Two Joburg Boys.
One African Dream.
The story of how a simple Soweto walking tour became one of Southern Africa's most trusted safari companies.
"It started with a simple belief — that the best way to experience Africa is through the eyes of someone who calls it home."
Thabo Makate & Katlego Mashala
Co-Founders, Bakubung Africa Safaris & Tours
Est. 2018
Proudly South African 🇿🇦
2,500+ happy guests
Thabo Makate &
Katlego Mashala
Co-Founders & Managing Directors • LGBTQ+ Owned & Friendly
It started with a simple belief — that the best way to experience Africa is through the eyes of someone who calls it home.
We are Thabo Makate and Katlego Mashala, born and raised on the streets of Johannesburg, the City of Gold. We grew up surrounded by the rhythms of Soweto, the hum of the Highveld, and the stories that echo through every township, every mountain pass, and every stretch of open bushveld. This land shaped us. And one day, we decided it was time to share it with the world.
We founded Johannesburg Day Tours because we saw something missing in the industry — a truly personal, local connection. Too many visitors arrived in South Africa and were whisked through checkpoints by guides who read from scripts. We wanted something different: real experiences, led by real people, rooted in genuine love for this country and its communities.
From our first Soweto walking tour in 2018, the word spread fast. Guests from every continent began seeking us out — not for luxury coaches or five-star frills, but for authenticity. For hearing the story of Vilakazi Street from someone who grew up playing on it. For watching a herd of elephants cross your path in Pilanesberg while your guide whispers the matriarch's history. For being welcomed into communities, not just shown them from a distance.
Today, Bakubung Africa Safaris & Tours has grown into one of Johannesburg's most trusted tour operators. We have personally guided thousands of travellers across 15 destinations spanning South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Eswatini. Every tour, every itinerary, every recommendation comes from first-hand experience — we have walked these trails, navigated these roads, and built relationships with the lodges, rangers, and communities along the way.
As a proudly LGBTQ+ owned and friendly company, we believe travel should be inclusive, safe, and meaningful for everyone. We welcome every traveller exactly as they are — because that is exactly how Africa welcomes us every single day.
When you travel with Bakubung, you are not just booking a tour. You are stepping into our world — and we cannot wait to show you why we are so proud to call Africa home.
Guests Guided
From 50+ countries
Destinations
Across Southern Africa
Years of Excellence
Since 2018
Satisfaction Rate
Verified reviews
From Soweto Streets to Safari Sunsets
Every great story has chapters. Here is ours.
The First Step
Thabo and Katlego lead their first Soweto walking tour — just the two of them, a minibus, and a burning passion to show travellers the real Johannesburg.
Word Spreads
Glowing reviews from international visitors fuel rapid growth. Big Five safari day trips to Pilanesberg become the most requested experience.
The Pivot
When the world stops, Thabo and Katlego use the time to build relationships with lodges, rangers, and communities across Southern Africa — laying the groundwork for expansion.
Beyond Borders
Bakubung expands into Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Eswatini — 15 destinations and counting.
Thousands Served
Over 2,500 guests guided across the continent. The dream that started on the streets of Soweto now reaches every corner of Southern Africa.
Africa Up Close
Bakubung Africa Safaris & Tours is recognised as one of Johannesburg's most trusted and inclusive tour operators, with 42 curated experiences.
Our Core Values
These are not just words on a wall. They are the promises we make to every guest, on every tour, every single day.
Safety First
Fully licensed, fully insured, and operating with strict safety protocols. Your wellbeing is our absolute priority — on every safari, every tour, and every transfer.
Inclusive & Welcoming
We are a proudly LGBTQ+ owned and friendly company. Every traveller is welcome, respected and celebrated. Your identity is honoured, not just tolerated.
Responsible Tourism
We operate with minimal environmental impact and actively support wildlife conservation, local communities and sustainable travel practices across Southern Africa.
Authentic Experiences
Born and raised in Johannesburg — our guides bring genuine local knowledge, lived experience, and a passion that no textbook can teach. This is Africa, through our eyes.
Excellence Always
From the first WhatsApp message to the final farewell, we deliver exceptional service. Our 98% satisfaction rate and 4.9-star rating speak for themselves.
24/7 Support
We are always just a WhatsApp message away. Real-time support before, during, and after your experience — because your peace of mind matters to us.
Not Just a Tour.
A Personal Invitation.
When you book with a large platform, you get a ticket. When you book with us, you get Thabo and Katlego. You get two locals who know every back road in Soweto, every sunrise viewpoint in Pilanesberg, and every hidden waterfall on the Garden Route — because they have been there, stood there, and built their lives around sharing it with you.
Local Experts, Not Script Readers
Our guides grew up here. The stories they tell come from lived experience, not laminated cards.
Direct Booking, Better Experience
No middlemen, no markups. When you message us on WhatsApp, you are talking to the founders.
Flexible & Personal
Every itinerary is tailored. Want to linger at a viewpoint or add a community visit? Just say the word.
Small Groups, Big Impact
We keep groups intimate so every guest feels like a VIP, not a number on a manifest.
Your Safari, Your Way
Personalised experiences across 15 destinations
Ready to See Africa
Through Our Eyes?
Let Thabo, Katlego and the Bakubung team craft the perfect safari experience — just for you.