Tess van der Winsor

Tess van der Winsor

Senior Travel Researcher

Growing up in South Africa near the ocean and wide-open landscapes instilled in me a love for the outdoors. Family holidays were filled with horse riding, hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains, and safaris in KwaZulu-Natal and road trips to the Eastern Cape, fostering an early appreciation for wildlife conservation.

My parents' adventurous tales from East Africa and Zimbabwe sparked my thirst for travel and exploration. Living in both South Africa and the UK, I've journeyed to diverse destinations, but Cape Town holds a special place in my heart. While living there, I enjoyed plenty of hikes and the vibrant food scene. Weekend getaways to nearby wineries and impromptu adventures like paragliding off Signal Hill added to the excitement.

I have worked in the travel industry since 2008, specialising in creating unforgettable trips to Africa for the last 12 years while slowly growing my knowledge of this beautiful continent. Some of my most memorable experiences include hot air ballooning in the Maasai Mara, waking up to views of Mt Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, and hearing lions roar so loudly in Botswana that I could feel the vibrations in my chest. More recently, gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda provided a profound connection with these magnificent primates.

I'm thrilled to be part of the Niarra team and share my passion for travel with like-minded people. To be able to create uplifting memories for my clients is an absolute pleasure. I am so grateful to be working in an industry where we can make a difference together, simply by making positive and conscious decisions that benefit everyone.

Overview

Tess van der Winsor's
travels

  • Morocco

    Morocco

    From its imperial cities to the Sahara, Morocco feels exotic in places and unlike anywhere else I had been before.
  • TESS giraffe insta

    Kenya

    I was totally blown away the first time I arrived in the Mara. From the spectacular and contrasting landscapes, to the sheer abundance of wildlife, it completely blew me away! Yes, meeting the endangered Rothschild giraffes was also a delight, as seen here!
  • Tess Lions Head 2

    South Africa

    I fell in love with Cape Town after living here for 5 years. It's a beautiful city framed by an iconic mountain and the ocean. The range of experiences to enjoy is immense, from outdoor pursuits to art to the incredible food and wine scene. Here is a pic of me, mid hiking Lions Head.

Tess van der Winsor's
stories

Mountain cutout 2
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The world is at your feet

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