Our Story
African Blue began in Cape Town in 2001, when David Smith started personally guiding guests from his family’s B&B and sharing the places he knew and loved. What began with private Cape Town tours grew naturally into tailor-made journeys across South Africa.
As African Blue evolved, Michelle joined the business, bringing her own passion for surfing, the outdoors and active travel. Together, we began creating journeys that went beyond traditional sightseeing, combining the places South Africa is known for with the experiences that bring them to life.
Our own experiences continued to shape the way we travel. Becoming parents to our daughter Grace, who uses a wheelchair, gave us first-hand insight into accessible travel and inspired us to add Accessible journeys alongside our Classic and Active travel styles.
Classic. Active. Accessible. Or a little of each. Our travel styles aren’t boxes to fit into. They’re different ways for us to create a journey that reflects your interests, your pace and the way you want to experience South Africa.
Since 2001, one thing has remained the same: travel should feel personal.
Meet the Team
Our small, experienced team brings together decades of local knowledge, private guiding and travel planning expertise. From designing your journey to guiding you through South Africa, we share a passion for creating personal experiences shaped around you.
David
Founder, Travel Planner & Private Guide
Michelle
Travel Planner & Private Guide
Matthew
Private Guide
Henri
Private Guide
Ivory
Operations Co-ordinator
David
Founder, Travel Planner & Private Guide
Michelle
Travel Planner & Private Guide
Matthew
Private Guide
Henri
Private Guide
Ivory
Operations Co-ordinator
David
From running a boutique guest house in Camps Bay to leading private tours across South Africa, hospitality has always been part of David’s world. A certified tourist guide since 2001, his strength lies in matching the right places and experiences to each guest’s interests.
David’s years of guiding give him first-hand knowledge of what makes a journey work beyond the itinerary itself. Today, he draws on that experience to create seamless, tailor-made journeys that reflect how each guest wants to experience South Africa.
When he’s not planning itineraries or guiding guests, you’ll find him listening to music with his daughter, checking the surf forecast for his next session, or tinkering with his adventure bike in his mancave.
Fun Fact: David was invited to compete in the Red Bull Big Wave Africa event from 2004 to 2008.
Bonus Fact: David’s surfing background means he keeps a close eye on Cape Town’s ever-changing weather and conditions. That local knowledge helps us adapt itineraries and make the most of each day.
Michelle
With a background in marketing and as a certified tourist guide, surf coach and the founder of sister company Stoked Surf, Michelle brings a blend of travel planning, guiding experience and active adventure expertise to African Blue.
A keen traveller herself, she connects easily with guests, often having explored their home countries too. When she’s not creating tailor-made journeys or guiding guests by land or sea, Michelle can be found catching waves with her son or spending time with her daughter.
Fun Fact: She’s travelled to over 20 countries (and counting) and never misses a chance to board a plane for her next adventure.
Bonus Fact: It was through her love of chasing waves that Michelle met David on a serendipitous surf trip along South Africa’s wild West Coast.
Matthew
Matthew began his guiding career with African Blue over 10 years ago. A certified tourist guide, he has since guided guests throughout the Western Cape and along the Garden Route countless times, building an in-depth knowledge of both regions.
With a passion for the ocean and South Africa’s natural beauty, Matthew combines his local knowledge with a strong understanding of the Cape’s culture and history. His easy-going nature helps make every journey feel relaxed, personal and enjoyable.
When he’s not guiding, you’ll find him surfing his local break or cycling along the Sea Point Promenade at sunset.
Fun Fact: Matthew was at Cape Town’s Grand Parade on 11 February 1990, where he witnessed Nelson Mandela’s first public speech after his release from prison.
Henri
Henri’s journey with the team began on a surf trip to Mozambique, where he met Michelle Smith. She invited him to join sister company Stoked Surf in 2017, where he progressed from qualified surf coach to Head Surf Coach before becoming a certified tourist guide. Today, he brings years of experience working with international guests to his role at African Blue.
Henri combines a genuine love for South Africa’s natural beauty, culture and heritage with an easy-going ability to connect with people. After a journey with him, don’t be surprised if you leave with not just great memories, but a new friend.
When he’s not guiding, you’ll find Henri spending time with his son, surfing or training for his next half marathon.
Fun Fact: Henri is an avid drummer who opened for iconic South African band Mango Groove at their De Waal Park concert in 2023.
Ivory
From providing essential administrative support to sourcing delicious treats for our on-tour picnics, Ivory plays an important role behind the scenes at African Blue. Always smiling and ready to help, she keeps things organised and is a much-valued support to the entire team.
In her free time, Ivory enjoys long beach walks and braving Cape Town’s cold-water swims.
Fun Fact: With encouragement from David and Michelle, Ivory recently started learning to surf, proving it’s never too late to catch your first wave!
Giving Back
Our journey with our daughter, Grace, has shaped the way we see the world and how we give back. Inspired by the joy she finds in simple outings, we proudly support Sinethemba Special Care Centre, which provides care and support for children with disabilities in Cape Town.
Through beach days, aquarium visits and annual donations, we help create opportunities for the children to get out, explore and enjoy some of the experiences that bring our own family so much joy.
It’s a small way for our family to give back to theirs.
If you’d like to join us in supporting Sinethemba, you can find out more about the centre and ways to contribute. Every contribution can make a big difference.
David & Michelle
Your Journey Begins Here.
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tailor-made journey exclusively for you.
What our Guests Say
Amazing South African Tour with Africa Blue.
“We have just finished our South Africa tour with Africa Blue which was amazing. There was exceptional service from the outset. David tailored the perfect tour to suit our specific requirements and was always very professional and prompt with responses. Our guide Matt went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great time and provided useful information about the geography, history and wildlife. Highly Recommended!!”
South African Trip of a Lifetime.
“We have just returned from South Africa , our trip of a lifetime . We used African Blue to organise our 16 day itinerary . From the outset communication with David was perfect and we knew he had organised a wonderful, bespoke two weeks of touring from Cape Town, following the Garden Route and finishing on safari in Kariega . The trip surpassed all our expectations , it was beyond first class all the way ! Every day was brilliantly organised and our tour guide Matt was absolutely outstanding, highly knowledgable , professional and all round jolly good company. He knew exactly where to take us to the best spots ahead of the crowds . If you are heading to Cape Town African Blue is a MUST. The company and staffs’ attention to detail is wonderful and you are assured of an exceptional and high quality trip . We can’t thank you enough David and Matt! We wanted a trip of a lifetime and we got that and much more .”
Excellent Experience. Highly Recommend.
“David set up a safari trip to Sanbona Game Reserve for me and a business colleague. We were visiting from the USA. David was supremely helpful, quick to respond, accommodating to changes and inquiries, and made that leg of our journey such a spectacular experience! I will highly recommend using African Blue to anyone visiting South Africa.”
Bucket List Trip
“I went to Cape Town for my 50th birthday “bucket list” trip. Our tour with African Blue was top notch. They were very professional, informative, fun, flexible and made us feel safe. Matt was our guide and is a true local who knows all the spots and made us feel like family. They will customize a tour based on your personal interests.”
Small but Mighty Company
“This small but mighty company did an amazing job on planning our trip of a life time. David, the owner planned everything for us and even added on some stays we never thought about. Our vacation was very well planned from pick ups, drop offs, excursions, and hotel/lodge stays. Our trip included South Africa, Safaris, Victoria Falls, Uganda where we did the gorilla trek, etc. We experienced and saw everything we wanted and much more. I highly recommend this company if you want the trip of a life time. I have done many travels in my life, but this one tops them all thanks to David and the Africa Blue Tours crew. ”