Mandy Gathercole

Hello and welcome to my page. I’m Mandy Gathercole, and I would love to help you plan the holiday of your dreams. Whether it be a flight to visit family, a cruise, an island holiday or a package tour, I can help you with it all.

I am married to Mark and based in the beautiful mountains of Clarens, Free State, but can assist you no matter where you are based.

Travel is in my blood, as I was born in England and immigrated to South Africa in 1976. One of my first dream jobs was to be an air hostess, enabling me to see the world – followed closely by becoming a travel agent.

After finishing school in the mid-80s, I discovered a Travel and Tourism Diploma and completed it. I immediately started working for a travel agency in 1989. I have worked for various agencies over the years and have had trips to many destinations, including Dubai, the USA, New Zealand, Austria, Australia, India, Thailand, Indonesia, France and England. Some of my favourite places I have visited include New Zealand, with its beautiful fjords, mountains and outdoor living; Paris, with its sense of romance and history; and the UK, where I was born and have loved exploring further since moving to South Africa.

I took a short break in 2019 to make the move to Clarens and was bitten by the travel bug again in 2023. I have recently joined Travel Counsellors.

Island and beach holidays are a particular favourite of mine to arrange. I love helping clients find the right match, whether that is a relaxed beach escape, a romantic getaway or time away with family and friends. Mauritius is one of the destinations I especially enjoy planning, from choosing the right resort to arranging the little extras that make a stay feel truly memorable. I also love arranging trips to Thailand and Indonesia, where clients can enjoy a wonderful mix of culture, beaches, shopping and vibrant nightlife, tailored to the kind of experience they are looking for.

Alongside beach and island escapes, I also enjoy creating private tours and privately guided journeys, where the itinerary and experiences are designed around the individual traveller. From the pace of the trip to the style of accommodation and excursions, I work closely with you to build something that feels personal, flexible and unique.

South Africa is another destination I particularly love creating holidays around, from time in Cape Town and the Winelands to the Drakensberg and relaxing bush escapes. I enjoy helping clients discover both well‑known highlights and quieter corners, and I value the peace and tranquillity of being in nature, which I experience daily living in Clarens.

I am passionate about responsible travel, the wellbeing of our planet and animal welfare. I encourage my clients to make choices that are kind to wildlife, respectful of local communities and mindful of the environment, without losing any of the joy and comfort of their trip.

I like to stay active and go for regular walks with Jock, my beloved Scottish Terrier. I enjoy reading all sorts of books and looking at atlases – a pastime I have loved since childhood – as well as planning my own trips with my family.

Travel is my passion. I would love the opportunity to discuss your next trip with you and make your dreams a reality.