Welcome to the latest Vindigo Curated Travel Newsletter!

As we enter peak tourism season, we turn our focus to the heart of Vindigo Travel—Melissa Sutherland.

With her extensive international expertise and a deep passion for wine, art, and safari, Melissa together with her specialist team, creates unforgettable journeys that showcase the best of South Africa. Her unique ability to connect with her clients and tailor experiences to their desires has been a key driver of Vindigo’s success.

Melissa’s dedication and personal touch ensure that every trip is not just a journey, but an extraordinary adventure that resonates deeply. Discover how Melissa’s passion and commitment continue to elevate Vindigo Travel and create exceptional experiences for each client.

“What inspired you to combine your passions for safari and wine into a travel operator?”

My passion for both the bush and the coastal regions began in childhood. I have vivid memories of a trip to Timbavati at age four, where encountering wildlife in its natural habitat made a lasting impression on me.

After my parents acquired a wine farm in the Cape (Welgegund), whilst I was studying at the University of Cape Town, I gained in-depth knowledge of winemaking and established valuable connections. My first real exposure to wine tourism came while training to be a diplomat. As ‘Cadets’, we visited the Cape and were introduced to the wine industry at Kanonkop. There, we tasted their pinotage and enjoyed a snoek braai. The wine “Kadette” always reminds me of that experience, marking the beginning of my journey into wine tourism.

I love the fact that wine is a universal language. Having travelled extensively with my husband and business partner of 30 years, I value how wine bridges cultures and connects people from diverse backgrounds. As a connector, conversant in German and French, I excel at creating win-win-win situations by matching our clients with the ideal properties and experiences for them.

My love for South Africa, its people and rich offerings, continues to fuel my enthusiasm for sharing these unique experiences with others, as I get to showcase the best of South Africa with an international perspective.

“Melissa crafted an incredible trip of a lifetime for our Napa Valley wine club, with over 40 members traveling across Stellenbosch, Walvis Bay, Durban, Gqeberha, Cape Town, and Qwabi Game Reserve. Every detail, from the settings to the food and guides, was flawless. We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to South Africa, and we’re deeply grateful for the unforgettable memories Melissa created for us.”

– Tripadvisor review 2024

“How do you prepare clients for safari and wine adventures, and what support do you offer?”.

To ensure our clients are fully prepared for their safari and wine adventures, I begin every interaction with a complimentary video call. This initial meeting helps build rapport and eases any concerns about planning a trip from afar.

My passion for people and travel shines through, and I encourage clients to ask as many questions as they want—there are no silly questions!

I take the time to understand each clients’ interests and budget, crafting a personalized experience that aligns with their desires.

Because we have personally vetted all properties, our team is able to match these to our clients’ needs. This allows us in the planning process, to provide detailed information to make clients well-prepared. I’m also always available to answer questions and make adjustments, ensuring a seamless journey.

With my global expertise, having served as a South African diplomat from 1995-1999, and commitment to personalized service, clients can confidently embark on their dream trip, knowing they have a dedicated partner by their side every step of the way.

“How do your site visits help you choose the right suppliers and enhance your clients’ experiences?”

As a travel designer, it is all about matching the client to the property.

Paying attention to detail during site visits, is thus crucial in crafting exceptional experiences for our clients.

We enjoy building in the WOW factor; for example, having the opportunity to track a rhino on foot or even driving through a dry riverbed to discover a gin bar waiting for you. These thoughtful details and warm hospitality turn great experiences into unforgettable ones.

Additionally, being able to see a journey through their eyes and adjusting to the pace of the client, allows me to tailor each experience, ensuring every moment is unique and memorable.

Did you know?

“Every journey with me begins with a free video call to address your planning worries. With my travel expertise, and my team, we handle all the details to make your safari and wine adventures seamless and unforgettable!”

“How do you balance the thrill of a safari Adventure with the sophistication of a wine tasting experience?”

It involves creating a journey that is both immersive and tailored to each clients’ preferences. I begin by setting clear expectations, as safaris often include significant vehicle travel and can be quite different from a leisurely wine tasting.

My approach is rooted in the philosophy that “less is more.” It’s crucial to allow clients to fully enjoy each experience without feeling rushed. With a deep understanding of the region and its offerings, I ensure that the itinerary is thoughtfully designed to blend both elements seamlessly. Rather than cramming multiple wineries into a tight schedule or overloading a safari day, I focus on creating a balanced itinerary that lets clients savor each moment.

Utilizing our strong relationships with local suppliers, developed over the years, we incorporate unique touches such as privately guided tours and bespoke experiences that enhance the journey. We pay close attention to our clients’ needs and preferences, allowing for flexibility and ensuring that the itinerary reflects their desires. Afterall, it is their holiday!

By carefully curating the experiences, we strike the right balance between the excitement of a safari and the elegance of wine tasting, making sure that every moment of their holiday is memorable and perfectly suited to their tastes.

“Can you share a memorable experience that has left a lasting impression on you?”

An experience that stands out for me involved a client who was passionate about studying the stars. Although it wasn’t specifically a wine and safari trip, I wanted to ensure their experience was truly exceptional. I discovered that the local astronomy society was hosting an event, so I arranged a private tour of the observatory and facilitated a meeting with local astronomers. 

This experience transcended typical tourism; it became memorable because of the connections I was able to leverage. Understanding my clients’ interests allowed me to create a seamless travel experience. I pride myself on being agile and flexible, using my extensive network to foster beautiful moments that lead to lasting memories. 

Curiosity is key, so I’m always committed to educating myself and maintaining a healthy research budget to learn what’s new. 

Making personal connections transforms a trip into a meaningful experience and ensures that every journey is unique and unforgettable.

“What’s most rewarding about running Vindigo Travel and how do you measure client success?”

The greatest reward of running Vindigo Travel is the knowledge that I am helping to create a brighter future for job opportunities in South African tourism. 

I also feel the impact of my efforts through the sincere referrals and repeat bookings from my clients. When clients share their positive experiences with their friends and family or return for new adventures, it feels incredibly fulfilling.

As they say, “Word of mouth from a trusted source is the best form of marketing”. Hence, each referral and repeat visit is a testament to the care and dedication we put into curating journeys. It’s the highest form of compliment and deeply resonates with me, as it means we’ve played a role in creating experiences that have truly touched their lives.

This personal validation drives my passion and commitment, reminding me why I love what I do, and do what I love.

“How did you come up with the name Vindigo Travel and what does it mean?”

The name “Vindigo Travel” came to me quite organically, and it wasn’t until years later that I discovered a wine shop named Vindigo in Napier on my journey to the tip of Africa. 

I often wonder if that subtle influence played a role in my subconscious, as we used to pass this shop en route to my family’s farm. 

The name itself is rich in meaning—it blends “Vin,” the French word for wine, with “Indigo,” a color representing the Rainbow Nation, and “Go,” symbolizing adventure and travel. Together, they embody the vibrant and enriching travel experiences I strive to provide.

I believe the name perfectly captures the essence of celebrating both the beauty of South Africa and the joy of exploration.

Let’s go!

2023 Telegraph Travel Awards voted Cape Town the best city, and South Africa, the best country in the world!

You choose, we make it happen.

Email me directly at
melissa@vindigotravel.com.

Yours in travel,
Melissa Sutherland
Chief Travel Curator, Vindigo Travel