Locally based, personally involved – your journey begins with us, in Africa.
Why choose Madiba Travel?
At Madiba Travel, we believe a journey to Southern Africa should be more than just a lovely holiday. It should be an unforgettable experience – personal, responsible and perfectly tailored to your wishes. That’s where we make the difference.
1. Years of experience and deep-rooted knowledge
We know Southern Africa like the back of our hand. With decades of travel experience, deep regional knowledge and a keen eye for detail, we know exactly how to turn your dream trip into reality. No standard packages – just tailor-made journeys built on experience, insight and a genuine love for the region.
2. Trusted partnerships and a strong local network
For years we have worked closely with local partners we know and trust personally. Thanks to these strong relationships we can offer unique experiences, move quickly and rely on the highest quality. Locally we’re known as trusted and valued partners – and you’ll feel that throughout your trip.
3. Travel with purpose
Travelling with Madiba Travel also means giving something back. We actively support local communities in South Africa. Not from behind a desk, but in person: helping in the soup kitchen in Kurland Village, handing out school uniforms to children in The Crags, and taking our travellers on inspiring village walks. In this way, you – directly or indirectly – make a real difference to the people you meet.
4. Always nearby, always available
Our strength lies in direct communication. We’re locally based, speak the language – literally and culturally – and are on hand before and during your trip. If anything comes up, we’re there. No long waiting times, no call centres, just direct contact with someone who knows you and your journey.
For you as a traveller this means carefree, tailor-made trips with a personal touch, organised by people who truly know the region.
With Madiba Travel you don’t just discover Southern Africa – you experience it.
“We had a fantastic trip through South Africa, completely organised by Madiba Travel. From our very first contact with Anika, we felt we were in safe hands. Everything was arranged down to the smallest detail, from the perfect accommodation to the transfers and excursions.”
Fred and Marjolein
February 2025
“South Africa is such an incredible country! We were enthusiastic from the moment we arrived. Thanks to Marieke from Madiba Travel, we stayed in some truly fantastic places. Every hotel was unique and special. We will definitely return to South Africa and will certainly get in touch with Madiba Travel again.”
van Olderen Family
December 2024
“We had an unforgettable trip! We’ve recovered from the jet lag and are now back into our routine. The places you arranged for us were beyond our expectations. Thank you for your care, Marieke — it was a pleasure to meet you.”
Elmer and Nora
April 2025
Your local travel experts in Cape Town
What began in 2007 as a small travel agency in Amsterdam soon grew into a special business based in the heart of Cape Town. Since 2009, we’ve proudly called this vibrant city our home.
From Cape Town, we carefully craft your dream journey with genuine care and attention. Personal service, local knowledge and social responsibility are at the heart of everything we do. This means we don’t just create unforgettable holidays, we also contribute to fair and sustainable development.
Reliable, committed and always close by – even from the other side of the world.
We don’t just travel – we connect
At Madiba Travel, it’s about more than beautiful destinations. We’ve smelled the campfire, walked the paths, shared the conversations and experienced the silence of the savannah ourselves. Everything we recommend comes from personal experience – and that experience continues to grow with every journey.
At the same time, we actively support projects that truly matter. From small local initiatives to long-term partnerships with communities: we travel with a purpose. And we’d love for you to be part of it.
Travel just the way you imagine it
At Madiba Travel, everything revolves around your ideal journey. We listen to your wishes, think along with you and create a trip that truly suits you. No standard packages, just tailor-made travel with a real eye for detail.
From the very first conversation, you’ll be in touch with an experienced travel adviser who will guide you from planning through to your return home. And during your trip? We’re never far away. With local tips and support, we make sure you can relax and enjoy every moment, backed by a team that truly calls this place home.
Our tailor-made destinations
South Africa
The “Rainbow Nation” is one of South Africa’s most well-known nicknames. It reflects the country’s remarkable diversity, from its unspoilt natural landscapes and rich cultures to the wide variety of people who call it home. Combined with the fact that South Africa enjoys wonderful weather for roughly nine months of the year, it makes it a truly unique and fantastic holiday destination.
Namibia
This remarkable country is dominated by breathtaking desert landscapes. The red sand dunes at sunrise in Sossusvlei, the dramatic gorge of Fish River Canyon, and the rugged mountain scenery of Damaraland make you feel as though you’ve stepped onto another planet.
Travelling through this vast and remote country can be done in several ways. You can drive yourself along the mostly unpaved roads, fly between destinations, or explore the country with an experienced guide — which is highly recommended.
Botswana
Botswana is an excellent destination for your next safari, thanks to its pristine wilderness, rich biodiversity and exclusive wildlife experiences. The country is known for its sustainable tourism and remarkable natural areas such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, where you can witness large herds of elephants, lions and rare wildlife in their natural habitat.
With small-scale lodges and expert guides, Botswana offers an authentic and intimate safari experience, far removed from mass tourism.
Zambia
In addition to being recognised as one of the safest countries on the continent to visit, it is home to some of Africa’s most pristine and rugged landscapes. This remote wilderness offers exceptional wildlife safaris, but without the crowds found in many other destinations.
Mozambique
Mozambique is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. This hidden gem boasts more than 2,500 kilometres (1,553 miles) of pristine coastline, filled with untouched beaches and tropical islands just offshore. Add an incredible safari experience and you have the complete package.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is home to one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in the world. The country also has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Its lodges and hotels are world-class, and with wonderful weather throughout the year, it’s a fantastic destination in any season.
Mauritius
Mauritius is often called Paradise Island and is blessed by nature in so many ways. With its tropical climate, dramatic waterfalls, lush forests, mountain ranges and endless watersports, the island offers a holiday destination full of possibilities.
Not sure where you’d like to go or what would suit you best?
Get in touch with us and we’ll put together a carefully curated travel itinerary tailored to your unique wishes and needs.
Who are we?
We are four adventurous Dutch travellers who have proudly called Cape Town home for more than 15 years. Travel runs in our blood – just like connecting with people and the desire to make a positive difference.
With Madiba Travel, we combine our extensive travel experience with a deep-rooted connection to South Africa. Through our own non-profit organisation, we also actively support communities that could use a helping hand. In this way, we make travel not only unforgettable for you, but meaningful for others as well.
Marc Schoon
Marc founded Madiba Travel in 2007. He first set foot in South Africa in 1999 when he was invited to play for the rugby team in Knysna, an idyllic town along the Garden Route. In 2000, he returned to Cape Town to conduct research for his history thesis at Leiden University.
After years of travelling back and forth, he settled permanently in Cape Town in January 2009. Marc is closely involved with the Friends of Kurland Foundation and other community initiatives in the Cape. This sense of social responsibility is a major motivation for him and has therefore become one of the core values of Madiba Travel.
Marieke Uphoff
Marieke first set foot in South Africa in 2006. She was so impressed that she kept coming back in the years that followed. Marieke had already been working for many years for a tour operator in the Netherlands, but when the opportunity came up to work from Cape Town, she didn’t hesitate for a moment. She packed her bags and moved to Cape Town.
A few years later, her daughter Josephien was born in Cape Town. Today she is a safari expert who knows all the family-friendly places, the best restaurants in town and the most beautiful cultural highlights across Southern Africa.
Paul Langeveld
Paul is a partner at Madiba Travel and a true lover of Africa. For more than ten years he has been living and working in the Western Cape with his wife and two children.
Through his many travels, Paul has come to know the beauty of Southern Africa inside and out. Cycling through Namibia, camping in the Okavango Delta, hiking in the northern part of Kruger National Park – Paul has been everywhere and experienced it all.
Paul is also a keen golfer and has extensive experience organising and designing exceptional golf trips to some of the finest golf courses in South Africa.
Anika Bloks
Anika first visited South Africa in 2002 while backpacking through the country. After that trip she was completely captivated and kept returning to what she considers the most beautiful country in the world.
Since 2014, Anika has been living permanently in Cape Town with her husband and two sons, where she spent many years renting out holiday accommodation in and around the city. She joined Madiba Travel in August 2022.
Her love of nature, animals and wildlife means that “the bush” is her favourite place to be. She enjoys using her own experience of travelling in South Africa to help make your wishes come true. Whether it’s a safari, an active holiday, exploring cities, wine tasting or visiting some of the most beautiful beaches, Anika would love to help you experience the real South Africa.
Giving something back matters to us – and you can help
South Africa is more than just a destination for us – it’s where our hearts truly lie. In the village of Kurland, along the beautiful Garden Route, many people live in difficult circumstances. Since 2012, we’ve proudly supported this community through the Dutch foundation Friends of Kurland. A portion of every journey booked with Madiba Travel helps create better opportunities for children and families there.
Together we can make a real difference. Will you help bring hope and opportunity to Kurland Village?
Whatever your wishes and ideas may be, we’ll create the right plan for you.
Whatever your wishes may be, we’ll create the right plan for you. Whether it’s a short trip or a longer journey, travelling on a modest budget or choosing to indulge a little more, we’ll design a carefully curated, tailor-made itinerary that fits your dream holiday in Africa. Let’s get started today.