Hector van der Walt
Hector served as a founding partner of GILTEDGE INCENTIVES from 2006 to 2017. A hiatus in his career took him on a global walkabout to Japan, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, and Southern Africa. During his time away, he managed safari lodges in the Okavango Delta and explored the remote parts of Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho with his trusted Landy. His love for the outdoors, adventure and long-distance walking includes several trails in Mpumalanga, the Western Cape, the Drakensberg, the Wild Coast, Japan, Spain, Italy and Portugal.
Returning home to the GILTEDGE Tribe as an Africa Travel Expert, Hector now designs bespoke travel experiences across Africa, which reflects his passion for conservation and a deep love and understanding for Africa.
What’s been your favourite safari experience?
Many have been throughout South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. But perhaps the most memorable was my first safari experience – a family holiday during the early 70’s through Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. My dad’s trusted Peugeot 707 and his love for nature photography took us to remote parts of the park, where we discovered isolated watering holes teaming with plains game, elephants, and lions.
Pick one place in Africa that’s forever in your heart?
Kukonje Island is located on the Eastern shores of the mirage-like Makgadikgadi pan. Pitching a tent under towering baobabs and watching flocks of ostriches appear like a dream – as they dance against endless horizons to the sound of silence.
Top tip for clients?
Pack light and travel with a purpose. Detox from social media and keep your mobile phone on silent. An African Safari can be life-changing.
