Illona Cross

Senior Travel Consultant

Email: illona@steppestravel.co.uk
Phone: 01285 650 011
My Travel Blogs

Born in South Africa, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After completing my degree, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management. My desire to see more led me to work as a guide for And Beyond, first in South Africa at Phinda, Tswalu, Londolozi and Ngala. I then moved north to Tanzania as the company expanded. There I lived and worked in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Masai Mara. Later my priorities lay with guide training and my unusual life was filmed on various occasions. Eventually after ten years in the bush I travelled to London to work as a keeper in London Zoo. Although fascinating, this was not for me and I joined Steppes Travel in 2000. Due to my extensive travel and years of consulting experience for Steppes Travel, I have taken on many roles within the company and these now include stewardship of the educational travel department enabling school children to learn through experience and travel.

Regions of Expertise
Most African countries we cover but I specialise in South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mauritius, Ethiopia and Sudan. I have visited all these countries and know them well.

What has been your favourite travel experience?
There are so many...
Standing amongst the seals on the remote skeleton coast, Namibia. Watching the sun set over Lalibela, Ethiopia and looking down on Bet Giyorgis as the beautiful chant of a pious priest rings out. Relaxing with chimpanzees in the wild in the Mahale mountains. Watchng the impending curtain of rain chasing the wildebeest migration on the Serengeti Pains, Tanzania. Celebrating a Masai wedding in Kenya. Celebrating my wedding in Zambia and watching whales off the South African coast!

The best hotel/lodge that you have stayed in?
I just love the quirky charm of the La Florida Barcelona.

What has been your most remote travel experience?
Standing in the Nubian Desert, Sudan at three in the afternoon with the sun blazing down at 42 degrees C.

Most embarrassing travel experience?
Catching a bigger fish than the very experienced fishing guide on the Zambezi!

Your one luxury when you travel?
A friend.

What’s your best piece of travel advice?
Eat the same food as the locals. Drink coffee in Africa, no milk, from a glass.

Where you would like to visit next and why?
I have to visit Japan again as I am fascinated by the country and its people.