most people don’t think of?

Less is more, so keep it simple. I take a scarf everywhere. It helps with the dust and the sun, and makes a fancy throw-over for dinner. And Vicks VapoRub, a camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol that you can rub to treats headaches, and muscle cramps and keeps outdoor bugs away. It also helps with clearing the nose after a game drive and soothes any insect bites! I always share mine when I am on safari!

• Which animal sighting do you most look forward to on a game drive?

The honey badger. They’re not easy to find, but I love their tenacity and strong will, even though they are small.

• Which African destination do you never tire of visiting, and why?

Zimbabwe. It offers more than people expect, and walking safaris are at the top of the list. So close… so exhilarating!

• What is the one thing you want travellers to remember about their time in Africa?

That we are better when we are truly free, and being in the middle of the bush gives you that feeling of freedom.

Mari's Favourite Destinations

Uganda

Home to endangered Mountain Gorillas, the widest range of primates in Africa and birds galore. Enjoy big game safaris with gorilla and chimpanzee tracking.

Zimbabwe

A Zimbabwe safari has far more to offer beyond the excitement of the Victoria Falls: superb wildlife sanctuaries, mysterious mountain retreats, open plains and lush floodplains...

Namibia

The vast Etosha salt pan, the shimmering dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert plus the contrasting of the Caprivi wetlands make Namibia an exhilarating safari destination. One led by spectacular ...