Sid and Cheryl met in Victoria Falls in the early 1990’s when Sid was a white water rafting guide. Cheryl moved to the tourism capital of Zimbabwe for 6 weeks to gain work experience in the industry and 30 years later they still call Victoria Falls their home. They have raised two children who are as passionate about the bush as they are, and have been privileged to experience safaris in many parts of Africa. Sid and Cheryl’s combined experience in the industry over the past 24 years makes them a formidable team. They aspire to maintain the professional reputation they have earnt from putting together unforgettable safari experiences for their guests.
Cheryl Hayes - Managing Director
Cheryl Hayes was born in Zimbabwe and is of 5th generation Pioneer stock. After completing her tertiary education in South Africa and living in the USA, Cheryl arrived into Victoria Falls for a short work experience stint, and never left. Having worked in the corporate and incentive world for a few years, Cheryl saw an opportunity to provide a service for the discerning guest who was looking for personalized attention whilst travelling, and her concept of Exclusive Touch Africa was borne, leading to the opening of the company in 1998. Cheryl has a diverse knowledge of the market and services available within each region, as well as an astute awareness of guest's needs. Being an incurable romantic, her favourite is designing honeymoon programmes, but as she is a mother of two children being brought up in the bush, and the wife of a safari guide, her love of safaris combined with luxury accommodation, inspires her to put together perfect family and individual holidays. Whilst Cheryl does not travel with guests, she does extensive research into the products that she sells and does not often propose anything that she herself has not personally experienced.
Sid Hayes - Marketing & Operations Director
Sid Hayes is a native born African of British decent and embodies the melding of two worlds in the best possible way for tourism. He is knowledgeable and well educated, and his passion is being in the African bush. Whilst also working in the corporate market initially, Sid joined forces with Cheryl in 2002. As well as organizing all ground handling aspects from arrival to departure, including customs and immigration clearance, hotel liaison and check-in, itinerary coordination and providing local "insider knowledge", Sid provides a great companion for travelers and completes the overall African Experience.
Sid Hayes - Private Guide
Sid Hayes, your personal Private Guide, is available to accompany you on a private, family or group safari. Having him guide a safari is a great benefit that we feel adds incomparable value to the overall experience. His wealth of knowledge in the various areas allows him to highlight relevant information, add continuity and adapt a safari to meet the guest’s specific needs and interests, as well as striving to exceed their expectations. He also takes care of all the nitty gritty travel issues behind the scenes, making cross border transfers and light aircraft charter hops seamless and easy for the guests.
Sid has a good knowledge of photography and will always be willing to take photographs on behalf of the guests with their own cameras, but he also carries his own equipment and will put together an album of digital images at the end of the safari to send home with the guests. Birding is one of Sid’s other skills, which can turn most guests into avid ornithologists by the end of the trip.
Being a father of two and having brought them up in the bush environment, Sid’s rapport with kids of any age on safari is excellent. Not only does he teach them about the bush and wildlife, his sense of humour captures the kids' attention and they end up having a lot of fun whilst learning things as well. Sid has had the priviledge of guiding repeat families and guests over the many years – he has witnessed kids having grown up between their different trips, he has visited many of the guests back home in their own environment when he has gone on marketing trips, and above all he has formed some amazing friendships in all corners of the world which is the main reason he loves this job so much. He is without a doubt a people person who is the backbone of Exclusive Touch Africa and everything it stands for. Personalised, professional and unforgettable.
Sid – the continuous flow of humour, intellect and passion for your country – THANK YOU, you will linger in our hearts for many sunsets and sunrises!
Drop us a line
- Exclusive Touch Africa Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe