Job Description

Senior Travel Consultant (Southern & East Africa)

Location: Cape Town (Southern Suburbs)

Employment Type: Permanent

Work Model: Hybrid

About the Role

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and passionate Senior Travel Consultant to join a leading luxury travel business specialising in bespoke journeys across Southern and East Africa.

This role is ideal for a highly consultative travel professional who thrives on designing exceptional, tailor-made itineraries for discerning international travellers. The successful candidate will combine deep destination expertise with outstanding client service, commercial acumen, and the ability to manage complex travel arrangements from enquiry through to post-travel follow-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manage bespoke FIT travel itineraries across Southern and East Africa
• Consult with clients to understand their travel preferences, interests, and budgets
• Provide expert destination advice, accommodation recommendations, and unique travel experiences
• Manage bookings from initial enquiry through to confirmation and travel completion
• Coordinate all travel logistics, including accommodation, flights, transfers, and activities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with lodges, hotels, DMCs, and tourism suppliers
• Deliver a high-touch, personalised service experience throughout the client journey
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance itineraries and maximise client satisfaction
• Conduct destination and market research to identify new travel products and experiences
• Assist with the development and promotion of luxury travel offerings
• Represent the business at industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities where required
• Maintain accurate booking records and client documentation using internal systems

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within luxury travel consulting, tour operating, or destination management
• Proven experience designing and selling bespoke travel itineraries across Southern and East Africa
• Experience working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clientele
• Strong destination knowledge across Southern and East Africa, including luxury lodges, hotels, and experiences
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and customer service skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex bookings simultaneously
• Commercially minded with a proven track record of achieving sales targets
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and travel reservation systems
• Relevant qualification in Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, or a related field advantageous

Key Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong consultative sales approach
• Client-centric mindset
• Excellent planning and organisational abilities
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Passion for luxury travel and creating exceptional client experiences

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package aligned with experience
• Generous uncapped performance-based incentive structure
• Medical aid and group life cover benefits
• Retirement fund contributions
• Extensive educational trips and destination familiarisation opportunities
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunity to travel within Southern and East Africa
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Hybrid working model

Profile

This opportunity is suited to a seasoned luxury travel professional who is passionate about Africa, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys creating extraordinary travel experiences for discerning international clients. The ideal candidate is commercially driven, highly organised, and capable of delivering exceptional service while managing complex, high-value itineraries.