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About us

About DesignAfrique

DesignAfrique is a destination management company based in Cape Town, focused on Southern and Eastern Africa. We specialize in the ground-handling of tailormade FIT and Group Tours in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Each itinerary is exclusively put together and run, according to each individual client’s specific requirements, wishes and needs. We ensure to give each tour the detail oriented time and attention it requires to ensure a once in a lifetime unique experience.  Our passion for Southern Africa paired with personal service and many years of experience in the tourism industry ensures a custom-made dream holiday.

Our team

Meet the Team

DesignAfrique arranges bespoke trips to Southern Africa and Eastern Africa, covering South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Every itinerary is distinct and personalized according to your preferences for an exceptional vacation in the region. Meet the team behind your dream trip.

Bettina Marchel

Founder/Managing Director

I was born in Austria, and already from a young age I was fascinated by different cultures and countries. When I turned 19 years old I got the opportunity to work in a travel agency which provided me with the possibility to visit various countries all over the world. I travelled extensively in Europe and was very fortunate to visit America, Asia the Caribbean sea, Dubai  and many other places.

Over the years,  travelling and sharing my experiences with other people became a big passion of mine.  In 2012 I fulfilled a long dream and travelled for the first time to Kenya, East Africa and fell immediately in love with this fascinating continent. I was totally impressed with the wildlife, the bush and the different cultures and decided that’s the place where I want to live. A few months later I was sitting in the airplane on my way to Africa and moved in 2013 to Cape Town.

In 2015 I started working for an inbound tour operator and gained my first experiences in selling Southern Africa. In 2019 I decided to use my expertise and knowledge and opened my own inbound destination company. One of my biggest goals is to share my love for Africa by creating unforgettable journeys for my clients. It absolutely fulfils me to work with people and to combine my biggest hobby travelling with my work. I travel as much as I can to be always up to date and be able to create new exciting trips for my clients.

I have travelled extensively in South Africa and visited places such as the Garden Route the Kruger National Park, Kwazulu Natal, Pilanesberg, the malaria-free Madikwe Private Game Reserve, and much more. I have been very fortunate to stay at a number of luxury lodges all over the country. Besides South Africa, I have travelled to one of my favourite destinations Botswana, the unforgettable Victoria Falls, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia and Zambia.

Christiane Verweyen

Senior Travel Consultant

I am originally from Northern Germany and  since 1996 live in South Africa and specifically since the year 2000, in Cape Town. I started my wonderful journey in the tourism industry at DER Touristik Germany in 1989 and after a family break, I returned to the industry in 2005.

Ever since I can remember, I have always been enthusiastic about other countries, diverse cultures, languages, and culinary delights. My customer inquiries are answered promptly, and my offers are completed accurately and comprehensively to the highest standard in cooperation with the client. Most important to me is that our clients experience their personal Southern African trip with the greatest satisfaction and enjoy all that these magnificent places have to offer to the fullest.

I have travelled extensively in South Africa and visited places along the beautiful Garden Route, Kruger National Park, KwaZulu Natal and the Pilanesberg mountains. Besides South Africa, I have experienced other African countries through travelling such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya, and Namibia.

testimonial

Top Reviews for DesignAfrique

"What an incredibly beautiful trip! The biggest thanks goes to you Bettina. You made it possible for us to have a trip perfectly tailored to our needs. The lodges were all very nice. We felt very comfortable in every single one. The trip was totally problem free and if we had any questions we could contact you at any time. We were able to experience the Big5 up close and visited the most beautiful places in South Africa thanks to your tips. A breathtaking trip that we will never forget. We will definitely come back again. “

Hassan Ayoub

“What a great trip! Although Bettina didn’t know us at all, we felt Bettina’s proposal for our trip was greatly tailored to our personal preference! We enjoyed every detail of the tour, accommodation was very special for each single stay, the tour, and the travel distance was wisely chosen and everything worked out really great. Thanks Bettina for collating this wonderful trip! If we ever come back we would definitely like to rely on your expertise again and will recommend you to our friends!”

Antje Blank

Bettina has designed the best tour of South Africa we can imagine. She has booked the best places for us to stay, relax, and enjoy and at a very competitive price. We had a fantastic trip (game drive, diving, visits, shark watching...). Bettina was available and helpful for us all along the process of booking. Don't look any further, book your trip to South Africa with Bettina and DesignAfrique Tours!!!

Virginie Barrere

"The tour was tailored to our needs - with all our wishes. The support during our trip was perfect! We were able to experience the Big5 up close and we have seen many animals. In addition we also saw "Wild dogs". The lodges were beautiful and we felt very comfortable everywhere. I would give more stars if there were more stars! Always gladly again!"

Elisabeth Rechling

"Thank you very much for the great planning of my SA trip. Everything worked out great and I was able to enjoy everything stress-free. It was nice to meet you personally and to meet you with a nice welcome and a wonderful evening together I started in Cape Town thanks to you."

Sunny Vogt

“ Bettina at DesignAfrique Tours helped me plan the most amazing honeymoon. She was extremely professional and communicative. She has an extremely broad base of knowledge about South Africa and all of its gems. From safari to wine country, our trip was seamless. And as a local of Cape Town, and having lived in Johannesburg in the past, she has a great pulse on the local life, able to recommend dining spots, bars, and even hikes. 100% recommend DesignAfrique Tours to plan all of your South Africa travel booking needs.”

Paul Nguyenfa