Being wild is in our DNA, and it is in yours!
Meet the team that can turn your dreams into reality!
Our team consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds, yet we all share a deep passion for African travel, something we feel is ingrained in our very essence. Drawing on our strengths and experiences as children of Africa, we strive to craft truly unforgettable, personalized experiences.
Sharleen Landsman Smith
Founder / Owner
I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, where my childhood was enriched by the proximity to many of the country's top safari destinations. This natural setting instilled in me a deep appreciation for the wild beauty of the African bush, where I spent countless family holidays exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife. My passion for travel and exploration was further cemented after completing my studies, when I embarked on a professional journey with renowned organizations such as Wilderness Safaris and & Beyond. It was there that my innate talent for travel was nurtured, and my love for Africa blossomed into a lifelong commitment.
I’ve had the privilege of visiting numerous top lodges across Africa, gaining firsthand experience of the continent's unparalleled offerings. My career took a pivotal turn in 2006 when I relocated to the United States to focus on sales and promote African travel. This move expanded my horizons, allowing me to broaden my travel expertise to include exotic destinations in Asia and South America.
With over 26 years in the travel industry, my accomplishments are both impressive and inspiring. I founded my own consulting firm and DNA Wild DMC, establishing myself as a respected leader and innovator. My dedication to mentoring aspiring consultants in African travel has left a lasting impact, shaping the careers of many. Known for my superpower—the ability to navigate complex logistics with ease while injecting my unique creative flair—I continue to be a distinguished figure in the field of travel consultancy. My journey is a testament to my unwavering passion for travel and my commitment to sharing the wonders of the world with others.
Wild Dog: The Essence of Loyalty, Collaboration, and Adventure in Luxury Travel Consulting
As a luxury travel consultant, the wild dog symbolizes commitment, adaptability, and teamwork — values that reflect her approach to creating exceptional, bespoke travel experiences for her clients. With a focus on personalized service, unmatched loyalty, and unforgettable adventures, the wild dog’s qualities enhances her ability to connect with clients and offer them experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
With the wild dog qualities guiding her, her role is about more than just arranging trips — it’s about creating a loyal partnership with her clients, providing adaptable and personalized services, and fostering community-driven, immersive experiences. Like the wild dog’s pack, she understands the power of collaboration, whether that’s with her clients or her trusted network of suppliers, to deliver the best and most exclusive travel experiences.
Sharleen leads her clients with endurance, adaptability, and an unmatched attention to detail, making sure their travels are filled with joy, wonder, and moments of surprise. She doesn’t just guide your clients on a journey; she creates lasting connections that turn ordinary vacations into transformative adventures.
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Wild dogs are renowned for their deep loyalty to their pack, and Sharleen demonstrates the same unwavering loyalty to your clients. This loyalty goes beyond simply meeting their expectations — it’s about understanding their individual preferences, ensuring that every trip is uniquely tailored to their desires. She offers a level of personalized care and attention that makes her clients feel like a part of her exclusive travel “pack”.
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In the wild, wild dogs work as a cohesive pack, collaborating to ensure the success of each hunt. Similarly, her approach to luxury travel is one of collaboration — not just with clients, but with her network of local experts, guides, and suppliers. She builds strong partnerships with luxury lodges and camps allowing her to create seamless, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Like the wild dog pack, her strong connections with trusted partners ensure her clients receive the highest level of service from start to finish.
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Wild dogs are incredibly adaptable, able to thrive in diverse environments and adjust to changing circumstances. Sharleen possesses this same flexibility. Whether it’s last-minute changes her clients with peace of mind, knowing that whatever their needs may be, she can adapt and ensure their experience remains exceptional.
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The wild dog has a sense of community and a deep desire to share experiences. Sharleen fosters this sense of community by connecting her clients with local cultures, immersive experiences, and authentic adventures. She understands that luxury travel isn’t just about high-end amenities; it’s about offering her clients opportunities to engage with the world around them, whether that’s through local excursions, cultural immersion, or exclusive gatherings. She guides them to experiences that are enriching, meaningful, and connected to the land.
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Wild dogs are known for their remarkable endurance and resilience, qualities that also translate in her work. The ability to endure long travel planning processes, work through challenges, and stay committed to delivering a flawless experience for her clients are key. Her ability to see things through, no matter how complex the itinerary, ensures your clients’ journeys go off without a hitch. She isthe steady force behind their once-in-a-lifetime experiences, making sure everything unfolds perfectly.
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Despite their strength, wild dogs also exhibit a sense of playfulness and curiosity. They’re often seen frolicking together in the wild, making the most of their environment. Similarly, Sharleen brings an element of joyful exploration to every journey you design. Luxury travel isn’t just about opulence; it’s about creating moments of fun, excitement, and surprise. Whether it’s a private sunset safari, a spa experience in the jungle, or a luxury yacht adventure, she encourages clients to approach travel with an open heart and a sense of adventure.
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More reasons why Sharleen is the Wild dog in our Pack
Chantal Benn
Bespoke Travel Specialist
As a proud South African girl at heart, my childhood was filled with adventures alongside my family, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa during school holidays. This exposure to the diverse regions and the marvels of nature ignited my love for travel from an early age, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have caught the so-called "Travel Bug"!
I began my career in the Travel & Tourism industry in 1997, and 27 years later, I can't imagine a life without the thrill of discovering some of the world’s most beautiful countries and sharing my travel stories and passion with others. Throughout the years, I have had the pleasure of visiting luxurious lodges and hotels across Africa, Europe, and South America.
My career has involved various roles and numerous destinations within the Travel Industry. Notably, I was the first woman hired by the Blue Train in its 52-year history, eventually becoming the Train Manager. My experience also encompasses organizing functions and weddings for the Southern Sun Group, lecturing at a hotel school, and working as a retail travel agent. Additionally, I have served as an inbound and outbound travel expert, trainer, and Sales Manager at renowned companies like Thompsons Travel and Wilderness Safaris.
With my extensive background across different facets of travel, I bring a unique perspective to the team, allowing us to create personalized travel itineraries in collaboration with our partners.
Oryx : A Symbol of Grace, Resilience, and Adventure in Luxury Travel Consulting
The oryx spirit animal embodies the essence of elegance, strength, and adaptability. With a focus on creating unique, tailored experiences for your clients, the oryx's qualities guide her in crafting journeys that are both transformative and exceptional.
Chantal is not just a provider of luxury travel — she is a guide to unforgettable journeys, offering resilience, grace, and expertise. Like the oryx, she moves through the world of luxury travel with strength and poise, always adapting to your clients' needs and ensuring that each adventure is carefully crafted with their desires in mind.
Her service reflects the natural beauty and luxury that the oryx embodies, while her personalized approach ensures that every experience is as unique as the individual clients you serve. From adventurous desert safaris to remote island escapes, she offers travel that is as resilient and unforgettable as the oryx itself.
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The oryx moves with fluid grace through its environment, navigating harsh terrains with ease and poise. Similarly, she brings a sense of effortless elegance to your luxury travel service. Whether she’s organizing a remote safari or a private island retreat, her ability to navigate complex logistics and maintain grace under pressure ensures that her clients enjoy a smooth, stress-free experience. Her precision and attention to detail are key to creating flawless, bespoke journeys that are as graceful as they are luxurious.
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Oryx are known for their ability to survive and thrive in extreme conditions — from desert heat to rocky landscapes. This speaks to her resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. In the world of luxury travel, unforeseen circumstances can arise, but her ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver exceptional experiences no matter the obstacle is one of your greatest strengths. Like the oryx, she is prepared for anything, offering your clients flexibility and reliability, no matter the terrain.
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The oryx is an explorer, moving across vast landscapes in search of new experiences. She channels this sense of adventure and discovery into each custom itinerary you create. Her clients come to you not just for luxury, but for a sense of exploration. Whether it’s a customized African safari, a desert adventure, or an exclusive cultural tour, her specialized ability in crafting journeys that allow her clients to explore the world with both luxury and purpose.
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The oryx is both strong and independent, moving through the wild with confidence and purpose. Chantal’s independence is reflected in the way she offers personalized service — she doesn’t follow trends; she set them. She build bespoke experiences that reflect her clients’ unique desires, ensuring they feel both empowered and special on their travels. The oryx reminds her to trust your instincts and create experiences that reflect the strength and individuality of each client.
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Much like the oryx, which is known for its keen vision and ability to stay focused on its goals, Chantal requires clear focus and vision in understanding exactly what her clients want. She takes the time to understand their desires and dreams, crafting a travel experience that exceeds expectations. Her ability to see the big picture while paying attention to the smallest details ensures that no element of their journey is overlooked.
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Oryx are often seen in expansive, awe-inspiring landscapes, making them a symbol of connection to the natural world. For her clients, this translates to more than just a vacation; it’s an immersion in the beauty and grandeur of nature. Whether you’re curating a private wildlife tour or a luxury eco-lodge retreat, the oryx guides her in offering sacred, nature-connected experiences that allow her clients to rejuvenate and reconnect with themselves.
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The oryx is a symbol of long-lasting presence and sustainability, enduring in the wild for years. Chantal provides experiences that aren’t just fleeting — they’re timeless. her clients don’t just take vacations; they create lasting memories that stay with them for a lifetime. She builds legacy travel experiences that not only stand the test of time but also inspire future generations to appreciate the world’s wonders.
More reasons why Chantal is the Oryx in our Herd
Lianke Holtzhausen
Operations Specialist
I discovered my passion for safaris in 2018 when I joined a Travel DMC company as a file controller, quickly advancing to junior consultant. This role introduced me to safari planning and guest experiences across Southern Africa, allowing me to craft seamless itineraries by combining diverse destinations and activities.
In 2019, I expanded my expertise to East Africa, exploring its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. By 2022, I joined DNA Wild, aligning with my dedication to wildlife, conservation, and personalized travel. Working directly with guests has been rewarding, transforming my approach to itinerary planning into a process of truly understanding their dreams and expectations.
Every traveler is unique, seeking varied experiences from adventure to peace. My role is to interpret their goals and design fulfilling journeys in Africa. Planning safaris requires continuous growth, heart, and attention to detail, resulting in extraordinary experiences where guests feel safe and immersed in Africa's magic.
As I continue to plan meaningful adventures for travelers, I’m also looking ahead with excitement. I’m eager to expand my knowledge to new destinations across the globe and explore how I can bring the same level of care and authenticity to experiences beyond Africa. That said, wildlife will always be my greatest passion—and with every itinerary I create and every guest I meet, my love for Africa only grows deeper.
Lion: The Travel Consultant’s Guide to Leadership, Strength, and Legacy
Channeling the traits of a lion shapes their strategy in designing memorable journeys:
Just as a lion leads its pride, she confidently guide her clients, crafting luxurious and tailor-made travel experiences. The lion motivates her to offer daring adventures, encouraging clients to explore unique travel opportunities. Her resilience allows them to manage complex itineraries effortlessly, ensuring that clients feel secure during their travels. She provides high-end experiences reminiscent of royal treatment, consistently meeting expectations with quality and exclusivity. With a personalized touch, she focuses on clients' needs, making certain their journeys are both safe and fulfilling. She inspires clients to engage with the world vibrantly, empowering them through their travels. Her dedication to creating lasting memories enables clients to share impactful stories from their adventures.
Embracing the lion's spirit means providing not only luxurious travel experiences but also leadership, confidence, and unforgettable adventures that allow clients to feel like royalty.
More reasons why Lianke is the Lion in our Pride
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Like the lion leading its pride, she guides her clients with confidence and mastery. Whether curating luxurious African safaris, bespoke island getaways, or cultural explorations, she leads each journey with precision, care, and the highest level of expertise. She’s not just a travel consultant — she’s a trusted guide.
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Lions don’t shy away from challenges; they face them head-on. As her spirit animal, the lion empowers her to offer her clients bold, once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences — from remote African safaris to hidden gems in the heart of the Amazon. She inspires her clients to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the thrill of the unknown.
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The lion’s raw strength reflects her ability to endure and thrive through the logistics and demands of bespoke travel. No matter how intricate the itinerary, she handles it with grace and determination. Her clients feel secure in her ability to provide seamless experiences from start to finish.
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As the "King (Queen) of the Jungle," the lion represents luxury and nobility, qualities that align with her approach to luxury travel. She is dedicated to delivering royal-level experiences, whether it's staying in the finest lodges on safari, dining under the stars, or securing exclusive access to rare destinations. Her clients expect the best, and she delivers nothing less.
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Care Lions fiercely protect their pride, and she fiercely protects her clients’ interests. Her personalized approach to travel means she offers tailored, one-on-one attention, ensuring each client’s unique needs and preferences are met with care. She goes above and beyond to guarantee a safe, enriching, and unforgettable journey.
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Like the lion’s commanding presence, she inspires her clients to see the world with fresh eyes, filling them with energy and excitement about their travels. She encourages them to embrace each experience with vitality, leaving them feeling empowered by the world around them.
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The lion is a symbol of legacy, and her work is built on creating lasting memories. She helps her clients craft stories they’ll tell for generations, guiding them to destinations that leave a profound impact — both on the soul and in their hearts.
Hesté van der Merwe
Travel Co-ordination Specialist
I joined the DNA Wild team in June 2024, bringing with me eight years of experience as an office manager. That role sharpened my ability to stay organized under pressure, adapt quickly, and keep things running smoothly—skills that have made me a steadying force in the wonderfully wild world of travel. Someone’s got to keep this incredible team grounded!
Although I’m new to the travel industry, I’ve spent the past year diving headfirst into this dynamic field. From Cape Town and the Kruger National Park to Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda, I’ve been immersed in researching—and in some cases, experiencing—luxury lodges and hotels to understand exactly what makes a journey truly unforgettable. I’ve also had the chance to explore the logistics behind seamless travel planning and learn what combinations create the most impactful itineraries.
My mission is simple: to craft unforgettable experiences for every DNA Wild client. I believe travel is more than just getting from A to B—it’s about the moments in between, the memories made, and the stories you bring home.
As I continue to grow in this exciting space, I’m committed to delivering exceptional service, thoughtful planning, and the kind of personal touch that turns a trip into something truly extraordinary.
Honey Badger: Fearless, Resourceful, and Tenacious Luxury Travel Consulting
The honey badger symbolizes her unwavering confidence, creativity, and dedication to crafting extraordinary, bespoke travel experiences. Known for its boldness and determination, the honey badger embodies her ability to navigate the world of luxury travel with resilience and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
As a honey badger-inspired travel consultant, she stands out in the luxury travel industry for her confidence, creativity, and unwavering commitment to providing extraordinary experiences. Her fearlessness ensures she takes on challenges that others might shy away from, while her resourcefulness and tenacity ensure that she always delivers the best for her clients.
She specializes in creating unconventional and memorable adventures that showcase the world’s most unique and exclusive destinations. Her bold and adventurous spirit inspires her clients to explore with a sense of excitement, knowing they are in the hands of a consultant determined to make their dreams come true.
With the honey badger’s spirit guiding her, her luxury travel consultancy becomes more than just a service—it’s an experience of fearless exploration, unmatched service, and exceptional, life-changing journeys.
More reasons why Heste is the Honey Badger in our Colony
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Honey badgers are famously fearless, taking on challenges that seem insurmountable. As a luxury travel consultant, she embodies that same confidence and courage, guiding her clients through the world of luxury travel. She isn't afraid to recommend bold destinations, suggest unconventional experiences, or push boundaries to create one-of-a-kind trips. Whether curating an exclusive African safari or organizing a luxury adventure in remote destinations, her fearless nature ensures her clients’ travel experiences are unforgettable and unlike any other.
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Honey badgers are incredibly resourceful and adaptable in difficult situations, making them experts at navigating obstacles. As a consultant, she brings this resourcefulness into her work by crafting tailored solutions for her clients. Whether it's securing last-minute reservations at a sought-after resort or adjusting plans due to unexpected travel changes, her ability to find creative solutions ensures her clients enjoy a seamless experience—no matter the challenge. Her quick-thinking and innovative problem-solving set her apart as someone who can deliver extraordinary travel experiences, regardless of the circumstances.
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Honey badgers are known for their tenacity, never giving up on a goal. Similarly, her commitment to her clients is unwavering. She goes above and beyond to ensure that their luxury travel experience is flawless from start to finish. Whether that means working late hours to secure a reservation, customizing a personalized itinerary, or tracking down unique, hidden gems for her clients to enjoy, her determination ensures no detail is overlooked. Her clients know that they can rely on her to take care of everything, trusting she’ll always find the best and most extraordinary experiences for them.
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The honey badger’s spirit isn’t about following the crowd; it’s about taking an unconventional approach and making bold decisions. As a luxury travel consultant, she approaches each itinerary with creativity, crafting distinctive, bespoke experiences that reflect the unique preferences of her clients. She specializes in offering exclusive adventures, whether it’s a private desert dinner, an undiscovered beach getaway, or an off-the-beaten-path cultural immersion. Her ability to think outside the box ensures her clients enjoy travel experiences that are as extraordinary as they are luxurious.
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Honey badgers are known for their adventurous spirit and courage in exploring the wild. She mirrors this by designing travel experiences that inspire her clients to step outside their comfort zones and explore the world in bold, new ways. Whether it’s an adventure safari in Botswana, a luxury trekking experience in the Himalayas, or a private helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon, she encourages her clients to embrace fearless exploration and discover the world with a sense of awe and excitement.
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Much like the honey badger’s independence, she empowers her clients to feel confident and self-reliant in their travels. Her luxury travel service isn’t just about booking hotels or arranging transfers—it’s about giving her clients the freedom and confidence to explore the world on their own terms, with every detail of their journey expertly managed. From the moment they make contact with her to the end of their trip, they feel taken care of and free to enjoy their adventure without worries.
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Honey badgers are incredibly bold, never backing down from a challenge. As a luxury travel consultant, she exudes that same confidence in her ability to craft bold, exciting itineraries for her clients. She is unafraid to introduce her clients to new destinations, unconventional activities, and exclusive experiences that will leave them with unforgettable memories. Whether it’s arranging a private island escape or securing access to a secret, luxury event, her fearlessness in creating exceptional, high-end experiences sets her apart from other consultants.
