Christine Grant

Christine first came to Africa as a young woman and immediately felt a connection which has never allowed her to leave. She lived in Johannesburg and in Knysna on the Garden Route, but came to Cape Town 22 years ago and realised it was where she wanted to be! She has been a tour guide throughout South Africa for the past 20 years and her love of all things green and growing has led to her specialisation in flora, especially of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

What is your favourite place in Africa?
My favourite place has to be Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in South Africa – it truly is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, with its stunning backdrop of Table Mountain, and I am fortunate enough to be a tiny part of what makes it work, as a volunteer garden guide, and a volunteer at the educational centre there.

What is your most memorable experience in Africa?
My most memorable experiences here in Africa have been on my beloved Table Mountain where I have hiked and guided extensively for the last 22 years. I’ve also done much rock climbing on the crags and have some remarkable memories of nailbiting adventureS. Jumping off the mountain to do a tandem paraglide was quite memorable too.  I climbed Mount Kenya some years ago too, which was unforgettable. Scuba diving with whale sharks, ragged tooth sharks and dolphins in Sodwana, in the north east of South Africa, also rates up there with the best.

Where would you like to visit next and why?
I would very much like to return to the Okavango Delta, especially when the water is high, or to some of the wonderful lodges in South Africa, like Londolozi and Mala Mala. I find the birdlife fascinating and of course love to see the different plants and flowers in other parts of the country – always acknowledging that the fynbos of the Western Cape is unique beyond compare.

What's your best advice for someone travelling to Africa?
‘Just do it’! You will see a world in one continent, with so much to offer the traveler. Exquisite scenery, great experiences and friendly people