About Roof of Africa Tours
There are places that change you — not because they are far away, but because they feel untouched, honest and deeply alive.
At Roof of Africa Tours, we exist to take you there.
From the dramatic mountain passes of Lesotho to the rolling valleys of KwaZulu-Natal and the wildlife-rich reserves of Southern Africa, our journeys are designed to connect you with places that still feel real — where landscapes are vast, cultures are proud, and every road tells a story.
A Journey Shaped by Landscape, People and Story
Where It All Began
Founded in 2012 in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, Roof of Africa Tours began as a small, family-run guiding operation based in Underberg — the gateway to the iconic Sani Pass.
What started with a handful of tours and a deep love for the region has grown into one of the most trusted tour operators for:
Lesotho overland tours
Sani Pass guided experiences
Multi-day journeys across Southern Africa
In 2016, ownership transitioned to Emile and Nikita van den Heetkamp, whose passion for travel and people continues to shape the direction of the business today.
Yet, despite this growth, one thing has never changed:
every journey is still personal.
We guide you through landscapes that will redefine your idea of Southern Africa
Nikita van den Heetkamp
The Places We Know Best
Our home is Underberg, and our backyard is the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
It’s a region we know intimately — not just the routes, but the rhythm of life, the people, and the hidden moments that don’t appear on maps.
Our tours extend across:
Lesotho – high-altitude landscapes, cultural encounters and remote mountain villages
KwaZulu-Natal – rolling hills, wetlands and wildlife reserves
Eswatini – cultural richness and scenic diversity
Southern Africa – curated multi-day safari and overland journeys
This deep regional knowledge allows us to offer something beyond a typical itinerary —
a more meaningful way to experience Southern Africa.
We believe travel should never feel transactional. It should feel considered, immersive and quietly unforgettable.
Our approach is simple:
Take the scenic route
Travel in smaller groups
Spend time where it matters
Let the landscape lead the experience
Whether it’s navigating the winding roads of the Sani Pass or stopping in a remote Basotho village, we design journeys that allow space — for discovery, for connection, and for perspective.
Travel That Feels Grounded, Not Rushed
A Connected Travel Network Across Southern Africa
What happens behind the scenes matters just as much as what you see. Through our close partnership with Wild Routes Africa, every journey is supported by a wider network of people, systems, and experience. From the Drakensberg and Lesotho to coastal and safari regions, this collaboration allows for seamless travel across multiple destinations.
We also work with trusted partners such as Luleka Safaris in Manyoni Private Game Reserve, giving our guests access to exclusive wildlife experiences in one of the region’s most diverse reserves.
The result is simple. One consistent, reliable experience from start to finish.
Our partners
Small Groups. Private Tours. Meaningful Travel.
Each experience is designed to balance comfort with authenticity — ensuring that while the journey feels seamless, it never feels staged.
The People Behind the Journey
Behind every journey is a team that quietly holds it all together.
At the centre of this is Britney Vetter, Head of Reservations, who oversees every booking from first enquiry through to your return home. Her approach is calm, precise, and deeply guest-focused. Nothing slips through the cracks. Every detail is considered.
On the ground, Philani Hlengwa and Lindo Ngubane coordinate the moving parts. Vehicles, timing, logistics, communication between guides and lodges. The work is often invisible, but it is what makes the experience feel effortless.
Together, this team ensures that every journey flows exactly as it should.
Guides Who Know
These Landscapes Personally
Our senior guide, Peter Khomari, was born in the mountains of Lesotho. His knowledge of the highlands is not something learned from a book, it is lived. He understands the terrain, the culture, the language, and the rhythm of life in these remote areas. Alongside him, guides like Mondli Miya bring depth, energy, and connection. With years of experience and a deep passion for birding and wildlife, he has a natural ability to make people feel comfortable, engaged, and part of the experience. We also work with a select group of specialist freelance guides, chosen carefully for their expertise. Whether it is birding, hiking, or cultural immersion, the right guide makes all the difference. And it shows, consistently, in what guests say after travelling with us.
Our guides are not just drivers — they are storytellers, navigators and cultural bridges. With years of experience and a genuine connection to the regions we travel through, they bring depth and context to every moment.
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Extensive local knowledge
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Professional and experienced
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Passionate about people and place
It’s often our guides that guests remember most — long after the journey ends.
Our Fleet
Our vehicle fleet is meticulously maintained and equipped to handle the diverse conditions of Southern Africa’s terrain — from rugged mountain passes to coastal highways. All vehicles are covered by comprehensive, international-standard insurance, ensuring maximum safety and reliability on every journey.
We are proudly SATSA-bonded, giving our guests the confidence of travelling with a fully accredited and financially secure operator. This bond guarantees professional conduct, transparent operations, and full protection of client payment
Partnership with
Wild Routes Africa
Roof of Africa Tours works in close partnership with Wild Routes Africa, a KwaZulu-Natal-based tour company founded by Justin Perumal in 2016. The collaboration was strengthened in 2024 when Emile van den Heetkamp acquired shares in Wild Routes Africa, bringing the two brands even closer together.
This partnership allows us to offer a more seamless travel experience across the Drakensberg, Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal, safari regions, coastal routes and beyond. With shared systems, standards and people, guests can expect one smooth, reliable service from the first enquiry to the journey home.
Together, Roof of Africa Tours and Wild Routes Africa share a simple belief: every traveller is different, and the best journeys are shaped by listening carefully, planning thoughtfully and creating experiences that feel personal, engaging and memorable.
