Meet the team

Growing up in Kwa-Zulu Natal, on the East Coast of South Africa, I spent most of my former years connected to the ocean – surfing, fishing, paddling and learning. Besides the ocean, some of my fondest memories growing-up were over-landing, camping and hiking trips with my family. Travel was a big part of my childhood and has had a great influence on where I am today. I came to Cape Town to continue my travel dream by qualifying as a guide and using this opportunity to explore more of this incredible city. Even with 34 countries ticked off my bucket list, Cape Town is still an incomparable place. This focal point of South Africa, where oceans meet, cultures collide and beauty transcends, calls to be discovered – at least once in your lifetime. To me, South Africa is a world in one place with a mosaic of culture, history, landscape, wildlife and adventure.

At the beginning of 2018, I started Saffa Tours, an authentic and immersive travel company, offering private guided services and tailored travel. I created Saffa Tours because I want to give people a customized, local experience of South Africa. I strive to ensure we go beyond the tourist traps to allow people to leave with more than just photographs and souvenirs.

Growing up along Cape Town’s picturesque West Coast, I was immersed in a world where oceans and mountains were my constant companions, shaping my days with boundless exploration. The most cherished memories of my formative years include campfires in remote havens, bonding with my dad through shared fishing and culinary adventures, and the exhilaration of surfing South Africa’s incredible coastline with my closest friends. My weekends were always an exciting expedition, rejecting the mundane in favour of embracing the spirit of adventure. 

After navigating the corporate realm for some time, I made a pivotal decision: discarding most of my material possessions, I shouldered a backpack and set off to see the world. It was during these transformative years that my affinity with travel blossomed into a deep passion. The cultures I encountered and the people I met inspired me, and I found it to be true that the greatest luxury of all is experience.

Returning after three years, I was greeted by the undeniable truth that Cape Town stands unrivalled and I once again decided to call it home. The convergence of mountains and the ocean expanse, interwoven with diverse cultures, sets Cape Town in a league of its own. Here, I can travel an hour in any direction and encounter a myriad of landscapes that span my wildest dreams. Whether it’s catching waves, embarking on hikes, revelling in the simplicity of camping, savouring the world’s finest wines, indulging in exquisite cuisine or sipping on the best coffee in town,  Cape Town always holds the ideal backdrop for my passions to unfold.

The adoration I hold for his city has seamlessly turned into a profession. My truest joy is in imparting this love for Cape Town and South Africa to others.

I relish unveiling the Cape’s charm, unmasking the oceans and mountains that cradle it, celebrating its culinary treasures, and above all, introducing the vibrant souls who breathe life into its streets.

I was born and raised in Cape Town and grew up in the southern suburbs. Really loved sport and fishing and spent a lot of time out fishing and diving with my family. I lived in the UK for 3 years after matriculating and worked in a hotel for most of it. That’s really where I found my love for hospitality and have pretty much been in hospitality ever since.

I completed my guiding qualification in 2010 at Livingstone Tourism academy and have been guiding ever since. I would say that as I have progressed in the industry I have developed a passion for our wine industry and showcasing and showing off our beautiful winelands. I always strive to make it the best experience for each guest, depending on their wine knowledge and interest.

That being said I also have a deep love for nature and the outdoors. My dad grew up in Still Bay and my mom on a huge sheep farm in the Groot Karoo and we spent nearly every school holiday at either place growing up. My folks were real nature lovers and they instilled that into us at an early age. So I love to hike and participate in adventure activities with guests as I also feel that it’s a nice way of getting to know each other.

When it comes to touring I would say that I love to give guests as much of a unique experience as they are comfortable with. I like to keep things light and easy and I don’t watch the clock. Unless I have to be somewhere at a specific time of course. Essentially I get a lot of energy and fulfilment out of sending our guests back with a real sense of feeling very well looked after and having had a unique and local experience.

Growing up in Johannesburg, Victoria often escaped to Kruger National Park, where her early experiences in the bush sparked a lifelong love for nature.

She later moved to Cape Town to study Marketing at the University of Cape Town and quickly fell for the city’s unmatched lifestyle, launching her career as an advertising strategist.

Drawn by her passion for travel, the outdoors, and diverse cultures, Victoria went on to host luxury cycling tours across Europe. Eventually, Cape Town called her home once more, leading her to combine her love for South Africa with her passion for travel and culture as a private guide.

Today, Victoria finds nothing more rewarding than sharing her home country with international guests. Her extensive travels have only strengthened her belief that there is no place quite like the Western Cape. With an infectious enthusiasm for authentic, immersive experiences, she helps guests not only explore South Africa, but truly connect with its spirit.

Originally from the picturesque Midlands of Kwa-Zulu Natal, my upbringing was steeped in the splendours of South Africa’s diverse landscapes. From the rugged coastlines to the lush bushveld and majestic mountains, I developed a profound connection to nature from an early age.

My childhood was a tapestry of outdoor adventures – from exhilarating hikes to serene birding expeditions, tranquil fishing trips, and nights camping under the stars. As a younger child, our family holidays were often spent exploring the untamed beauty of the wild coast, our trusty caravan serving as our home away from home. As we grew older, we upgraded to an off-road camping trailer, venturing into more remote areas for unforgettable safari experiences.

One standout memory is a three-week overlanding journey through the rugged landscapes of Namibia, where every day brings new wonders and discoveries. Following my passion for wildlife, I pursued formal training as a Nature Field Guide after completing school. For six enriching years, I honed my skills and deepened my understanding of nature while working at five-star game lodges. It was during this time that I realised the true essence of guiding – it’s not just about the animals but about fostering meaningful connections with people. Sharing the beauty and wonders of South Africa with others became my greatest joy and purpose.

Upon getting engaged, my wife and I made the decision to relocate to Cape Town to be closer to family. Since settling here, I’ve developed a profound appreciation for the rich array of experiences that the Mother City offers. From its vibrant culinary scene and diverse cultural heritage to the awe-inspiring vistas of Table Mountain and the endless expanse of the ocean, Cape Town captivates the soul in countless ways. Transitioning my guiding expertise from the bushveld to the urban landscape has been a rewarding challenge, allowing me to explore new avenues of discovery and adventure.

Growing up in Cape Town, I was exposed to adventure and outdoor activities at an early age. I spent my youth surfing, playing rugby, and attending lifesaving training. The latter became slightly more serious towards the end of high school, and at 22, I was selected to represent the South African Lifesaving Team. Lifesaving pushes the stronger paddlers into long-distance open ocean racing (on a surf ski), which I pursued at a high level for several years.

I pursued a bachelor’s degree at UCT, majoring in Pure Mathematics and Philosophy, which aligned with my interests and intellectual passions from a young age. My passion for history and social analysis was inherited from my parents, who were both actively involved in the liberation struggle in South Africa. My studies laid the groundwork for an endless pursuit of knowledge, which I find satisfying across a broad range of historical and political reading.

I found a home in tourism, particularly hosting, by building a small adventure company that offers guided kayak tours. This experience drew me intently towards different cultures and appeased my need to physically engage with my work.

To me, life is about acquiring skills that enhance one’s experience and that of those around one. These experiences help one grow every day into a more well-rounded, kind, and passionate individual.

I am passionate about Cape Town, its people and what it offers. I am a proud South African and an advocate for travel in the broader region of Southern Africa.

My passion for exploring my hometown and country was cultivated from an early age. Growing up in Cape Town, I was fortunate to experience its many facets — from majestic mountains to dramatic coastlines — thanks to my nature-loving parents. Almost every weekend was spent hiking, picnicking, or discovering new places, and school holidays were devoted to camping in pristine wilderness areas or embarking on road trips to explore distant regions of South Africa.

During my teenage years, I began organizing informal excursions with friends, introducing them to places I had discovered or heard about. Looking back, that was where my journey as a guide truly began.

While completing my Bachelor of Social Science degree at the University of Cape Town, I developed a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich cultural heritage and a lasting curiosity about the world around me. My involvement in the university’s Sailing Club and Mountain and Ski Club further broadened my horizons and sparked a passion for adventure that continues to shape my life.

Following graduation, I pursued a career in education, teaching English as a Second Language in Vietnam. This experience allowed me to work with students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, while also providing the opportunity to travel extensively and build meaningful global connections.

In time, I realized that my ideal vocation would bring together my core passions — education, travel, service, and exploration of the natural world. Guiding has allowed me to do exactly that, and I feel immense gratitude each day for the opportunity to share South Africa’s beauty, culture, and stories with others.