Meet The Team
Passionate professionals dedicated to crafting unforgettable safari experiences
Courteney & Cecilia Blunden
About Courteney & Cecilia
Courteney has always had a passion for wildlife and the safari experience. He started his professional journey as a safari guide over 20 years ago, and the knowledge and understanding he gained from this helped lay the foundation for his work with Sun Destinations.
Cecilia began her journey in the safari industry by working on the front-of-house staff at a lodge. This role helped her to gain a strong understanding of guest experience, lodge operations and the importance of personal service. She worked her way up in the industry, building the operational and guest-focused expertise that would later underpin the success of Sun Destinations.
Courteney and Cecilia opened their first camp, Africa on Foot, in 2007. Africa on Foot is a pioneering walking safari that became known for its authenticity and exceptional guiding. Courteney and Cecilia, later, established Sun Destinations to represent a portfolio of like-minded safari properties built on genuine experiences and strong guiding principles.
Today, Courteney and Cecilia co-own Africa on Foot, nThambo Tree Camp, Chacma Bush Camp, and Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails. Courteney remains closely involved in ensuring that each property stays true to its roots and Cecilia continues to play a key role in shaping the business, both with a strong focus on exceptional guest experiences.
A gregarious personality, Courteney is always ready to regale the team with a joke or a funny anecdote. A steadying force on the team, Cecilia leads with kindness. Her keen eye for design is important for all properties.
Mallory Kuyk-Michaels
About Mallory
Mallory’s love of nature and wildlife began as a child when she would visit the Kruger National Park with her family during school holidays. This gave her a clear understanding of how meaningful such experiences can be for guests. She has a background in operations, finance, and human resources, and previously worked in a more traditional corporate environment.
As Head of Operations, Mallory oversees everything from trade relationships and guest experience to digital systems and team development, all to ensure our guests and trade partners receive the best. She makes sure that everything runs smoothly in all departments and engages with internal and external parties. A hands-on leader, she is often found fielding calls, liaising with various stakeholders and representing Sun Destinations at trade shows and events. She knows the brand inside and out and is an encyclopedia of knowledge about the safari industry, Sun Destinations and the wildlife in the area.
Mallory’s favourite safari memory took place at nThambo Tree Camp while tracking a pride of lions with the legendary tracker Isaac. His instinct, experience, and quiet confidence, stepping into the bush alone and predicting exactly where the lions would emerge, left a lasting impression and perfectly captured the magic of safari guiding at its best.
Outside of work, Mallory enjoys spending time with her husband and her dog, Phoebe, binge-watching series (Gilmore Girls is her favourite), and reading. Mallory is a strong presence in the office, always ready to offer a word of advice, tell a story, or entertain the team with her infectious laugh.
About working at Sun Destinations, Mallory loves the fact that we’re involved with some guests’ once-in-a-lifetime journeys. She says that a safari can be a truly transformative experience, and we have the privilege of creating those magical moments.
Dream / favourite safari destination: Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Never goes on safari without: Lip balm
Favourite sundowner: Amarula on ice (or a crisp G&T at golden hour)
- favorite package:
Monique Grobler
About Monique
It was her love of wildlife and conservation that encouraged Monique to work in the safari and travel industry. She has been with Sun Destinations since 2019 and has become an integral part of the team. She takes pride in connecting travellers with meaningful safari experiences while delivering exceptional service every step of the way.
According to Monique, safaris are important because it allows people the chance to take in the beauty of wildlife while still respecting the animals and their space. She says that life can get so busy and overwhelming, but spending a few days in the bush is the best kind of reset.
A standout experience for her is a recent trip to Chacma Bush Camp, where an extended lion-tracking experience highlighted the beauty of patience and the unpredictability that makes unfenced reserves so special.
The social butterfly of the team, Monique’s infectious energy makes the office a lively place filled with laughter and conversation. In her free time, Monique enjoys wine tasting, music (her go-to karaoke song is If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys), and watching classic films like Twilight and The Lord of the Rings.
What Monique loves most about working at Sun Destinations is being part of a company that genuinely cares about conservation, community, and sharing the raw beauty of the wilderness.
Dream / favourite safari destination: Botswana or Zambia
One thing you can never go on safari without: A good book to enjoy during quiet moments between game drives.
Favourite post-game-drive sundowner: There is nothing better than a sunset with a gin & tonic in hand.
- favorite package:
Caryn Welby-Solomon
About Caryn
Caryn’s interest in the link between community and conservation prompted her to join the safari industry. A journalist for over ten years and before that a digital marketing officer, Caryn has always championed the power of digital tools to promote and support the work of community outreach.
As Copywriter and Digital Content Specialist, Caryn writes all the content for Sun Destinations and provides the strategy and content for social media and the blog. She is passionate about bringing the amazing work done by the various properties to the forefront and celebrating the guides, trackers, and moments that you don’t usually see.
Her most memorable safari experiences both have to do with the magnificence of the wildlife. Once, while on a game drive, her party was chased by a rhino in their vehicle, and once while staying in a tree house, she woke up and saw a giraffe outside of her window.
Outside of work, she is a pop culture aficionado and loves visiting museums, art galleries, the theatre, and the cinema. She can talk for hours about history, feminism, and film. In the office, Caryn likes regaling the team with fun facts and funny stories.
About working at Sun Destinations, Caryn said that she loves the people, the energy, and the opportunity to introduce travellers to the beauty of Africa and wildlife.
Dream / favourite safari destination: Kenya
One thing you can never go on safari without: A camera! The beauty of nature is something that you want to relive over and over again through your photographs.
Favourite post-game-drive sundowner: A crisp glass of white wine is always a win for me
- favorite package:
Alesia Graham
About Alesia
For Alesia, her love for safari was ignited on her honeymoon to nThambo Tree Camp and Chacma Bush Camp. About it, she said, “It completely opened our eyes to the beauty of the bush. There’s something truly special and unforgettable about being immersed in nature that way.”
As Administrator at Sun Destinations, Alesia creates smooth processes to support both customers and the internal teams to move smoothly. Originally from Cape Town, Alesia has a background in sales administration and client services. She joined the travel industry because she was ready for a new challenge and stated she was eager to grow in an industry that offers such meaningful and memorable experiences.
Outside of work, Alesia enjoys building puzzles, wine tasting, and watching sitcoms and romantic comedies. In the office, Alesia is the glue of the team with her warm and affable nature. She said what she loves about the Sun Destinations’ team is that everyone is incredibly friendly and has a great sense of humour.
Dream / favourite safari destination: Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park
One thing you can never go on safari without: Binoculars!
Favourite post-game-drive sundowner: Little G&T
- favorite package:
Christene Caetano
About Christene
A core belief of Christene’s is that meaningful experiences and lasting memories are more important than material items. She carries this into every aspect of her life, and it is this that led her to work in the safari industry. Growing up in Pretoria East, she originally wanted to be an architect, but a particularly memorable experience at a walking safari and tented camp in the Kruger National Park solidified her love of the wild.
At Sun Destinations, Christene is the Accounts Administrator for Africa on Foot, nThambo Tree Camp, and Chacma Bush Camp. She manages the day-to-day accounts administration across the three camps. She also provides personal assistant support to Sun Destinations’ directors, Courteney and Cecilia Blunden.
Outside of work, Christene is a keen gardener and enjoys good comedy. About working at Sun Destinations, she said that her highlight is the people she works alongside and the supportive environment that they have developed.
Dream / favourite safari destination: Zimbabwe
Never goes on safari without: A hair tie
Favourite sundowner: Brandy & Coke
- favorite package:
Amy Williams
About Amy
For Amy, it is how safari travel helps people connect with nature, discover new places, and have memorable experiences, which prompted her to move into the safari industry. She has a strong background in customer service, administration, and operations, and previously worked in e-commerce.
At Sun Destinations, she works as a Reservation Consultant, assisting agents with planning and booking safari experiences in the Kruger and Botswana regions. She brings excellent communication skills and a calm, organised approach to every booking, ensuring a smooth experience from first enquiry to final confirmation.
Her most memorable moment on safari was at Nyala Safari Lodge, where they witnessed a leopard resting in a tree on one side and three lionesses lounging nearby on the other. The stillness of that moment made it incredibly special.
Amy is our resident baker, known for her delicious treats and beautiful confections. Outside of work, she can often be found spending time with her friends and family, watching crime shows, and wine tasting. In the office, the team is used to Amy’s impromptu singing (her favourite is Justin Bieber) and her friendly attitude. About working at Sun Destinations, Amy said that she likes being part of a team that is genuinely passionate about wildlife and travel, and added that everyone is always willing to help where needed.
Dream / favourite safari destination: Botswana & Kenya
One thing you can never go on safari without: Sunscreen (I learnt that the hard way), and a good quality camera to capture all those amazing moments and memories
Favourite post-game-drive sundowner: Gin and tonic or an ice-cold beer
- favorite package:
Shondre Lomas
About Shondre
Shondre has always had a love for animals and nature. As a child growing up in Cape Town, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. And now, with over a decade of experience in the travel and tourism industry, she uses her knowledge and passion to connect guests with unique travel experiences.
As a Reservations Consultant, Shondre focuses on the Kruger Park portfolio, where she enjoys helping guests connect with nature, experience authentic safari lodges, and create journeys that inspire a deeper appreciation for the wild.
Her most memorable safari moment was when, during a morning game drive, she experienced two lions communicating with powerful mating calls just meters from the vehicle. This left a lasting impression on her.
Outside of the office, Shondre enjoys spending time with her son, watching series (especially Friends, which she is constantly binge-watching), and singing Disney songs. At work, her friendly and positive attitude makes teamwork work smoothly and creates an atmosphere of support and kindness.
Dream / favourite safari destination: Botswana
Never goes on safari without: A camera and lip balm
Favourite sundowner: Gin & tonic
- favorite package:
Andrea McEwan
About Andrea
It was her appreciation for nature, adventure, and meaningful travel that encouraged Andrea to work in the safari and travel industry. She joined Sun Destinations after seven years in hospitality, social media, and international customer support.
As a Reservations Consultant, Andrea is highly detail-oriented and plays an important role in managing reservations, itinerary changes, and guest support. Her previous experience in hospitality, catering, and international travel campaigns translates seamlessly into her current role, where she liaises closely with lodge managers, transfer companies, and travel agents to ensure a smooth experience from enquiry through to post-stay.
Outside of work, Andrea enjoys watching binge-watching series (High Potential is her favourite) and spending time with her friends and family. In the office, Andrea’s positive attitude and supportive nature make her an indelible part of the team.
Andrea’s favourite part about working for Sun Destinations is that she gets to represent such a carefully curated portfolio of safari lodges and connect with agents and guests from around the world to share the magic of Africa.
Dream / favourite safari destination: Any of Sun Destination’s safaris
One thing you can never go on safari without: Chapstick. I hate dry lips
Favourite post-game-drive sundowner: A Hunters Gold
- favorite package:
Eslyn Van Der Sandt
About Eslyn
Originally from the town of Phalaborwa, Limpopo, Eslyn has over 30 years of experience in finance and administration. Eslyn has a passion for developing and training others, and as a child, she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. She has now transferred that love into supporting and empowering her fellow team members at Sun Destinations.
She said what she likes most about the safari industry is that no two days are the same and that she is constantly exploring and discovering something new. Eslyn enjoys meeting guests from around the world and being able to share her knowledge of African cultures.
Her favourite safari memory was a multi-day walking safari in the Hluhluwe – Imfolozi Park and discovering that they were walking in the oldest game reserve in Africa. She enjoyed the rhino conservation, birdlife, and the fact that the park had a sense of solitude.
When she is not working, Eslyn enjoys playing squash and catching up with the doctors at Grey’s Anatomy. About working with Sun Destinations, Eslyn says she likes that she is a part of something truly meaningful and that she is part of the work that is being done to sustain wildlife.
Dream / favourite safari destination: Serengeti National Park
One thing you can never go on safari without: Mosquito repellent
Favourite post-game-drive sundowner: Ice cold Black Label
- favorite package:
Corlia Oosthuizen-Pelser
About Corlia
Born and raised in Pretoria, Corlia has always had a deep love for nature and the wilderness. She has over 15 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, where she discovered her passion for creating meaningful travel experiences. Over time, this has developed into her current career as a tour operator, specialising in custom-designed itineraries across Southern Africa.
According to Corlia, she is driven by the possibility of creating unforgettable memories for her clients and the challenge of creating something unique and personal. She lists Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails as an unforgettable safari. “Tracking wildlife on foot and learning to read the bush with an expert guide is both humbling and exhilarating,” she said about the experience.
Outside of work, Corlia enjoys travelling, cooking, reading, and rewatching her favourite sitcoms like Friends and How I Met Your Mother. While at work, she says she loves how creative and supportive the Sun Destination team is, so that even the busiest days feel fun.
Dream / favourite safari destination: The Lower Zambezi in Zambia – remote, untamed, and filled with incredible landscapes and wildlife.
One thing you can never go on safari without: Binoculars – they completely transform your experience by letting you observe even the smallest details.
Favourite post-game-drive sundowner: A classic gin and tonic with lots of fresh lime, enjoyed under an acacia tree as the sun dips below the horizon
- favorite package:
Rosemary Marx
About Rosemary
African travel has always been in Rosemary’s blood. Her grandfather lived in Kenya, and her father grew up on a farm in Mozambique. This prompted her to study Game Ranging and Game Lodge Management, and she worked in various lodges in Zimbabwe and the Kruger National Park. Rosemary and her game ranger husband, Anthony, have travelled extensively throughout Africa.
At Sun Destinations, Rosemary uses her extensive knowledge of lodges, wildlife and bespoke itineraries to create unforgettable experiences for guests around Africa. Her most memorable safari experience was when she was working in the Kruger National Park and had the privilege of witnessing Duke, a legendary “super tusker” with record-breaking ivory, up close. This memory embodied the awe and majesty of the African wilderness.
About working at Sun Destinations, Rosemary said, “Guests are spoiled for choice with amazing destinations in Africa, and with the on-the-ground knowledge and expertise of the SD team. I love making dreams come true for our guests.”
Dream / favourite safari destination: Ethiopia – to see Africa’s only wolf, the Ethiopian wolf.
One thing you can never go on safari without: My husband, Anthony!
Favourite post-game-drive sundowner: Amarula on crushed ice in summer, and Hot Chocolate with a splash of Amarula in winter.
- favorite package:
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