Candice Heckel

Product Manager

Candice Heckel at Babylonstoren in the Cape Winelands - South Africa Garden Route, Knysna - South Africa Travel Agents

My Story
A love of travel and a little serendipity brought me to Down Under Endeavours in February 2008. A growing love of all things Africa helped us launch Africa Endeavours just a few years later. A lot has changed since those early days in our tiny River North office, but the core ethos of the company has always held true; a strong commitment to community, sustainability, and conservation.

My Style of Travel
My favorite travel experiences usually revolve around fantastic cities, amazing wildlife experiences, and phenomenal food and wine. However, I do love to drop out now and again and the African bush is the perfect place to do so.

Favorite Destinations
The Serengeti in Tanzania is one of my favorite destinations, with its large herds of game found nowhere else, and the Mathews Range in Kenya offers a beautiful backdrop to some incredible cultural experiences. I love Namibia for its stunning scenery, and Cape Town in South Africa is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Water-based safaris – it doesn’t get much better than the Okavango Delta or Lower Zambezi, but I have a special place in my heart for Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe; it’s tranquil and stunningly beautiful. And for walking safaris? Has to be Mana Pools (Zim) or Lower Zambezi (Zam). However, my absolute TOP experience is gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It’s one of those “I must be dreaming” moments in life. Truly incredible!

Travel Tip
The wildlife will surprise you but it’s the people that will inspire you and keep you coming back to Africa. So be curious, ask questions, and get to know the human story of this amazing continent.

Most Memorable Experience
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

I don’t leave home without…. Packing cubes! Honestly, I can’t believe I just discovered these in the last few years… Runner up – IPad

When I’m Not Traveling, I…
Am cruising around my neighborhood, Andersonville. As much as I love to travel, Chicago is still my favorite city (even in the winter), and I love enjoying the city with friends and family.