A Global Perspective
​Welcome to My Journey
For over 40 years, I’ve been on a journey— to create opportunities that transform lives. My career has been shaped by integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to excellence. This isn’t just about travel; it’s about empowering people to achieve their dreams leaveing lasting memories etched into legacy.
“Ad Artra Per Aspera – you are such a fine representative for South Africa.” Dear John – I hope they put a statue of you in the square or better still on top of Table Mountain! You make a huge difference for South Africa and actually probably all of Africa. Prudence Fenten - Los Angeles , USA
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Travel has always been my utmost passion, and I’ve been privileged to explore over a hundred countries, indulging in some of the world’s most spectacular hotels, resorts, luxury liners, super yachts, and trains.
In 1994, I established my own boutique tourism company and had the honor of becoming the personal guide for Southern Africa with Geographic Expeditions. This opportunity allowed me to craft and lead exclusive tours across Southern Africa, showcasing its marvels to esteemed guests.
In my first five years as a professional guide, I spent over 1,500 days on the road, personally visiting more than 114 distinguished safari camps. This extensive immersion deepened my understanding of the continent’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and hidden treasures—knowledge I now masterfully share with my guests. Over the years, I have guided royalty, celebrities, sports stars, influential entrepreneurs, and even two presidents. In gratitude, I have been honored to be welcomed into their exquisite homes, a testament to my commitment to providing unrivaled service and insights.
John, you were patient, knowledgeable & well informed. We were at best , a motley group with multiple agendas. That you were able to melt them all into three wonderful days is amazing. Casey & Martin Fenton - San Diego, California, USA
In-depth knowledge. John is very knowledgeable across a number of fronts. He is particularly grounded in everything about Cape Town and its environs, and intimately familiar with buildings, historic facts, places to visit, and a wide range of entertainment options. Terrific flexibility……not only during the day but also from hour to hour, often making suggestions as to what would seem to be best use of time and most enjoyable, given our reaction to what we were doing. Top-notch interpersonal skills. John is a warm and engaging individual. He related empathetically with each member of our family. As he came to understand the family dynamics, he played an important role in balancing our interests and in resolving apparent controversies as to how we spent our time. He has an easy and friendly manner with service people at all levels of seniority. By the end of the trip we came to consider. John was more a friend than a guide we had employed. Admirable personal qualities. He’s deeply committed to a promising future for South Africa. James E. Bennett - Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Global Perspective
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet world leaders from some of the most influential countries in the world. Among them, Nelson Mandela continues to inspire me deeply. His values of integrity, perseverance, and using influence for the greater good have become guiding principles in my professional endeavors. These experiences have shaped my belief that true leadership is about making a positive impact—not just for oneself, but for the world.
This has been a trip of a lifetime for all of us. We will talk to our friends and families and colleagues about the beauty and cultural richness of South Africa. John, we have talked about you each step of the way. Your enthusiasm and caring have stayed with us through the trip, so you have been with us in spirit. Peter & Terry Buttenweiser - Philidelphia, USA
I already had a love for Africa, but you made me have an even greater love for it through your enthusiasm and optimism. I want to thank you for acting like an older brother to Andrew, an older friend for Graham, a knowledge feeder to my parents, an all round great guy who I’ve learnt a lot from person to me. Kate - Ohio, USA
Something I Truly Want to Share:
Throughout my journey in luxury travel, I’ve realized that true success isn’t merely about creating unforgettable experiences—it’s about making a meaningful difference. Whether it’s reconnecting travelers with the soul of Africa’s communities, empowering them through authentic cultural encounters, or giving back to preserve this extraordinary land for future generations, I believe that the most valuable journeys are those that leave a positive impact. In every expedition, my goal is not just to show you Africa’s beauty, but to inspire reflection, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the world we share.
A Proud Moment
​One of my proudest moments was gifting a clubhouse and school room to Songo.info in South Africa when they had nothing. Today, it’s a thriving part of the township’s day-to-day life—a testament to the power of giving back and building something meaningful.
“Perception: Take an unbelievable beautiful trip to South Africa, meet an intelligent gracious couple, try and take them back to New York with you, sorry no go, love them unforgettably, what more can anyone hope for?” Carl Marek - New York, USA
​Beyond Tourism: A Life of Impact
My journey transcends the realm of travel. As an international sportsman, I mastered the values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that I passionately bring into every experience I craft. For a decade, I voluntarily led the Air and Sea Rescue services in South Africa, dedicating myself to saving lives and serving my community. Honored with a Citizenship Award for my exemplary dedication, having accumulated over 250 rescue hours, exemplifying my unwavering commitment to service, integrity, and making a meaningful difference
What a wonderful time! John, you added so much to this beautiful experience…..your enthusiasm added so very much…….only problem was – our time with you was too short. Your enthusiasm, cheerfulness, patience and endurance were great. It is quite evident how proud you are of your country. Sara, Henry, Kay & Jerry Hearne - Los Angeles, USA
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​My Mission:
To guide and inspire you on unforgettable journeys through Africa, helping you forge a deep connection with its land, culture, and people. I am dedicated to offering authentic, luxurious experiences tailored to your preferences and budget—designed not only to create lasting memories but also to enrich your understanding and appreciation of this remarkable continent. My purpose is to serve with integrity, care, and a heartfelt commitment to making your travels truly meaningful—transforming every trip into a thoughtful, impactful, and life-enhancing experience.
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Let's Redefine African Travel Together
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John has for us been the most wonderful guide… We learned from him not only the history but also the social evolution of the country. In one week he became a very dear friend to us. We look forward to having many more great trips with him. Leopaldo & Riell Pirelli - Milan, Italy
​The Architect of Extraordinary Travel
John, It’s been a most memorable two weeks!! Your enthusasium and good humour are contagious, and your vast knowledge a virtual university course for us. My sincere and heartfull thanks for your kindness to me Mary Hulitar - Palm Beach Florida, USA We have enjoyed your enthusasium for South Africa as well as your humour & good company. You are a gracious ambassador for this breathtaking part of the world. John & Donna Boyd - California, USA. John thank you for always doing such a great job for Geographic Expeditions and us ALL the time. Hunters Lodge - Plettenberg Bay, SA John, Many thanks for one of the best travelling experiences we’ve ever enjoyed! Your hospitality, local knowledge, and friendly sense of humour made the last few days a really memorable occasion. John & Eillen Donnelly - California, U.S.A. I lived in Cape Town throughout my youth and knew everything there was to know how wrong could I be!! There simply cannot be anyone who can describe the Cape as well as John especially with such charm and kindness. Simon Arnold - London, UK John ,Thank you very much for such an enthusiastic and well planned tour of some of the most scenic parts of South Africa. Your undoubted love of your country and particularly its natural splendour has rubbed off on us forever. Chris & Gina Grubb - Sydney, Australia John, this is our 2nd trip to the Cape, but this one far surpasses our last.. You are a wonderful & hardworking person who truly loves this country. Thank you for sharing your love with us. See you soon. It was a memorable trip! Nagy & Lilham Azar - Hong Kong, China Our two days have been perfect! Plenty of scenery, culture & history! We’ve especially enjoyed getting to know you. Hope you will call when you come to Chicago Judy & Tom Addison - Chicago, USA Thank you so much for making Cape Town our favourite spot on our African Safari. Looking forward to a couple more days soon and definitely hope you will be the one to show us the sites and tell us all the fabulous history we missed the first time around. Tracy Hickman & Chad Munger – Chicago, USA Your love of South Africa is infectious – we’ll have to warn travellers to get inoculated ! An absolutely superb performance by you. Edith & Roger Tuckerman - New York, USA Thanks John for all your help on our shoot – what would we have done without you? We will recommend you to all our viewers. Emma Bowler - BBC Disability Programmes Unit, UK Dear John Thank you for making our trip to SA a memorable experience. You are truly a professional – knowledgeable, engaging and stimulating. You made us feel special whilst in your company. Your love of the country is most infectious. You truly are a visionary traveller and look forward to future trips and a continuing relationship with you. Caroline & David Rasen – Philadelphia, USA The restaurants you took us to were exceptional. We have not had such good food and companionship in other travels. Larry & Ellen Johnson –California, USA