Vernon Wait

It was whilst living in London (probably on a wet, wintery November day) that I thought of returning to South Africa and starting a touring company. With a background in accounting, I can safely say that I knew absolutely nothing about the tourism industry - all that I had was a love for travel and a passion for South Africa. Having convinced my wife that we should give up our careers in the City of London and return to South Africa, we took a year out and learnt all that we could about travel and tourism.

We decided early on that Pembury Tours would compete with the industry leaders by offering a personalised level of service that sets us apart in terms of our professionalism, product knowledge and passion for Africa – the three “Pembury P’s”! Apart from a reasonably informative website, we no longer need to do much marketing – we are proud to be able to say that our business is all generated from referrals. I am very pleased to have established a business in an industry with the greatest potential for job creation in South Africa.

Email me direct at: vernon@pemburytours.com.

Susan Pattison-Wait

I am one of the owners of Pembury Tours and set up the company in 1996 with my husband shortly after our return from a 6-year stay in the United Kingdom, during which time I worked in London and also did a Master’s Degree at Cambridge. My principal function at Pembury Tours is tour consulting. I enjoy the challenge of compiling a special self-drive itinerary for clients that will meet all the criteria they have given me. I also take pride in making sure that all the arrangements and reservations run smoothly once my clients’ tailor made holidays have started.

My love of wildlife means that I especially enjoy working on safari itineraries but I also like drawing up itineraries that include a “bit of everything” for first-time visitors – Cape Town, beaches, game viewing, African culture and historical insight. As a mother with young children, I know the importance of finding child-friendly accommodation for family holidays.

Email me direct at: susan@pemburytours.com.

Tammy Harding

I joined Pembury Tours in 2006 as a tour consultant. Whilst living in London I loved researching and planning holidays and sightseeing trips for myself, and I am now really enjoying planning memorable tours for clients. My role at Pembury Tours is very much on the operations side and includes making reservations with various hotels and guesthouses and compiling vouchers and travel documents with maps and directions to ensure each self-drive holiday runs smoothly.

I had great fun planning my own honeymoon and have researched the numerous romantic getaways available in Southern Africa, so I especially enjoy assisting honeymoon clients who would like to plan their romantic holiday-of-a-lifetime.

Email me direct at: tammy@pemburytours.com.

Kerry Ririe

I have been involved in the hotel and tourism industry for 19 years. Since qualifying as a hotel manager, I have been fortunate enough to have worked in many of the best hotels and lodges in different areas of South Africa. This has given me a great local knowledge of my country. I have a lifelong dedication to travelling in Africa and, after having lived in game reserves for more than 4 years, they are still a passion for our family getaways.

As a natural progression, I joined Pembury Tours as a consultant, after settling in Port Elizabeth. My responsibilities include tailor-making itineraries to suit the client’s requirements. From making the reservation, compiling the travel documents, including maps and directions, to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable holiday, I know that the perfect holiday is made up of many facets and the effective combining of these services ensures the clients their “great African vacation”.

Email me direct at: kerry@pemburytours.com.

Catherine Comley

I joined Pembury Tours in November 2007 as the shuttle manager. I enjoy taking care of all the small details and the immense amount of organisation which comes with this job.

My job is to ensure that clients enjoy a safe and pleasant journey to the many game reserves, hotels, golf courses and garden route destinations in and around the Eastern Cape.

I am also able to arrange short garden route tours, day trips and city tours upon request.

Whether it be a simple transfer to one of our many beautiful reserves in the Eastern Cape or a week long garden route tour, I strive to ensure that all our clients appreciate safe and memorable journeys with us.

Email me direct at: shuttle@pemburytours.com.