About Us
Travel Exclusively African is a privately owned company which is run exclusively by the co-owners: Kirsty Marmarellis, Beverly Brentnall and Ian Brentnall.
Ian Brentnall (ian@travelxa.com)
Having been brought up in South Africa after his parents emigrated there in the 60’s, Ian qualified in management accounting followed by various senior positions in leading companies such as BMW, Kimberley Clark and EDS. This also meant that he lived and travelled in a number of countries including England, Sweden, The Netherlands, and France before returning to the country that he loves so much – South Africa.
His responsibilities in running travel departments for large organisations fuelled his passion for travel which ultimately led to his forming both a UK and South African based Travel Company which today offers the widest choice of itineraries throughout the African continent.
As a qualified Tourist Guide specialising in Wine, Golf and Safari’s, he’s always ready to offer you the best experienced advice.
The best thing about my travels:
For me, the late afternoon – early evening game drive is just out of this world. Seeing the sunset on the horizon sipping a lovely glass of wine sitting on a 4 X 4 in the middle of Africa! One of the reasons for being here!
Kirsty Marmarellis (kirsty@travelxa.com)
Kirsty first began working for a Botswana safari company and she quickly realised that she held a great passion for travel! Her career responsibilities have varied from travel reservations, consulting, sales, marketing, incentives and function co-ordinating, including training on the latter.
Kirsty has co-ordinated functions varying from 10 - 1000 people for corporate top 100 companies. She recognises the privilege of having visited over 100 cities world-wide, and to have travelled extensively within Southern Africa during her 18 years in the tourism business. As a golf fanatic she has ensured that she has played in most of the countries visited, including Hawaii, Argentina, Bahamas, UK, Canada, USA, Malaysia, Bali , Disney World, Dubai, Mauritius, Seychelles and of course most local courses.
Her love of planning vacations to Southern Africa and vast travel experience has allowed her great fulfilment within this leading travel company.
The best thing about my travels:
It has to be the glorious Garden Route! This easily self-driven journey, offers every traveller an unforgettable experience - families will all find accommodation & activities to perfectly suit their needs, and if a romantic getaway is on the cards you will find the most breathtaking hideaways imaginable.
Not to mention that this has become a golfers paradise - and to end a perfect trip you can experience the best of South Africa’s malaria-free Big Five Safari!
Beverly Brentnall (beverly@travelxa.com)
After visiting and falling in love with South Africa, Beverly Brentnall started working full time with her husband Ian, creating tailored holidays for clients to South Africa.
With a background in sales and marketing she soon filled a leading role in planning and tailoring both honeymoon and family holiday trips to South Africa. Now living in Cape Town, her on-the-ground knowledge is vital in offering her overseas clients the best accommodation to suit their budgets in a country that has become her passion.
Beverly also manages the partnership with the charity Trees4Schools.
The best thing about my travels:
It has to be for me the Cape Winelands! Not only is the scenery and Cape Dutch architecture just stunning, but the food and wine take some beating by anyone’s standards!.
The summer is for sipping chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Cap Classique whilst dining al fresco admiring the mountain views. The winter is cosy with log fires and delicious Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with the same spectacular views!
Nina Assenmacher (nina@travelxa.com)
Nina grew up in South Africa and already in her youth had a passion for traveling through this beautiful country. After spending 10 years in Germany working in the hospitality industry she returned to South Africa and settled in Cape Town starting a motorcycle touring business with her husband Thomas.
During the past 10 years Nina has worked for tour operators who specialize in private customized holidays and has put together many memorable holidays for her clients. She has a special talent for finding accommodation establishments which offer exceptional value for money, great service and are often off the beaten track.
Attention to detail and a natural interest in people have helped her plan holidays that are tailored to the specific interests of her clients.
The best thing about my travels:
Afternoon game drives in any of our magnificent game reserves – no matter how many times I see the sun set in the African Bush, I am still in absolute awe of its magical beauty.
Thomas Assenmacher (thomas@travelxa.com)
Thomas was born and bred in Germany and went into the corporate world in the field of electronic engineering. His passion for exploring the country on his motorcycle allowed him a balance to his stressful career in sales. Thomas and his wife Nina moved to South Africa in 1998 where he was able to make a career out of his passion and started a motorcycle touring business.
As a registered tourist guide Thomas has been showing off his new home to clients for the past 8 years both from the back of a motorcycle and from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Personal service and a deep love for his second home ensure that his clients have a most memorable experience while on tour with Thomas.
The best thing about my travels:
Finding a new road with curves and magnificent scenery to enjoy on my own or share with fellow motor bikers on the next trip. Finding great food and warm hospitality all over the country at the end of the day’s travels.
