Monique Dean
Monique has been with Giltedge Africa since 2004 – almost since the company’s founding days! With years of experience at Giltedge behind her, she still loves being part of an excellent team that keeps growing from strength to strength. Before joining us, Monique worked in the airline industry with Italian, Turkish and German inbound incentive groups as well as in the hotel and hospitality sector.
With her vast experience in all facets of the tourism industry, having visited many countries in Southern and East Africa, Monique has found her niche in inbound individual travel. She still thoroughly enjoys putting together extra-special itineraries for honeymooners and luxury travel plans for small groups.
Monique likes to make the most of Cape Town’s outdoor lifestyle. She loves cycling and seeing the coastline by road, which gives her a different perspective on South Africa’s beauty! She’s proudly South African and feels that a safari is an instant fix to modern-day stress. The smell of the African bush, that early morning coffee surrounded by silence, and being away from technology is a true escape.
What’s been your favourite safari experience?
Wow, there are so many to count but two of the most incredible experiences would be tracking and following wild dogs (who are very fast!) in the Madikwe Game Reserve. The other very unique experience was seeing approximately 50 hyenas at a kill in the Ngorongoro Crater – the noise and banter between the animals was incredible!
Pick one place in Africa that’s forever in your heart?
Without doubt that’s the Sabi Sands for me! It’s always offered outstanding game viewing and I have always seen the elusive leopard on my game drives. I know that when I go to the Sabi Sands I can truly connect with nature and daily life will feel like a million miles away.
Top tip for clients?
Personally, I am not a fan at flying in small planes. It’s taken me years to work out the perfect remedy to surviving a small aircraft flight with ease: sip ice cold water with fresh ginger during your flight, and eat ginger bon bons and peppermints! It’ll do the trick!
