Born and raised in Germany, Melanie took a gap year after finishing her studies and travelled around the world; she ended up in Africa where she fell in love with both the continent and Walter. They subsequently married and have built up Safari Online together. Resident in South Africa since 2007, Melanie has a Business Administration degree and handles the accounting and administration at Safari Online. Walter and Melanie have two children together and when she is not busy with Safari Online the two boys keep her more than busy. A self-confessed travel-lover, she also loves being a mom and being able to continue her work at Safari Online.
One of my favourite memories is waking up to the sounds of the Zambezi River at Islands of Siankaba, a beautiful lodge overlooking the river near Victoria Falls. The lodge is situated on two private islands in the middle of the Zambezi – it’s the ultimate in romance and tranquillity.
What I also really like about this destination is that it is so close to the Chobe National Park in Botswana, so you can combine awe-inspiring Victoria Falls with Botswana’s amazing wildlife – go during the dry season for unbelievable numbers of elephants at the Zambezi and Chobe rivers.
I love game drives but boat cruises in the Okavango Delta are my favourite way to explore. You’ll spot hippos and crocodiles plus so many different birds as you slowly cruise along, not to mention all the animals that come to the water’s edge to drink. It’s so relaxing and tranquil, and a boat cruise always finishes the day at the best sunset spot.
And I love African sunsets! Experiencing the beauty of a glorious sunset on the Chobe River or the Okavango Delta is almost unbeatable: seeing the beauty of the changing colours in the sky while reflecting on the wilderness around me is an amazing experience.
