Natural Migrations AFRICAN SAFARI Paul Swart and Caroline Swart

Paul and Caroline Swart are the founders and Directors of Natural Migrations located in Bend, Oregon. Both native South Africans, they have a wealth of personal and professional experience in the travel industry.

Paul Swart attended the University of Cape Town and began his career in the tourism industry as a junior guide in the remote Linyanti region of northern Botswana under the tutelage of renowned safari guide Map Ives. He steadily worked his way up through the ranks at some of the best game reserves and lodges in Southern Africa. Prior to forming Natural Migrations, Paul was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ker and Downey USA. He represented the South African based Thebe Tourism Group in the USA as Sales Manager. Before moving to the USA in 1997 he served as General Manager of Operations for Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, which is consistently voted one of the top game reserves in South Africa. In addition, he worked for Wilderness Safaris, including at the renowned Mombo camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta as a Professional Guide and Lodge Manager. During his tenure at the private game reserves, Paul liaised with local communities developing eco-tourism programs. He was a member of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) and sat on the committee that was involved in establishing the code of conduct and standards for professional guiding in South Africa. Paul represented the Game Lodge Portfolio on the Mpumulanga Tourism Authority, an organization responsible for the marketing of Private Game Reserves adjacent to the Kruger National Park. He was instrumental in the development of the original “Game Rangers Course” for guests at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, now an extremely popular experience offered throughout private reserves in Africa. Paul is qualified as a FGASA Level Three and SKS Dangerous Game Qualified Safari Guide, the highest achievable ranking. He is currently an Executive Board Member of APTA (Association for Promotion of Tourism to Africa) in the USA and recently sat on the Luxury Travel Agent Magazine Advisory Board.

When Paul is not in his office he enjoys whitewater kayaking, snowboarding and mountain biking. He visits Africa several times a year to maintain his knowledge and the valuable relationships he has nurtured over the years.

Caroline Swart has been involved in the travel and tourism industry since 1985. After graduating from high school she attended college and began working as a travel agent in Johannesburg and then moved to Cape Town. Her passion for wildlife and animals led her to a career change and she found herself involved in the private game lodge industry in Southern Africa. Caroline has worked in some of the most recognized luxury private game reserves and lodges in both South Africa and Botswana including Mala Mala, Sabi Sabi and Wilderness Safaris lodges. Starting as a receptionist at Mala Mala Private Game Reserve she worked her way steadily up the ranks at the various lodges to become an exceptional lodge manager. Her dedication and attention to detail are admired and respected by her fellow colleagues. Caroline completed a preliminary guide training course in Botswana and was also involved in reservations, sales and marketing. She wrote a company newsletter and became an avid photographer, documenting environmental projects such as habitat management, burning programs and conservation efforts. This, combined with her lodge experience, gives her a comprehensive understanding of the safari industry.

Having resided in the United States since 1997, Caroline stimulated her interest in art and design by qualifying as an interior designer. She purchased Africa Fine Arts, an existing art gallery in Sun Valley, Idaho, and spent three years successfully managing the gallery which she has subsequently converted to an online store (www.artfromafrica.com). While Caroline is involved in the day to day running of Natural Migrations she still finds time to pursue her passion for art and visits Africa regularly to purchase merchandise and update herself on new developments in the Southern African tourism industry.