A father, a husband, and a globetrotter. Roan Havenga has found the recipe to keeping his life an adventure. His love and passion for travel make him the one who can get you to wherever you dream of.
Travel. Six letters that opens a world of opportunities for many. Some travel to and from work daily, while other travels can take months or even years of planning, saving and for some, travelling has always been just a distant memory.
For a local globetrotter, whose passport has stamps from many global destinations, travel is about a deep love for people and our planet.
“The world overflows with wonders waiting to be experienced, and my passion lies in both exploring them and helping others do the same. Each journey imparts a lesson, making my love for the industry grow. In our world of travel, adaptability is key; nothing remains constant, and the rules continuously evolve.”
Roan Havenga has been in the travel industry for over 15 years and has found what makes him the happiest. A true embodiment of Marc Anthony’s quote: “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
“My start was a nocturnal one, working night shifts at a guest house while studying. Seeking some post-study adventure, I ventured as a guide across Southern Africa on overlanding trucks. But, as they say, home calls you back, and I returned to Bloemfontein. Here, I began as a junior consultant at Etnique Travel, absorbing insights from our founder, Johann Beukes, and our vibrant Etnique team,” he said.
Today he is the proud owner of a local travel agency, Sure Etnique Travel, based in Bloemfontein.
“The sheer joy and thrill clients display while trip planning, especially after we’ve pinned down their interests and expectations, is exhilarating. Crafting unique experiences and witnessing their ecstatic responses? That’s the magic for me,” he said.
Roan’s charisma and poise make it hard to believe that he conquered some of the most daring off-road adventures in South Africa. Making him the perfect person to get you where you need, or dream to be.
“My top destination? South Africa, hands down! From the Richtersveld and Kalahari deserts, snow-kissed Drakensberg mountains, to the forests of Knysna and KwaZulu-Natal, and the azure reefs of Aliwal Shoal and Sodwana – our diversity is unrivalled. And that’s without mentioning the vast landscapes of the Free State and the wonders of Kruger, Cederberg, or the West Coast Fynbos and Rolling Hills of the Eastern Cape. They say there are places in the Free State that is so flat you can watch your dog run away from you for two days, and then 100 kilometers to the east you will find amazing golden sandstone rock formations. Then there is the wonderous Alps in Europe and amazing raw culture of the Baltic States.”
He told Get It people often shy away from visiting travel agencies because they fear that planning a trip would cost them an arm and a leg.
“Our insights and relationships often save clients both time and money, shielding them from typical travel hiccups. Especially today, with travel’s intricate landscape, unforeseen risks can prove costly. People are afraid to even enter a travel agency as they are scared they will be charged for asking a question. No such thing. We work according to a client’s budget.”
For under R2000, Roan said that a traveller can go from Cape Town all the way to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe via Windhoek in Namibia.
“You see so much of South Africa and the whole of Namibia ending up at the amazing Vic falls – what an adventure! Be sure to work with trusted agents as there are unfortunate horror stories out there,” he said.
Despite seeing so much the world has to offer, Bloemfontein is where the heart is for Roan.
“If I were to be a travel ambassador outside Bloemfontein, I’d pitch it as a treasure trove: steeped in history, boasting magnificent architecture, and home to a heartwarming community. Local exploration here offers authentic South African encounters.”
His advice for those who are a little afraid to take a chance is that they start small.
“Maybe a neighbouring town? The world is brimming with kindness, and the experiences? Absolutely invaluable. Cherish the memories; they’re eternal …
Trip essentials? “An open heart and an open mind. Dive deep into the daily lives of those distinct from you. And oh, a hidden money belt to guard your passport and valuables is a smart move!”
When Roan takes some time off from the office or loosing himself inbetween the pages of books in the office’s extensive library, he spend his weekends strolling with his loved ones – two-legged and four-legged – around Seven Dams or basking in family and friends’ company.
“I always travel with my wife and I am looking forward to explore the world with our baby boy, I will let you know how that goes,” he said.
Where to next?
For the traveller, Barcelona is a beacon – its vitality, architecture, and the cheerful people are unmatched. But the golden African sunsets over the Zambezi or Chobe rivers, he said, are simply unparalleled.
“Here’s to embracing each trip with an open heart and making memories for life!”
TEXT: GYPSEENIA LION
