Empowering

Leading in Sustainable and Affordable Adventure Travel

my Story:

About Backroads Africa and Ubuntu Vegan travel

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others‘. It is often described to remind us that ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. As Backroads Africa and Ubuntu Vegan Travel I understand that everything is interconnected and interdependent, and that in tourism every person, from the rental car agent to the safari guide, is equally important in creating a magical guest experience.

With a strong focus on compassionate customer service and sustainable travel, I practice and integrate Ubuntu as a consultant and a travel agent. I encourage game lodges, boutique hotels, and guesthouses to offer that genuine African hospitality, and to expand their offerings and welcome more guests seeking earth-friendly experiences.

Mission

Empowering forward thinking hospitality establishments in South Africa to successfully and profitably tap into the growing eco-conscious travel market with customised and sustainability-focused, plant-forward strategies.

Vision

Creating an African network of earth-friendly accommodations committed to sustainable and compassionate hospitality, and for South Africa to be in the top 3 of eco & vegan-friendliest tourism destinations in the world!

Values

Veganism (do as little harm as possible), Ubuntu, Compassion, Sustainability, Innovation, Integrity, and Passion guide my every interaction and strategy.

my Journey:

growing in south africa

I am an accredited HCA Health and CNS Plant-Based Nutrition Coach, a certified Vegan Hospitality consultant, a vegan travel agent and a passionate advocate of sustainability in the food and tourism sector. I am also the Coordinator/Liaison for the Plant Based Treaty in South Africa.

My passion for hospitality and travel stems from 25+ years of inbound travel experience, which started when I moved from my native Netherlands to South Africa in 2000. My experience ranges from guiding overland camping safaris through Southern Africa to 15 years of owning my own boutique travel agency – Backroads Africa – which has created a keen understanding of the tourism industry and a passionate dedication to not only meeting, but exceeding the expectations of all of my clients.

Having been a health-conscious whole-food plant-based vegan since 2018, I experienced first-hand the slow adjustment to a more plant-forward and sustainability-minded culture in South Africa. Today, the vegan movement has grown to become an unstoppable and ever-growing snowball, with many travelers to South Africa looking for compassionate customer service and plant-forward and sustainable food and travel experiences. As Ubuntu Vegan Travel I cater to this expanding travel market.

I currently live in a small fairytale cottage on the edge of the forest at Peace of Eden Vegan Nature Lodge in Knysna, Western Cape, with my (plant-based) township dog, Bug.

HCA South Africa

Plant-Based Nutrition

Vegan Hospitality

Food & Sustainability

Ethical Globe

Plant Based Treaty SA

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Contact me to begin creating your tailor-made African adventure, designed around your unique wishes and budget. Africa holds an adventure for everyone – one that will stay with you and change you forever.

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