Our team
Meet the Team
DesignAfrique specialises in customised trips to Southern Africa and Eastern Africa, which include destinations such as South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Each itinerary is tailored to your preferences, ensuring a unique and personalised vacation experience in the region. Meet the team behind your dream trip.
Bettina Marchel
Founder/Managing Director
I was born in Austria, and from a young age, I was fascinated by different cultures and countries. When I turned 19 years, I got the opportunity to work at a travel agency which provided me with the opportunity to visit various countries all over the world. I travelled extensively in Europe and was extremely fortunate to visit America, Asia the Caribbean Sea, Dubai and many other places.
Over the years, travelling and sharing my experiences became a big passion of mine. In 2012 I fulfilled a dream and travelled for the first time to Kenya, in East Africa and fell in love immediately with this fascinating continent. I was impressed with the wildlife, the bush and the different cultures and decided that was the place where I wanted to live. A few months later I was sitting in the airplane on my way to Africa and moved to Cape Town in 2013.
In 2015 I started working for an inbound tour operator and gained experience selling Southern Africa. In 2019 I decided to use my expertise and knowledge to open 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 motivates me to work with people and to combine my biggest hobby, travelling, with my work. I travel as much as possible to be up-to-date and create new exciting trips for my clients.
I have travelled extensively in South Africa and visited various 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 several luxury lodges all over. 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 have lived in South Africa and 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 Southern African trip with the greatest satisfaction and enjoy all thesemagnificent places to the fullest.
Louise De villiers
Senior Travel Consultant
I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa and am your travel expert for Southern Africa. Since I can remember, I have always had a passion for working with people and enjoyed getting to know different countries and cultures. Growing up, I was fortunate to travel extensively across South Africa, developing a deep appreciation for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and all the wonders our beautiful country offers. This passion led me to study Tourism after finishing school.
Since completing my studies in 2000, I have been dedicated to the travel industry. I take great joy in assisting people from around the world in exploring South Africa and Southern Africa. I am passionate about promoting Southern Africa as a premier holiday destination and am committed to providing the highest level of service.
With my experience and positive attitude, I strive to offer the best possible assistance in planning your dream trip. I have visited places like the Garden Route, Eswatini, Kwazulu Natal, and Kruger National Park. it is my pleasure to share my passion and knowledge I have gained on my various trips with you.