Travel and Leaisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
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Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

Africa and Indian Subcontinent Travel Specialist

Catherine Soares de Melo

“The best part of being a travel specialist is having the ability to merge personal experience with exceptional places and deliver an exciting plan that you know is going to tick every box and long-held wish for the guest, based on what they are most looking forward to! It is deeply satisfying and rewarding.”

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My Travel Awards
Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024
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Get to know your travel specialist

Catherine Soares de Melo

Born and raised in Cape Town, Catherine has been lucky enough to spend most of her life travelling across Africa. Through her travels she has experienced some of the most unique areas and properties the continent has to offer, developing a weakness for sunsets and al fresco showers. With a five year stint in London and another 4 years in Lisbon, she has travelled to many far-flung corners of the world in addition to her home continent. Catherine has spent the last 17 years dedicated to designing stylish, authentic and meaningful trips for her travellers, introducing them to the countries she loves. When she’s not busy arranging adventures of a lifetime, Catherine can be found exploring the breadths of Portugal where she immigrated with her family in 2023.

Q&A

Get to know me...

What is your travel style?

Q: What is your travel style?

A: I like to see as much as possible when visiting a new area but enjoy an opportunity for a slower day here and there to really 'drink a place in' and get a true sense of where I am.

Which destination is at the top of your travel bucket list?

Q: Which destination is at the top of your travel bucket list?

A: Japan and Iceland – the scenery, culture and food; they seem completely different to anywhere else I have travelled to! But truly, Africa will never get old…Its beauty and warmth draw you in every time.

What has been one of your best travel experiences?

Q: What has been one of your best travel experiences?

A: Sri Lanka for its tropical, abundant landscapes and king coconut trees as far as the eye can see, Greece for its incredible selection of islands, warm salty breezes and delicious local fare and Zimbabwe for its sheer beauty, magnificent wildlife and the kindest people.

What My Guests Say

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Based on 47 reviews

Where I've been

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Some of my favourite...