Africa Travel Specialist

Ultimate Jet Vacations; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury travel company is seeking an Africa Travel Specialist to manage complex itineraries across multiple African destinations. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of African travel and exceptional problem-solving skills. Responsibilities include logistics management, crisis resolution, and ensuring high-quality customer service. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional travel experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience booking within an African Destination Management Company.
• Fluent in English with strong communication skills.
• Knowledgeable about African travel logistics and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex travel itineraries across African destinations.
• Address unforeseen issues during client trips.
• Provide timely updates on travel regulations.

Skills

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Communication

Organization

Education

Experience with African DMC

Tools

Wetu

Job description

Candidates located outside the United States will be engaged under an independent contractor agreement. You will be responsible for managing your own social security and taxes in accordance with the regulations of your home country. Please take this into consideration before applying.

Role Mission

As an Africa Travel Specialist, you will oversee the smooth execution of complex travel itineraries across multiple African destinations. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of travel, from logistics and client communication to product development and crisis management. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of African travel, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to provide high-level customer service in every aspect of the travel experience.

Who are We?

Planning and managing a 5-star vacation from scratch requires expertise, cleverness, and a genuine passion for detail. That's what UJV is all about. UJV is a service-driven team of experts that work behind the scenes, engineering luxury travel experiences for advisors globally, so they can grow their business and fully satisfy their exclusive clients.

We are the luxury travel advisor’s right hand. How?

• UJV is a team of travel experts that advises and supports luxury travel advisors worldwide.
• We work behind the scenes as allies of top luxury travel advisors, offering their clients a 5-star experience.
• We offer travel advisors the knowledge and tools to grow their business and serve their exclusive clients better.
• We offer an experience-centered service based on passion, expertise, integrity, and attention to detail.
• We are willing to do the hard work to see our clients shine

You Will

1. Itinerary Management & Logistics

• Support the Reservation Agents by providing personalized services, managing vendor coordination (transfers, dining, excursions, etc) and building detailed itineraries in Wetu.
• Align all bookings with client preferences and make adjustments as necessary throughout the planning process.
• Collaborate with ground operators, suppliers, the internal team, and other partners to ensure all logistical details are handled efficiently.

1. Cross-Team Collaboration & Service Desk Support

• Work as part of a service desk model, managing a shared inbox (Front) to pick up requests from Reservation Agents and Associates.
• Coordinate directly with Reservation Agents during the itinerary design and confirmation stages to gather rates, availability, and support on the ground.
• Act as the on-the-ground expert to ensure the seamless build-out and adjustment of travel plans.
• Provide timely updates to Associates responsible for visa requirements, park permits, restaurant bookings, and other pre-departure logistics.

1. Crisis Management & Problem Solving

• Address unforeseen issues or emergencies during client trips, such as flight delays, medical emergencies, or political instability, by providing immediate and sound solutions.
• Be available during your assigned shift and on-call rotation to support travelers in real time.

1. Quality Assurance & Innovation

• Implement quality control measures to ensure all elements of the travel experience meet or exceed client expectations.
• Suggest personalized recommendations and stay up to date on African travel trends and new product offerings.

1. Compliance & Communication

• Keep clients informed of travel regulations and ensure all required information is accurate and timely.
• Provide key post-booking details including guides, packing lists, visa information, and any other relevant updates to ensure a smooth travel experience.

You Are

• Someone with previous experience booking and working within an African Destination Management Company (DMC).
• Based in South Africa — preferably in Cape Town — and available to work one of two shifts (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM or 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM SAST), with a willingness to be part of a rotation for on-call, in-travel weekend emergencies.
• Fluent in English, with professional to native written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledgeable about African travel destinations (safari included), logistics, and regulations.
• Experienced with itinerary management systems such as Wetu or similar platforms.
• A strong problem-solver with experience handling travel-related emergencies.
• Clear and proactive in your communication, capable of working closely with clients, suppliers, and internal teams across multiple time zones.
• Highly organized, able to multitask and manage multiple clients and itineraries simultaneously, without compromising on detail.
• Comfortable working in a service desk model, using a shared inbox and picking up service tickets as assigned.
• Passionate about travel and delivering exceptional customer service.
• A team player who thrives in a collaborative/start-up environment and is eager to provide support, guidance, and expertise as needed.