Elaine was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa. Being part of a close-knit family, travelling always formed a major part of her school years, which led to her love and interest in exploring and travel. Living in Pretoria meant only one thing – centrally based to reach so many amazing destinations in any direction – and that is exactly what she (and her family) did. Spending time around a campfire with friends and loved ones in Africa is the one thing everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Elaine was fortunate enough to have grown up knowing this as home.

Even while studying (Interior Design at Pretoria University of Technology) nothing could stop her from jumping on a plane or behind the wheel of her car for a road trip. Armed with a camera and a spirit of adventure, she navigated South Africa from top to bottom.

South Africa is a magical country and has the ability to take your breath away every single day and being part of that made it extra special for her. Places fondly remembered and still visited to this day include the beautiful Cape Winelands, the vast and rugged Karoo, the captivating Garden Route in the Eastern Cape, the sandy beaches and blue waters of Sodwana Bay, and the majestic Kruger National Park to name a few.

Always seeking to broaden her horizons, she also travelled to various other African countries. These include Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Mauritius. After getting married, the travelling did not stop, and after visiting countries in Europe, it was ultimately Scotland that stole her heart.

Being based in Scotland (Edinburgh) since 2021, she joined Aardvark Safaris in 2023 as Travel Concierge. She aims to combine her vast experience in office administration, sales, finance, and creative design with her knowledge and love for Africa to deliver unforgettable experiences for every client.

Apart from her love for travel, she enjoys spending time with her dogs and the outdoors, visiting new coffee shops and restaurants, cooking with her husband (around an open fire of course), and outdoor photography.