Our Team
Meet The Team
Our passionate team of Africa specialists are ready to create your perfect safari experience.
Janine Southwood
Managing Director
Janine's passion for travel was sparked on family road trips from KwaZulu-Natal to Cape Town, and her wanderlust has only grown since. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Durban, she developed a love for Africa's beauty and diversity early on. After spending a year in New York, her fascination with the wider world deepened, yet her heart has always belonged to Africa.
With over 27 years in the travel industry, Janine has been fortunate to explore the world while specialising in selling Africa -- a continent she knows intimately and adores. She believes every journey should be tailored to the individual, taking pride in stepping into her clients' shoes and curating experiences that are personal, seamless, and truly memorable.
For Janine, Africa is more than a destination -- it is home. As she often says, "The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa -- for he has so much to look forward to."
QueAnne Southwood
Product & Marketing Manager
With four years of experience in the tourism industry, QueAnne is no stranger to wildlife and conservation -- passions rooted in her childhood travels across Southern Africa with her mom. Experiencing breathtaking landscapes, unique properties, and remarkable wildlife, along with years of volunteering in animal rescue, shaped her lifelong love for Africa.
QueAnne brings creativity and international perspective to Raha Retreats. Having lived in Bahrain and traveled to the USA and Dubai for her music and singing career, she gained valuable global insights and connections. Yet something always called her home -- to South Africa, where her heart truly belongs.
Now, as Product and Marketing Manager, she blends her passion for Africa with her flair for creativity and marketing expertise. Based in Gauteng, QueAnne is just as excited to showcase Africa's art and cultural spaces as its iconic safari destinations.
Athena Stevens
Safari Designer
Athena's journey began at Stellenbosch University, where she studied design before working in Italy and later spending two years in marketing at a Big 5 game reserve. These experiences sharpened her eye for detail and strengthened her love for creating meaningful travel experiences.
At Raha Retreats, Athena blends creativity, design, and practical industry knowledge in her role as Safari Designer. Having travelled widely with family and friends, she understands the importance of journeys that are both exciting and restorative.
Dedicated to curating safaris that are seamless, thoughtful, and truly memorable, Athena ensures every client experiences the magic of Africa in a way that feels personal and unforgettable.
Erica Vegter
Safari Designer
Erica grew up with a passport in hand and a deep-rooted connection to the world of travel. Raised in a family immersed in tourism, she spent much of her childhood exploring new destinations alongside her dad, developing a lifelong love for discovering different cultures and landscapes. This early exposure to the industry shaped not only her passion for travel, but also her understanding of what makes a journey truly exceptional.
After completing her BCom Law degree at Stellenbosch University, Erica combined her analytical background with her hands-on experience in tour operations to pursue her role as a Safari Designer. Having travelled extensively both locally and internationally, she brings valuable first-hand insight to every itinerary she designs.
With a keen eye for detail and a genuine passion for people, Erica is dedicated to crafting seamless, meaningful safari experiences. She believes that every journey should feel personal, effortless, and unforgettable -- and she takes pride in ensuring each client's adventure exceeds expectations from start to finish.