Meet The Team

Destroy

Chris Fortescue

South African born and bred, Chris has lived and worked in the UK Travel Industry since 1994. He loves travelling, sport, fishing, cooking (especially hosting braai's where he and his faithful tongs can be found in all weather!!), all accompanied by another of his passions, fine wines! Chris is married with three children, which although chaotic at times keeps him young! Chris is a founder of Africa Collection and enjoys the dynamic nature of the travel industry as a director of the company.

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James Westrip

James has worked in the travel industry in the UK in many sectors & capacities since 1987, and has been involved with tourism to Africa since 1993. James considers himself a 'travel junkie' and unless he has a holiday booked or being planned he feels as though he is going 'cold turkey'. He now travels with his family, encouraging his children to be citizens of the world! James is a founder member of the Africa Collection team (from July 2000) & is a director of the company. 

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Lee-Anne Carnell

Lee-Anne has been with Africa Collection for 10 years and looks after the finance and accounts. She was born in South Africa and started her travel experience while there and 20 years later is still within the industry. Lee-Anne serves on the committee of SATAO in the capacity of Treasurer and when not in the office is playing 'Mum's taxi' for her 2 children. 

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Becca Spurgeon

After studying an NVQ in Travel and Tourism at College, Becca started with Africa Collection in September 2004. First joining the company as an administration assistant she grew a passion for web management and is now part of the website team managing the ever growing website and handling the on-line enquiries. Becca's main interest's are travelling and having visited many countries, she feels Southern Africa is still at the top of her list. 

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Brad Bennetts

Brad has worked for Africa Collection since October 2005. Born in South Africa he managed an upmarket Lodge in the Battlefields region for 5 years before moving to the UK. At Africa Collection Brad is part of the reservations team and is also responsible for Travel Agent Sales calls throughout the UK. Brad has a passion for travel and having travelled to many different destinations around the world he truly believes South Africa offers the 'World in One Country'!

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Laura Turley

Laura joined Africa Collection in January 2008. Initially fulfilling an admin role Laura quickly decided that she wanted to get more involved in the reservations side of the business and has now been part of the reservations team since 2009. When not working Laura enjoys active outdoor pursuits such as skiing & snowboarding, travelling generally & the company of friends and family (who know her as 'Big Mamma'). In 2012 she is hoping to climb Mount Kilimanjaro!

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Wendy Baker-Gourley

Wendy has worked in the finance department since March 2010.  Brought up in Singapore in her early years, she followed in her parent footsteps and worked within the airline industry, previously working for Continental Airlines for 19 years based at Gatwick Customer Service Admin role.  She has been fortunate to explore the globe travelling to Australia, Mexico, North Africa to mention a few.  She has yet to experience the wonders of Southern Africa, this is on her to do list!     

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Amy Wheeler

Amy has always been inspired by wildlife, the outdoors and travel. After travelling across North America , she settled into her studies of Nature Conservation and Hotel Lodge Management, which led to her managing a small lodge in Zululand as well as working within a 5 star Game Lodge in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Amy was born and raised in South Africa before settling in the UK.