Our Story
African Blue was born in 2001 when David Smith, inspired by guests at his family’s B&B, began personally guiding travelers through Cape Town. As the business grew, so did the family — with Michelle joining the team in recent years.
Both passionate surfers and lovers of the outdoors, their world shifted when their firstborn, Grace, was diagnosed with a rare condition that left her wheelchair-bound for life.
Far from slowing them down, this journey deepened their understanding of travel — its joys, its challenges, and the importance of inclusivity.
African Blue was founded on the belief that every traveller should be able to experience the magic of South Africa, through classic journeys, adventure-filled escapes, and accessible travel designed with care and attention.
This isn’t just what we do — it’s how we live, every day.
Meet the Team
At African Blue, our strength lies in the people who bring each journey to life.
Our small, but experienced and dedicated team shares a love for South Africa and a
commitment to creating seamless, memorable experiences for every guest.
David
Founder & Lead Travel Planner
Michelle
Travel Experience Planner & Private Guide
Matthew
Regional Specialist & Private Guide
Henri
Cultural Host & Private Guide
Ivory
HQ Support & Operations Co-ordinator
David
Founder
Travel Planner & Private Guide
Michelle
Married to the Founder
Travel Planner & Private Guide
Matthew
Private Guide
Henri
Private Guide
Ivory
HQ Support
David
From running a boutique guest house in Camps Bay to leading private tours across South Africa, hospitality is in David’s DNA. With over 25 years in the industry, his strength lies in pairing the right experiences with each guest’s unique interests. His guiding experience gives him first-hand knowledge of what it takes to deliver seamless, enriching, and memorable journeys — making him “the guy” you want planning your dream trip to South Africa.
When he’s not designing itineraries or guiding guests, you’ll find him listening to music with his daughter, checking surf forecasts to plan his next surf session, or tinkering on his adventure bike in his mancave.
Fun Fact: David was an invitee to the Red Bull Big Wave Africa event from 2004–2008.
Bonus Fact: As an avid surfer and adventure biker, David keeps a keen eye on the weather, ensuring every local itinerary runs smoothly.
Michelle
With a background in marketing and as the founder of our sister company
Stoked Surf, Michelle brings a unique blend of operational savvy and creative flair to African Blue.
A well-travelled guide herself, she connects effortlessly with guests — often having explored their home countries too. When she’s not crafting bespoke experiences 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
Joining the team over 10 years ago, Matthew began his guiding career with
African Blue. Since then, he’s expertly led guests through the Western Cape
and along the Garden Route countless times.
With a passion for the ocean and South Africa’s natural beauty, Matthew also brings a deep understanding of local culture and history. His easy-going nature ensures every journey feels effortless 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 present at Cape Town’s Grand Parade to witness
Nelson Mandela’s first speech as a free man on 11 February 1990.
Henri
Henri’s warmth and knowledge make him a valued member of the African Blue team. With eight years of experience as Head Surf Guide at Stoked Surf, he brings an intuitive understanding of guest expectations.
His genuine love for South Africa’s natural beauty and heritage shines through
on every tour. After a journey with Henri, don’t be surprised if you leave with not
just great memories – but a new friend.
When he’s not guiding or sharing the waves, you’ll find Henri spending time with his son or training for his next half marathon.
Fun Fact: Henri is an avid drummer who opened for the iconic local band Mango Groove at their De Waal Park concert in 2023.
Ivory
Providing essential administrative support and sourcing epicurean delights for our on-tour picnics, Ivory is an integral part of the head office team.
Always smiling and happy to be of assistance, she’s both a ray of sunshine and a pillar of support for the team.
In her free time, she enjoys long beach walks and braving cold-water swims.
Fun Fact: With encouragement from David and Michelle, Ivory has recently started learning to surf — proving it’s never too late to catch your first wave!
Giving Back
Our journey with our daughter, Grace, who lives with profound disabilities, 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, a haven for children with disabilities.
Through beach visits, aquarium trips, and annual donations, we aim to share moments of wonder and inclusion with children who deserve every opportunity to experience the beauty of Cape Town.
It’s our way of giving back — from our family to theirs.
If you’d like to join us in supporting Sinethemba and bringing joy to these incredible children, please see how you can help here. Even a small contribution can make a big difference.
David & Michelle
Your Journey Begins Here.
Let’s design your dream trip to South Africa.
Share your wish list and we’ll craft a seamless,
tailor-made experience – 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. ”