Katlyn Lautenbach first set foot in the Serengeti in 2011 and has been travelling Africa ever since. She now designs bespoke travel experiences for Mammoth Safaris based out of Johannesburg, South Africa. In her combined role as Product Manager, she is engaged in the wider African tourism industry, ensuring that Mammoth has its finger on the pulse at all times.
She has travelled widely in Southern and East Africa to most of the major safari destinations. She has also done some tough hikes in the rainforests of Madagascar and the Republic of Congo which is typical of an adventurous traveller! Whilst out on a forest hike in the Kibale Forest in Uganda she witnessed a swift and brutal hunt by chimpanzees as they captured a L’Hoest’s Monkey. Katlyn rates this is the single most incredible sighting on all her travels. In contrast, her favourite most scenic experience is flying low over the Okavango Delta’s river channels and islands spotting wildlife from the air.
Originally a Chicago girl, Katlyn grew up going skiing, fishing and snorkelling at various world class destinations across North America. She loves dogs and also raised an eclectic mix of other pets from gerbils to frogs and lizards. (with her passion for animals she is now involved in the rehabilitation of rescued wild animals like pangolins and otters which is both emotionally challenging and very rewarding). In 2016 she married Gavin at the magical Phinda Private Game Reserve, surrounded by family and friends from all over the world. This impressive amount of organising is something that comes naturally to her! She loves to stay fit and enjoys fitness boxing (ask Gavin who wins). She is charming, outdoorsy and easy-going whilst being very meticulous – all great characteristics for someone putting your dream safari together!