FOUNDER

Askari founder and principal Muriel Truter grew up in Zimbabwe and has lived in England, Israel, and Canada and has spent over 35 years exploring the world and has visited over 65 countries. Over a lifetime of working as a tour guide in Africa, South America and on yachts in Europe and the Galapagos, she has mastered the art of trip planning and ferreting out the places and things that make every journey special. Her endless curiosity for new and interesting things never stops and her joy in sharing the privilege of travel is infectious.  From sunrises on mountains in Africa; four-seat cervicherias in South America or plate-throwing tavernas in Greece, Muriel is determined to help others navigate the ever-richer and complex choices. She has been nominated (and won) industry awards for her creativity in crafting journeys..

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Madelyn has travelled to remote and culture-rich destinations her entire life.  Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Toronto, she has spent extensive time in Australia and South East Asia. In the past decade Madelyn has also delved deep into the wild areas of South and Central America. Her travel aspirations are to hike, ride and enjoy the gaucho life in remote Argentina, Chile and the Andes of Peru. Her fascination with ancient civilizations have taken her to far off places - exploring ruins, temples and pyramids globally. Madelyn’s curiosity of history and love of food have also taken her to Spain, Portugal and Greece on multiple journeys.  Her travels in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Singapore have been driven by the vibrant energy, rich-culture and history – and of course food!  She also loves the Caribbean for the quick access, the weather in the winter and scuba diving. She cannot wait to plan your next adventure.

TRIP PLANNER

Born in Montreal, Belinda caught the travel bug early, spending her summers in Sweden with her family. As soon as she could, she chased experiences abroad—camp counsellor in the Swedish archipelago, concierge at a hotel Stockholm, and a blissful summer in Paris studying French. Those adventures led to two years of guiding with Butterfield & Robinson across France and Italy . After pressing pause to spend 15 years in corporate PR and raise three children, she returned to her first love: travel.

Today, Belinda crafts bespoke journeys, with special affinity and expertise in Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Having travelled extensively over the years, she has walked the paths and avenues and partnered with exceptional guides, she's also built long-standing relationships with unique hoteliers and lodges worldwide. Above all, she listens. She understands that every traveler is unique, and each itinerary must reflect a pace, the passions, and its own definition of magic.  She always brings integrity, creativity and a sense of humour to her collaborations both with travellers and our partners.

TRIP PLANNER

Charlotte Truter, born in Pretoria, South Africa, brings a global perspective to her work as a seasoned travel consultant based in Canada. Having landed in Toronto three decades ago, she combines her deep-rooted love for travel with years of experience in the hospitality industry. Charlotte specializes in creating bespoke travel experiences for private clients, drawing on her own extensive travels and insider knowledge of destinations around the world. Her personalized approach ensures that every itinerary reflects her clients' unique preferences, whether it’s a luxurious escape, an adventurous expedition, or a culturally immersive journey. With Charlotte, every trip is crafted with care, insight, and a passion for delivering unforgettable experiences.

HEAD OF ADMINISTRATION

Growing up on a farm in Southern Ontario, Faye developed a deep passion for exploring the world. After studying architecture at university, she worked in the EPCM industry before shifting her focus to her daughters. When the opportunity to join Askari came up, she embraced it as a chance to explore travel in a new way. Her own journeys have taken her across South America, including Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, where she fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Machu Picchu. She’s also explored Europe, with trips to Spain, France, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Italy, and beyond. Faye loves traveling with her husband and two daughters, creating lasting family memories. At Askari Travel, she applies her meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills in administration and coordination, helping the company run smoothly behind the scenes and keeping all of us in order!

LOCAL GUIDE

Steve Andrews is our “secret asset” in Southern Africa. Steve grew up in the apartheid era and readily shares the experiences of his youth, the changes and challenges of the past decades.  Steve’s dedication to service, his wonderful smile and ‘nothing is a problem’ attitude, makes South Africa come alive for our guests. Steve has been extensively involved in walking and bicycle trips – he is an awesome bike mechanic, a great hiking companion and a brilliant dinner companion. What more can you ask for!