How one man’s determination built one of SA’s leading tour companies

When Anthony Colia set out in 1999 with a single vehicle and a vision to make safaris more accessible, few could have imagined what his determination would achieve. Today, more than two decades later, MoAfrika Tours has grown into one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned tour operators, employing close to 100 people and managing a fleet of nearly 80 modern vehicles.

Colia’s journey reflects the grit that defines many local entrepreneurs. In the early days he did everything himself, from guiding tours to managing bookings, building trust one client at a time. The turning point came in 2010, when South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup. An influx of international visitors opened the door for expansion, and MoAfrika Tours seized the opportunity by reinvesting in vehicles, training guides, and developing infrastructure.

Since then, the company has established a reputation not only for its scale but for its reliability. With more than 10,000 positive reviews, MoAfrika Tours is seen by travellers as a dependable name in a competitive industry.

The company’s footprint extends well beyond Johannesburg, where it began. Today, travellers can choose from day tours to Soweto, Pretoria and Cape Town, cultural visits to landmarks like Mandela House and the Apartheid Museum, and safaris in Pilanesberg, Madikwe and the Kruger National Park. Cross-border trips to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Mozambique have further cemented its standing as a regional operator.

For many international visitors, the cultural tours have become a highlight. Guides take guests beyond the game drives and into the heart of South Africa’s urban history, supporting community projects along the way.

MoAfrika Tours has also branched into lodge development and management, with names such as Dhumela, SeKekama and Tlou Lodges now part of its portfolio. The projects emphasise comfort and sustainability while creating jobs in rural areas.

The company’s community-focused approach is underlined by its Fair Trade Tourism certification and membership with SATSA, ensuring that travellers’ money contributes to ethical and responsible tourism.

Colia remains hands-on in the business, still involved in daily operations despite the company’s growth. Staff describe him as a leader who delivers on promises and insists on transparency. For him, the aim is not just to run tours, but to build opportunities for people and communities linked to the industry.

From modest beginnings to carrying thousands of travellers a month, MoAfrika Tours has become a case study in what persistence can achieve. For local and international travellers alike, it offers more than a safari. It’s a chance to experience Southern Africa through a company built on trust and hard-earned reputation.