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, leaving her wheelchair-bound for life. Far from slowing them down, this journey deepened their understanding of travel—its joys, its challenges, and the need for inclusivity.
Whether it’s a classic, relaxed getaway, an adventure-filled escape, or an accessible experience tailored to specific needs, African Blue was built to ensure that every traveler, regardless of their pace or mobility, can experience the magic of South Africa. This is not just what we do—it’s how we live, every day.
Meet the Team
David
Founder
Travel Planner & Private Guide
Michelle
Married to the Founder
Travel Planner & Private Guide
Matthew
From his years of running his boutique guest house in Camps Bay to leading private groups as a seasoned tour guide, hospitality is in David’s DNA. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, his expertise lies in aligning exceptional tourism product with each guest’s individual needs. His extensive tour guiding experience, gives him first-hand knowledge of what it takes to deliver seamless and enriching experiences making him ‘the guy’ you want in charge of planning your dream trip to South Africa.
When David is not planning our guests’ trips or guiding them around, you’ll find him enjoying listen to music with his daughter, pouring over the online swell forecasts planning 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 for the years 2004-2008.
Bonus Fact: As an avid surfer and adventure biker, David keeps a keen eye on the prevailing weather conditions, ensuring that the local portions of our itineraries run smoothly.
With a background in marketing and as the founder of our sister company, Stoked Surf (est. 2010), Michelle brings a unique blend of operational savvy and marketing expertise to the African Blue team.
A well-travelled tourist guide, Michelle connects effortlessly with guests—often having visited their home countries herself. When she’s not creating our experiences or on the road or ocean with guests, Michelle can be found catching waves with her son or enjoying quality 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.
Joining the team over 10 years ago, Matthew kicked off his tourist guiding career with African Blue. He has since then has 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 offers a deep understanding of South African culture and history. His knowledge and easy-going nature, ensures every journey feels enjoyable and effortless.
When Matthew is not tourist guiding, you’ll find him surfing his local break or cycling along the Sea Point promenade at sunset.
Fun Fact: Matthew was present at the Grand Parade in Cape Town to witness Nelson Mandela give his first speech as a free man on 11th February 1990.
Warren
Henri
Ivory
Henri’s warm personality and knowledge make him a valued member of the African Blue team. With 8 years of experience as Head Surf Guide, at our sister company, Stoked Surf, he brings a keen understanding of client expectations. His genuine passion for the country’s natural beauty and heritage shines through in all his tours. After a journey with Henri, don’t be surprised if you leave with not just incredible memories—but a new friend.
When not guiding tourists to the sites or sharing the waves with them in Cape Town, you’ll find Henri spending time with his son or training for the next half marathon.
Fun Fact: Henri is an avid drummer, part of the band that opened for famous local band, Mango Groove at their show in the De Waal Park in 2023.
Providing back office admin support and procurement of epicurean delights for our picnics on tour, Ivory is an integral part of the head office team. Always smiling and happy to be of assistance, she is a ray of sunshine and rock of support for the team. She spends her free time enjoying long walks on the beach and braving cold water swims.
Fun Fact: Ivory loves the ocean and has recently started learning to ride the waves with David and Michelle’s encouragement.
Meet the Team
David
Founder
Travel Planner & Private Guide
Michelle
Married to the Founder
Travel Planner & Private Guide
Matthew
Private Guide
Warren
Private Guide
Henri
Private Guide
Ivory
HQ Support
Giving Back
Our journey with our daughter Grace, with her profound and severe disabilities, has deeply shaped the way we see the world—and the way 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, trips to the aquarium, 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 ways you can help here. Even a small contribution can make a big difference.
David & Michelle
What our clients say
S Joanm
USA
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.”
Bruce and Paula
United Kingdom
“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!!”
Sam
United Kingdom
“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 .”
Allison
USA
“We had two great days of touring with Matthew from African Blue Tours. First to wine country, and then the classic Cape Peninsula tour. Matthew was lovely and incredibly knowledgeable, and we saw more than we could imagine. After a gorgeous day in wine country, he arranged dinner for us at a lively spot with an unbeatable sunset view. For the Peninsula tour, we substituted in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden as our last stop, a garden unlike any other and not to be missed. Matthew grew up “escaping“ to Kirstenbosch, and his knowledge of the flora and fauna was deep. The sites in and around Cape Town are an absolute wonder and we heartily recommend African Blue Tours to create an unforgettable experience.”
Pat
USA
“I only had one day in Cape Town and out of my several visits to the area the private touring with African blue tours has by far been the best. David creates customized experiences that will ensure you see what Cape Town and it’s surrounding areas has to offer. I opted for a bit of adventure and was not disappointed going from surfing in Muizenberg Beach to hiking on Table Mountain with scenic viewing of the bays in the process. If you are looking to maximize your time in Cape Town, African Blue Tours is the only operator to consider and if you are looking for adventure, there are not many places or tour operators that enable you to say you’ve been from the sea to the summit in a day!”