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, Jaryd was immersed in a world where oceans and mountains were his constant companions, shaping his days with boundless exploration. The most cherished memories of his formative years include campfires in remote havens, bonding with his father through shared fishing and culinary adventures, and the exhilaration of surfing South Africa’s incredible coastline with his closest friends. Jaryd’s weekends were always an exciting expedition, rejecting the mundane in favor of embracing the spirit of adventure. 

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

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

The adoration Jaryd holds for his city has seamlessly turned into a profession. His truest joy is in imparting this love for the Cape Town and South Africa to others, as he guides them through a tapestry of experiences.

Jaryd relishes unveiling the Cape Towns 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 vibrant streets.

Paul grew up in a small town, based in Kwa-Zulu Natal – an area where the mountains, bush, and the sea are all in close proximity. Having access to the Great Drakensberg Mountains, the Zululand Bush, and the East Coast of South Africa is what started his ongoing love affair for all things nature, history, and people.

Growing up in these environments gave him the opportunity to really explore and get lost in a region so rich with African culture and history. Over time he started to enjoy sharing these places and experiences with friends and family, and found a love for sharing unique experiences with people – most importantly for him seeing the joy it brought them.

After a 3-year stint working on the superyachts, and a full year traveling the globe, Paul returned home and continued his love affair for nature and finds himself either exploring the beautiful Cape region, eating his way through its delectable cuisines, meeting new people, and making them laugh or reading books about our diverse culture and history. South Africa sits at the forefront of where nature, culture, history, and food all collide, and for Paul, this is his bread and butter, he could not be more suitable to a region if he tried.

SAFFA is proud to have such a genuine person on their team, and as a private guide, he looks most forward to hosting you in our beautiful country, sharing it with you, and the many stories that go along with it.

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 would often escape to Kruger National Park. These trips into the bush during her early years planted the seed for her passion and love of nature!

Victoria then moved to the Mother City to study Marketing at the University of Cape Town. With a love for the Mother City brewing, she decided to stay because the unmatched lifestyle of the beautiful city allured her. Victoria then went on to start her career as an advertising strategist.

Soon enough, her passion for travel and the outdoors, along with her interest in diverse cultures, shifted her gears to become a host for luxury cycling tours in Europe. After a few years of incredible experiences, Victoria’s love for Cape Town once again allured her. Victoria found the opportunity to combine her love for South Africa and passion for travel, culture and the outdoors by becoming a private guide in South Africa. Today, Victoria loves every part of it, and nothing makes her happier than sharing her home with our international clientele.

Victoria’s extensive travels have only deepened her love for her home country, South Africa. She is convinced that there is no place quite like the Western Cape. Her enthusiasm for sharing authentic, immersive experiences that truly reflect the places we visit is infectious. By blending her deep passion for nature with South Africa’s diverse cultural landscape, she not only helps our guests fall in love with South Africa, but also leaves them with a lasting connection to its spirit.

As a child growing up on a farm in the North West Province, FW de Klerk’s world was a canvas painted with the hues of nature. Each day brought new discoveries amidst the rhythms of farm life, but it was the untamed wilderness beyond the fields that stirred his soul. From the rustling of leaves to the distant calls of wild creatures, the allure of the natural world captured his imagination from the earliest of days.

While his family tended to cattle and crops, FW found himself drawn to the wild spaces that lay just beyond their homestead. It was amidst these untamed landscapes that he felt most alive, where every rustle in the bushes held the promise of adventure and discovery. These early encounters with nature planted the seeds of a passion that would shape his destiny.

As FW grew older, his thirst for adventure led him beyond the confines of the farm and into the vast expanses of South Africa’s wilderness. Safari adventures became the playgrounds of his youth, each excursion fuelling his fascination with the diverse landscapes and creatures that called them home. From the private game reserves to the sprawling plains of Kruger National Park, FW’s love affair with nature only deepened with each passing day.

Eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the natural world, FW seized the opportunity to pursue a field-guiding course. This decision would set him on a path of discovery, where every step brought him closer to understanding the intricate web of life that thrives in South Africa’s wild spaces.

Today, FW is a seasoned guide with esteemed qualifications, including FGASA Field Guide Level 2, Lead Trails, and Cyber Tracker Level 3. His dedication to continuous learning is a testament to his unwavering commitment to providing guests with the most enriching experiences possible. Although FW’s journey doesn’t end with guiding alone. As a registered tourist and nature guide, as well as a professional Cyber Tracker, he brings a multifaceted approach to every expedition. It’s a commitment to offering guests a comprehensive and immersive experience that goes beyond the surface, allowing them to truly connect with the wonders of the natural world.

Now, living in Cape Town, FW approaches any local adventure with the same amount of passion, enthusiasm and expertise as he does on safari and in the wild. From leading wilderness backpacking trails in Kruger National Park to guiding amidst the stark beauty of the Kalahari, FW’s adventures know no bounds. Each day brings new challenges and discoveries, from tracking elusive creatures to uncovering the traditional uses of Kalahari plants.

With over a decade of experience guiding at renowned lodges and reserves, FW’s passion for sharing the wonders of South Africa’s wildlife and landscapes burns brighter than ever. For him, guiding isn’t just a profession but a calling—a calling to inspire others to see the world through the eyes of a safari guide.

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Matt developed a deep love for nature during his frequent Kruger National Park and Plettenberg Bay trips. These experiences sparked a passion for the outdoors and a growing appreciation for South Africa. Long weekends and school holidays exploring these beautiful places only intensified Matt’s desire to discover more of his home country.

Initially, Matt studied finance but realised that it wasn’t his calling after a few years of working in the sector. Matt then joined the family import business, where he spent some years learning the ropes. However, he still yearned for a life outdoors and amongst South Africa’s rich cultural history, which pursued his passion of becoming a private guide. This would allow him the freedom to embrace the outdoors, fully experience everything South Africa has to offer, and, above all, share it with others.

Having travelled to 30 countries and counting, Matt has cultivated a love for exploration, adventure, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Yet, his affection for South Africa grew more substantial every time he returned home. Matt has road-tripped across the country and spent weeks immersed in the bush. Sharing these experiences with others and showing them why South Africa and the Cape are the most spectacular destinations in the world is a living dream.

Since living in Cape Town, Matt has pursued his passion for hosting and guiding people through his beloved home. If not guiding, you can always find Matt in the ocean or hiking the mountains with his doggo.

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.