2020 was a remarkable year for a variety of reasons. It was also the year that I celebrated twenty years in the tourism industry (and a lot more as a traveller). Searching for Africa's wild heart is one of travel's most magical experiences and a mission that I have made mine since childhood.

At Toerboer we favour journeys that incorporate plenty of local interactions and culturally authentic experiences. We create the kind of travel encounters that extend far beyond social media. Those that settle right there in your heart. 

When possible, we try to support local businesses when building a travel itinerary. We like to focus on responsible tourism to help you see just how your money is impacting the area you're visiting. We aim to arrange your travel experience incorporating qualified local tour guides and small business-owners to boost the local community and leave a lasting, positive experience for both the area and the traveller.

While travel expands our minds and promotes intercultural understanding, we are aware of our footprint across South Africa. Therefore, at Toerboer, we pay attention to environmental, social, and economic sustainability as well as eco-tourism to minimise that footprint. 

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Our commitment to conservation and sustainability, in addition to a wild passion for travel, have led us to focus on   our environment, our people and our communities,
whilst ensuring that each of our guests experience the best of all that Southern Africa can offer on a bespoke African journey passionately compiled by a registered Tour Operator.
We call this our Toerboer Family Values.

WE'RE REGISTERED

Using a registered tour operator provides you with peace of mind when booking your holiday and ensures that services rendered, and facilities provided to travellers comply with the prescribed standards. Registered Tour Operators are legitimate, financially stable, legally compliant and insured.

Toerboer is registered with the following institutions:

• The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA)
• Namibian Tourism Board
• Graaff-Reinet Community Tourism Association
• Karoo Heartland Tourism Association
• Endorsed by the Seychelles Tourism Board

 
Important information regarding our tours:

• Expertly led by professional guides
• Reliable vehicles
• Affiliated with the best in the business: SATSA, NTB, Graaff-Reinet Tourism, Karoo Heartland
• Applicable insurance

WE'RE ECO-WISE

​We care deeply for the longevity of the environment and endeavour to keep our travel itineraries as eco-wise as possible. We also apply the motto reduce, reuse and recycle to our daily lives and operations and we encourage our family to do the same.
 

• For every traveler that undertakes a multi-day tour with Toerboer, a tree is planted through the registered NGO Greenpop. Travelers receive a keyring as a gift indicating the GPS-coordinates of where the tree is planted;
• Toerboer provides a stainless-steel water bottle to multiday travelers to avoid any unnecessary use of single-use plastic bottles. The bottle is refilled from a larger container.
• We are part of the NGO, Eco Children’s Kit-a-Kid program and make a monthly donation toward their cause;
• We use accredited Fair-Trade products, accommodation and activities where possible;
• Where possible we only use eco-friendly, biodegradable products in our workplace, whether it is in our office or on tour;
• We are 95% paperless;
• Toerboer is part of the Graaff-Reinet Business Chamber and actively involved with the regeneration project in town;
• Toerboer Cottages recycles at least four bags full of glass, paper, plastic and other recyclables each week

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Collectively having more that 40 years experience in the travel industry, the Toerboer team has more than what it takes to make your trip a once in a lifetime experience. We love Africa and have firsthand travel experience. This exacting standard ensures that you can count on quality advice and smart recommendations from us. You focus on making memories, we’ll take care of the details.

Dawid de Wet

Karlien de Wet

Dawid is the original Toerboer - travel is in his blood. His first memories are of warthogs chasing him around iMfolozi Game Reserve's Mpila Camp. He sports a Masters Degree in Wildlife Management which compliments his degree's in Heritage and Cultural Tourism and Journalism. 
​Dawid has crossed the African continent on any means of transport imaginable and currently revels in exploring the Karoo around Graaff-Reinet. 

Karlien is undoubtedly one of the most talented people in the whole of the Great Karoo. Apart from being a star social media marketer, she involves herself in community upliftment and sport development. Her background as travel agent and event organiser par excellence makes her an invaluable part of our team.