Gloria Darvall

 

Gloria Darvall

Africa Travel Specialist
 

Gloria’s calm, professional demeanour is the perfect counterbalance to some of our, ahem, more enthusiastic personalities! Unflappable in a crisis (although she might well ask, “Crisis? What crisis?”), she is also the team’s very own encyclopaedia of knowledge — a seemingly endless source of information that we all turn to time and again.

A true Cederberg local, Gloria has a deep appreciation for the tranquillity and natural beauty of this remarkable region. With 25 years as part of the team, she has seen it all, done it all, and accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way.

What first sparked her love for African travel?
In her own words: “Africa is the mother of us all! 😊 Our beautifully diverse continent is where it all began, and it continues to spoil us with its spectacular landscapes, incredible wildlife and endless natural beauty. There is always something new to discover, and that is part of what makes Africa so special to me.”

When it comes to favourite destinations, Botswana wins hands down. The country’s extraordinary wilderness, natural beauty and warm-hearted people have left an indelible mark on her soul. For Gloria, few experiences compare to gliding silently through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature and feeling wonderfully connected to the wild.

One of her most treasured memories is watching the sun rise over Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. Perched atop a cliff, she witnessed the bush slowly awaken, as the first light illuminated the landscape and the sounds of the wilderness stirred to life. It was one of those magical moments that stays with you long after you have left.

Looking ahead, Malawi and Tanzania are firmly on Gloria’s travel bucket list — two destinations she hopes to explore as her African adventures continue.

 

More on Gloria


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

The first time I heard a lion roar, I felt chills run down my spine. There is something incredibly powerful about hearing that deep, unmistakable sound and knowing that such a majestic animal is nearby, roaming freely in its natural environment. It is a feeling you never forget.

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

A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap is a must! It protects you from the strong African sun, and the strap helps keep it on your head when the wind picks up during a game drive.
My other little tip? Pack an extra phone charging cable. Someone in your travelling party is bound to forget theirs at some point!

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

I love the little things just as much as the big sightings. Finding a snake, spotting a tortoise or watching a dung beetle work tirelessly to roll its precious ball home can be just as fascinating as seeing the Big Five. But if I had to choose a favourite, it would be a leopard. They are simply magnificent, and every sighting feels special.

• Which hidden gem in Africa would you recommend to travellers, and what makes it special?

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is a destination I would happily recommend. Beyond the sheer spectacle of the Falls, there is so much to experience, from sunset cruises and wildlife activities to adventure experiences for the more daring traveller. I also appreciate the important role tourism plays in supporting local communities and livelihoods. It is a destination that offers both unforgettable experiences and a meaningful connection to the people who call it home.

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

I hope they remember that feeling of awe — watching their first African sunset, hearing the sounds of the bush and experiencing wild animals up close in their natural environment. Those are the moments that stay with you long after you return home, and the ones that make you want to come back.

 

Gloria's Favourite Destinations

 
Namibia

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 ...

Botswana

Botswana

One of Africa’s last pristine lands - from the watery paradise of the Okavango Delta, to the shimmering white saltpans of the Makgadikgadi.

Zimbabwe

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...

 

Gloria's Recommended Accommodation

 
andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

Onguma Tented Camp

Onguma Tented Camp

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

 

Gloria Out And About