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who we are

Who We Are

An African story

Our Story: Welcome

Get to know us

"Hey ya'll, Franck here. I was born in the Congo but raised in many countries across the African continent. My first experience traveling across Africa began as a refugee at the age of 7.  At the time, my father was a political journalist who had to flee the government in fear of execution. We traveled by bus and foot for many years to our final destination, South Africa. I have lived in Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Angola. 

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I drew much of my inspiration for this travel company from my adulthood spent living in the infamous inner-city of Johannesburg. My mom always warned me to beware of certain places and buildings. It had become a dangerous place to live in the late 90s which required certain survival skills. The inner city of Johannesburg is the melting pot of African culture with many different immigrants calling it home. For as much as it was "Dangerous" it was the only place I could call home due to its diversity and acceptance of all people.

 

The iconic Ponte Tower was symbolic of this time (AKA The United States of Africa). It was a walking distance from my home and I was constantly reminded that if I don't do well I'll end up in that building. At the time, the building was a symbol of failure. One day, curiosity lead me to move into this building and this has given me the opportunity to challenge people's perceptions of my neighborhood and expose them rather to the beauty of the inner city.

 

My love for storytelling grew over time and as I explored South Africa I realized the diversity of this country and the story of its people weren't well represented in the tourism industry; my mission is to retell the true African story and change people's view on the African continent through unique experiences that will connect travelers to the people Africa.

 

I believe I can use tourism as a catalyst for building communities and changing the narrative of this beautiful continent through a fair trade between visitors and communities."

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We are represented on SafariBookings.com.

our history

Our mission is to retell everyday African stories that connect you to the people of Africa, and change your perception of the continent.

augustine

Augustine

Head of guides

Augustine Muzimbe

I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a time of conflict. Later, I moved to South Africa to escape the war and start a new life.

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In South Africa, I had to adjust to a different place, but I never forgot where I came from. Growing up in a diverse country, I experienced many cultures, languages and traditions. This made me curious about the world beyond my home.

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As I travel more, I became a bridge between different cultures. I blended my Congolese heritage with the people and places I encountered. I enjoy connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and the untold stories they shared.

franck
François Leya

I was born in the Congo, but raised in many countries across the African continent. My first experience travelling across Africa began as a refugee at the age of 7.  At the time, my father was a political journalist who had to flee the government in fear of execution.  We travelled by bus and foot for many years to our final destination, South Africa. I have lived in Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Angola. 

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I drew much of my inspiration for this travel company from my adulthood spent living in the infamous inner-city of Johannesburg.

Franck 

  Co-Founder & Head of Customer Experience  

Sanele Tyrese Mhlakaza

I was born in  a small town named “Kokstad” not far from Durban. I grew up in a loving home with 3 siblings, raised by my mom. 

 

I remember traveling all across KZN with my mom. She taught computer science at that time and her company traveled all over KZN but my passion for travel only began in my adulthood. The first time I crossed a border was with friends who dared me to visit Zimbabwe with them. Ever since then I’ve understood the wonders of being on foreign lands and just learning about new places. 

 

Franck and I became friends way before we started working together and it’s just been an amazing journey learning about this industry from a person I trust and consider a friend.

 

My vision for South Africa’s youth is for them to get to travel and experience in their own country and feel what it’s like to explore a new place.

Co Founder &JHB CEO

Tye

tickey pie
Romeo

  Tickey Pie AKA Romeo 

Party Specialist & host

jules
Julia Leya

I am Julia.

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I specialise in digital content creating and uploading said content to the relevant platforms.

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I love cinematography, photography and videography so working for Honest Travel Experience has been an absolute blast as they give me all the creative liberty I require.

Jules
Digital Content Creator
bo
Ndivho Khunwana

Bo

Head of communication 

I am Bo

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I specialise in liaising between clients, suppliers and guides to ensure the best customer experience.

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The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the pure joy in clients after a successful experience.

 

 

Gio

I am Giovannie Mamba (most commonly known as Gio).

 

 

I am a night-owl who loves having fun and hanging out with good people. I specialise in the Johannesburg Night Life Experience with Honest Travel Experience.

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Give me a shout and I'll take you to the best spots in town:)

Lead nightlife host

Gio

tickey pie
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ivan

Ivan

Lead walking tour guide

                        Ola!

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I am Ivan Andre. 

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I am a passionate guide who has spent most of his time mastering the art of being an apartheid history guide specialising in Soweto, Constitutional Hill and the mining district.

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I have been guiding for over 5 years now and am fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. 

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Ivan Andre
bk

BK

Mbekiseni Dube

                Sanibonani

 

I am BK. 

 

I am a vibrant personality who specialises in walking tours in the streets of Maboneng and Braamfontein.

 

I have been doing tours in Maboneng for over 6 years and am in love with the murals I get to share with clients. I love  that my job allows me to share the authentic parts of South Africa.  

Inner-city specialist

joe

Joe

Taste of Africa specialist

Joris Bondo

Bonjour!

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I am Joris (commonly known as Joe).

 

I am a Joburger who specialises in the Taste Africa food tour. I have a strong and in-depth understanding of African history and cuisine.

 

I grew up and live in Yeoville, the epitome of a Cultural Melting Pot, which has allowed me to interact with migrants from all corners of the African continent

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I have been a guide for over 7 years am fluent in both English and French

rambo

Rambo

Lead Soweto host

Relebogile Mokoena

                          Dumela

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I am Rambo, the lead Soweto guide.

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I was born and bred in Soweto; I'm so proud of my upbringing that I made it my job to show people around this amazing area.

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Soweto is so rich in history; everything has a story. Join me on an educational adventure to understand what makes Soweto so special.

Honest Travel Cares

Heart & Hands

Dollar & a dream

Dollar & a Dream is a team of dynamic youths with a passion for assisting in making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. We are raising awareness for homelessness in South Africa. 

Due to COVID-19 we will not be accepting second hand blankets and we will not be sleeping outside this year in solidarity to man and woman who sleep on the streets. Anything from R50 will be greatly appreciated and for those that want to buy blankets directly from the factory please get in touch with us via info@dollarandadream.co.za. Please help us keep the city warm.

Heart & Hands
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