Kirsty Leggate

Kirsty Leggate

Destination Manager

South Africa
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe

Meet Kirsty

Every trip we design is personal, and that starts with our brilliant team of Destination Managers. They handpick every hotel, route and excursion based on their own first-hand experiences, love of the country and passion for making your holiday the very best it can be.

Kirsty has been travelling to Africa since 1993, when she set off on an overland adventure from Zimbabwe to Kenya. Since then, she’s explored everywhere from the Cape to the Skeleton Coast, building friendships along the way and returning regularly to visit family who now live just outside Kruger National Park. With more than 20 years of experience in travel (a lot of that with HA!), her love for Africa’s landscapes, wildlife and people has only grown, and these days she’s grabbing every opportunity to share that passion with her two daughters. If you're looking for a family holiday to Southern Africa, our Kirsty knows just how to tailor an adventure to be magical (and manageable!) for all ages.

Why do you love travel?

Why do you love travel?

“

I love travel because I love seeing different parts of the world, experiencing different cultures, a lot of different scenery, and different themes and cultures. And different food!

How long have you worked in travel?

How long have you worked in travel?

“

If I'm very honest, I didn't choose travel. It was a total accident! Longer ago than I care to admit, I had been made redundant and needed a job quickly. I found one in a travel firm locally, but suddenly – and happily – I also found myself in an industry that I absolutely loved. I was already very keen on travelling, so it seemed to tick all the boxes straight away, and here I am 20 years later - still in travel. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Off duty, where can we find you?

Off duty, where can we find you?

“

My life outside work is pretty hectic! I have two children, and we have a fairly busy family life; however, we love travelling as a family, so that is something we all enjoy. Otherwise, I like to keep myself busy and active with a lot of running, yoga, and especially tennis, which I play all year round, in all weathers!

Kirsty's travels

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Find out a little more

Oh this is very easy! And I think Botswana's going to have to scoop it. It was going out, just me and my guide, and following a group of lionesses stalking a herd of buffalo in the Okavango Delta. It was incredible, we were able to watch the whole operation as we could see the lionesses planning what they were going to do, then picking off the buffalo that they’d selected. It was amazing!

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Reviews for Kirsty

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            [content] => We had a wonderful 2 week trip to South Africa organized by Kirsty from Holiday Architects. Everything was perfect: the fact that she listened to our vague ideas of what we wanted to do and then came back with very thoughtful suggestions. We followed her guidance and could not have been more delighted with our experience! It was all very personal and the attention to detail was excellent - from pre-trip briefings to a lovely welcome back phone call seeking feedback. The accommodation throughout our road trip was top quality and the 
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            [content] => We have just returned from an amazing 3 weeks in Namibia. What a beautiful country - the scenery is breathtaking and so varied. Wildlife truly amazing, the people so friendly and the food and wine far too good !! Kirsty gave us such good ideas based on her personal experience. From the first iteration she took us through different options (very patiently !) until we came to one that matched our wishes perfectly. Her suggestions of where do stay were spot on and we enjoyed some fantastic locations. The organisation of cars, outings and the brilliant detailed itinerary made the whole trip so relaxed. When (not if !) we return to Namibia we will be back in touch with Kirsty. A very big thank you to her and all the support team in Namibia for making this our best ever holiday.
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“

We had a wonderful 2 week trip to South Africa organized by Kirsty from Holiday Architects. Everything was perfect: the fact that she listened to our vague ideas of what we wanted to do and then came back with very thoughtful suggestions. We followed her guidance and could not have been more delighted with our experience! It was all very personal and the attention to detail was excellent - from pre-trip briefings to a lovely welcome back phone call seeking feedback. The accommodation throughout our road trip was top quality and the
AngeTrustpilot

”

“

We have just returned from an amazing 3 weeks in Namibia. What a beautiful country - the scenery is breathtaking and so varied. Wildlife truly amazing, the people so friendly and the food and wine far too good !! Kirsty gave us such good ideas based on her personal experience. From the first iteration she took us through different options (very patiently !) until we came to one that matched our wishes perfectly. Her suggestions of where do stay were spot on and we enjoyed some fantastic locations. The organisation of cars, outings and the brilliant detailed itinerary made the whole trip so relaxed. When (not if !) we return to Namibia we will be back in touch with Kirsty. A very big thank you to her and all the support team in Namibia for making this our best ever holiday.
Chris WilsonTrustpilot

”

On the blog

Holidays Kirsty recommends

Holiday
HA Choice

Classic Namibia Self Drive

Namibia

Our classic self-drive adventure through deserts, dunes & wildlife.

13 days
Family Classic + 3 more + 3 more
from £4,875 pp
Holiday

South African Grand Tour

South Africa

Three weeks, one unforgettable road trip across South Africa’s greatest highlights.

21 days
Safari Wildlife & Nature + 3 more + 3 more
from £4,295 pp
Holiday

Botswana Waterfalls, Delta & Desert

Botswana

Be inspired by the wild waters of Victoria Falls, the spectacular scenery and iconic wildlife of Botswana in one incredible trip.

10 days
Safari Wildlife & Nature
from £9,105 pp

Excursions Kirsty recommends

Excursion

Hike up Table Mountain

For those who think the cable car is the easy way to the top, why not lace up your walking boots and take the more adventurous route to the top of Table Mountain. Along with your guide, you'll take on our favourite ascent route, offering both brilliant views and an adventurous climb. Steep rocky trails wind up the front of the mountain to a series of short vertical faces protected by chains and staples, followed by a series of ledges that swing from views over Cape Town to vistas of Camps Bay and the 12 Apostles. Strong walkers have the option to continue to the highest point at Maclear's Beacon before returning to traverse the western table and then descending via cable car. Whilst this is the most popular route up the mountain, there are several other options are available and some of these can extend into full-day hikes as well. Note: The cable car can close at any stage due to inclement weather. In this event, you'll be required to walk back down the mountain - an additional 2hrs of hiking.

Excursion

Dune Climbing

Climbing the curvy orange dunes of the Namib is a Sossusvlei must, providing access to the best possible panoramic views for those not splashing out on a hot air balloon or light aircraft flight. Dune 45 is a famous one, a huge peak roughly 100m high outside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, where you are likely to have company unless you get there extremely early. There are then various dunes to choose from close to the main car parking area of Sossusvlei, where the most renowned pans and vleis are found. Our favourite climb is to the top of the towering dune next to Dead Vlei, where the considerable effort is rewarded with sensational views over the dried up lake bed and its dead trees below. Even more fulfilling is the run down the dune at top speed onto the vlei, a far quicker and less exerting process than climbing to the top! Our major piece of advice if you are keen to tackle a dune is to avoid the hottest times and get there in the early morning or late afternoon.

Excursion

Zambezi Cruises

Evening cruises on the Zambezi are tranquil, and picturesque, the perfect way to relax after a long-haul flight or a tiring day exploring the falls. you'll have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The Sunset cruise is very popular and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks. You'll also have the opportunity for plenty of great photo opportunities against spectacular African sunsets.

Excursion

Desert Ghost Town

Kolmanskop is an abandoned ghost town gradually being swallowed by the unforgiving Namib. The centre of the German diamond mining industry after their discovery in the early 20th century, a thriving village was established as chancers and professionals moved in, driven by avarice and ambition. The erstwhile wealth and decadence is still apparent in the grand colonial buildings, with a hospital, ballroom, school, theatre, casino and even an ice factory all constructed. Some have been restored for tourism, such as the concert hall, but most are exactly as they were left in 1954, when the supply of diamonds finally ran out. It is fascinating to witness how time and the elements are gradually wearing the buildings down, and enjoyable to plough knee deep in sand through some of the more consumed buildings. Overall, the effect is frequently eerie, particularly the black and white photography adorning some of the walls, offering a potted history of German colonialism in Namibia. There are stunning photo opportunities, with the early morning desert shades contrasting vividly with pastel coloured buildings. Please bear in mind that you need a pre-booked permit to enter Kolmanskop, but we can either secure this for you in advance, or you should be able to procure it through your accommodation. It is possible to explore under your own steam with a permit, but there are two guided tours per day on Monday to Saturday and one on a Sunday. The site closes after 1pm, so get your sightseeing done early!

Chat to Kirsty

If you're thinking of a holiday to southern Africa, our Kirsty has you covered.

Get a Quote 01242 253 073

Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm

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