Zoë Asmal

Zoë Asmal is a Travel Designer at South African Travellers. Born in Zaandam in the Netherlands and Irish by nationality, she carries a family history deeply tied to South Africa: her grandfather, an anti-apartheid activist, was exiled from the country until Nelson Mandela's release in 1990. When he returned, the family settled in South Africa, where Zoë has grown up since 1997.

South Africa is far more than a destination to her: it is her anchor. She sells it with a conviction and depth few can match — and did so long before officially joining the tourism industry. At South African Travellers she creates up to 200 to 300 itineraries a year, specialising in tailor-made trips for families, friends and honeymooners: safaris, coastal escapes, Winelands immersion and nature experiences.

Her argument for South Africa is unbeatable: the country covers 9 terrestrial biomes, making it one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world. Zoë is a native English and Dutch speaker, and is learning French.