About us

Based in Cape Town, we curate bespoke and innovative travel experiences throughout Southern Africa. Combining local expertise, meticulous planning, and competitive pricing, we create exceptional journeys tailored to each client’s unique interests and requirements. Our dedication to outstanding service and attention to detail sets us apart, ensuring unforgettable travel experiences at every stage of the journey.

About us

Neels van Tonder

Founder & Guide

+27 73 878 1884

The company was founded in 1997 by Neels van Tonder that has always been fascinated by the beauty and splendour Africa has to offer.

The owner has been involved with Tourism while he was still studying theology.
After completion of his studies, his passion for Africa encouraged him to pursue a career in Tourism and he qualified as a registered Tourist guide in 1996.

He has been working for different tour companies as a freelance coach driver and/or Tourist Guide. During this time he has acquired a sound mechanical knowledge about the vehicles he has been driving as well as a phenomenal knowledge about South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.

His passion for people, cultures, history and nature of Africa eventually gave birth to Perceptions of Africa. Our aim is to concentrate on small groups for personal attention and to ensure that you have a pleasant journey.

Perceptions of Africa specializes in creating unforgettable South African experiences for English and Dutch speaking travellers.

Our local expertise and Dutch heritage create the perfect bridge to Africa.

We offer value for money packages so that you can perceive Africa through your own senses to create your own Perceptions of Africa.

Travel is our passion and that is why we prefer to keep it small in order to maintain a "hands on" approach

What we value:

Our Clients:

Tourism is our passion and we would like to share it with our customers

Customers are the foundation of our business and the reason we exist.

Valuing customers builds trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships.

Customer feedback helps us improve our products and services.

Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend us to others.

Strong customer relationships contribute to business growth and success.

Responsible Tourism:

Respect local cultures, traditions, and communities.

Support local businesses, guides, and artisans whenever possible.

Reduce waste by reusing and recycling during travel.

Protect wildlife and natural environments by avoiding harmful activities.

Conserve water and energy in hotels and tourist areas.

Choose eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators.

Promote positive and sustainable experiences for both visitors and local communities.

Our Staff:

We only employ well groomed, registered, knowledgeable and experienced guides.

We only employ well groomed drivers with excellent driving skills and sound mechanical knowledge.

Our staff is knowledgeable about the areas that we conduct our tours

Safety:

The safety of our clients is very important and for this reason we only employ experienced and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We have never been involved in an accident of any kind.

Flexibility:

We are dedicated to the needs of our clients and therefore no legal request is too big or small.

Insurance:

Our vehicles are comprehensivly insured

We are covered by above average Passenger Liability Insurance

Vehicles:

We own our own vehicles (For bigger groups we make use of reputable Coach Companies)

We only offer late model luxury vehicles

Our vehicles are clean and well maintained.

All vehicles have Road Transportation Permits

Back up Service:

We have country-wide agreements with dealer networks and co-operative agreements with a network of coach operators. Our vehicles are well equipped (First Aid kit, Spare V-belts, Toolbox etc.)

All drivers have a good mechanical knowledge.

All drivers are equipped with a cellular phone (International roaming for neighbouring countries).

24 hour emergency number.

2026 Toyota Quantum (13 Passengers)