Meet the Ker & Downey® Africa team

Lee Kelsall is our CEO, although he prefers the title Chief Adventure Officer internally. He is passionate about travel and is committed to leaving a positive legacy for his children and the communities that he serves. 

Sarah is one of our most seasoned travel pros. With 15 African countries ticked off her bucket list, Sarah’s firsthand experience gives her unique insight in planning a seamless African safari experience.

With 24 years of experience in the travel industry, Lisa’s Southern and East African product knowledge is second to none. She is also our go-to expert on sustainable travel practices and African family travel.

Jenieen is responsible for creating a seamless client experience and boasts 10 years of experience in the travel industry.

Brondwyn is our Travel Administrator and has over seven years experience in the travel industry. She is very technology focused.

Peter is responsible for the seamless operations at Ker & Downey® Africa and boasts over 11 years in the travel and tourism industry.

Lauren is a Personal Travel Advisor with over 14 years experience and has extension knowledge of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Jessica is the trusted advisor for our private clients. She has over 9 years of experience in the industry and is a valued member of the Ker & Downey® Africa team.

 With 20 years of experience in the luxury travel industry and 40 countries ticked off his bucket list, Marcelo is one of our most seasoned travelers, and managers to date.

With over 22 years in the safari industry and 50 countries ticked off her list, Danalee is one of our most experienced travel consultants at Ker & Downey® Africa DMC.

With more than 8 years of experience in the travel industry, Zanél is our trusted Travel Assistant at Ker & Downey Africa North America.

With over 15 years experience in the travel industry, Irina successfully heads the Ker & Downey® Africa Russia & Eastern Europe DMC. 

Born in Sweden and based in Cape Town, Bente joins our Russia & Eastern Europe DMC division as a Senior Travel Consultant. She has over 14 years of experience in the travel industry and is a valued addition to the team. 

Born in Saint-Petersburg and based in Cape Town, Milana is our trusted Operations Consultant for our Russia & Eastern Europe DMC division.

With 14 years of experience in the luxury travel industry in both Brazil and South Africa, Luana’s background has given her a unique insight into the needs of boutique tour operators and the demands of valuable clients.

With 8 years of experience in the travel industry and 27 countries ticked off his bucket list, Paulo is one of our most seasoned B2B sales consultants.

With 19 years of experience in the travel industry in both Brazil and Southern Africa, Adriana’s expertise lends herself to boutique agents in Portuguese Speaking Markets.

Since joining Ker & Downey® Africa in 2014, Silke has built up our German DMC division from the ground-up. Her three-man team specialises in 6-star luxury travel to Africa.

With 17 years of experience in the travel industry, Patrick is the perfect addition to the three-man German division.

Johanna has worked in the travel industry for 6 years and has lived the African dream for 4. Her adventurous and positive nature makes her a great addition to Silke’s team.

Korshad has 12 years of experience in selling luxury African travel for the Chinese & Hong Kong markets.

David has 12 years of experience in sales and marketing of luxury travel in Chinese markets making him the perfect addition to our China & Hong Kong division.

Wendy is the Social Media Manager for our China & Hong Kong team and is based in Shanghai. 

Emma’s African travel knowledge goes far beyond her 5 years in the travel industry. She is is perfectly suited to this role.

Cassandra is our devoted Head of Group Manager who is at the core of our success as a company.

Anita is our trusted Assistant Accountant, and the right hand woman to our Head of Group Finance.

With almost a decade of experience in the luxury travel industry and a variety of African destinations ticked off her travel list, Cynthia’s first-hand experience makes her the perfect fit to head our French division.

With over 25 countries ticked off her bucket list and over 5 years of experience in the travel industry, Catalina joins the Latin America team as our trusted Travel Consultant.

Renata joined the Ker & Downey® Africa team in 2021 and brings with her 23 years of experience in the tourism industry from marketing, commercial, and product management.