LUXE spends some time getting to know Carlinn, better known as Camps Bay Girl on social media.
We discover her journey to becoming a digital creator and get exclusive recommendations on her favourite safari locations.
1. How did you become a digital creator and get to where you are today?
I started my digital creator journey back in 2007 when I moved from South Africa to Malta. I started off with posting makeup and fashion on YouTube and my blog and from there grew my business into travel content when I moved back to South Africa in 2011. Since then, I have grown to where I am today creating content for top properties and brands around the world as well as being a Sony Alpha camera ambassador.
2. Focusing on Safaris Getaways this month, can you tell us about some of your best experiences and where they were?
I love going on Safari and my first one was actually back in 2014 when we went on a 10-day luxury tented trip with andBeyond through Botswana and ending off at a luxury lodge in Victoria Falls. The amount of wildlife we saw was amazing.
We have also stayed at an exclusive lodge in Sabi sands in South Africa with electric game vehicles which was an incredible experience!
Lastly you can't mention safari and not talk about the Masai Mara in Kenya. We weren't there for the migration but the sheer number of animals you see on the open plains is mind blowing. Definitely a trip to remember.
3. What is your favourite and least favourite part of your job?
My favourite is definitely experiencing some bucket list activities, places and staying at incredible properties. I also love the creation part when I edit images and videos.
My least favourite would definitely be sometimes not being able to be present in moments when we have to create for clients or the long hours and airports of course! There is no off switch so you are constantly working and creating!
4. the top 3 countries on your bucket list and why?
Iceland - A photographers dream spot but quite a flight from South Africa so it hasn't happened.
Greece - Even though we lived in Europe for quite a few years we never made it to Greece. I would love to live out all my Mamma Mia fantasies!
New Zealand - Another place on my list for all the beautiful landscapes.
5. What does your daily work routine look like?
It changes so often I don't even know anymore. Right now, I am sitting in the middle of nowhere about 3 hours outside of Cape Town in an area called the Cederberg. A very rocky mars like place with a lot of red rocks and incredible stars shooting for a few clients.
Other days I will spend the entire day at home in my pj's working on videos and images for clients.
I have a love hate relationship with the lack of routine.
6. Tell us why you love what you do.
I absolutely love creating. Planning, shooting and then putting it all together is like a magical process to me. How I can take my vision and make it into a reality and something I can share with other people is really cool. I also love experiencing so many different things. I feel like I get bored easily so being exposed to different places and challenges all the time actually makes me happy.
7. Do you have any exciting trips coming up and could you tell us more?
I have a few exciting things coming up. First a trip to Zambia to a beautiful lodge right on Vic falls, then taking a stunning train all the way back to South Africa. After that we are heading to Portugal for the first time to shoot for a company out in the Azores which is super exciting
8. Your top Safari Getaway recommendation and why.
As I mentioned previously Botswana, South Africa and Kenya are definitely my top Safari destinations. South Africa is probably what I would recommend to travellers first as it's super easy to get to, has a lot of lodges to choose from and there is the added bonus of visiting Cape Town on the same trip!
