Why we do this
We started Closer to Africa because we were tired of watching visitors get shown "local" experiences by people who'd never actually lived them. Every tour we run is hosted by someone from the neighbourhood — no scripts, no strangers, just people sharing the place they call home.
Led with purpose and intent
Closer to Africa was founded by Zaki Harris in 2018, after his own neighbourhood in Cape Town started becoming very popular with travellers. It was alarming to see how easily travellers would book with what they thought was a local guide, but who turned out to be a national or foreign guide. Knowing this was the start of a serious problem, Zaki set out to build a business held to a strict code of conduct.
Zaki comes from a long line of pioneers within Cape Town's political and community scene, with family ties in food, hospitality and tourism. He also founded and chairs the Bo-Kaap Tourism Association, and has operated a variety of start-ups and initiatives in Cape Town's community tourism landscape.
Our support, three ways
We give back to our environments and communities in three direct ways.
3% revenue kick-back
We pledge a direct 3% of all revenue generated from walking tours, dispersed via registered conservation bodies and social enterprises.
100% local suppliers
We only use local resident suppliers in the areas we operate. This promotes economic and skills development holistically and grows the local economy.
We serve
We serve on local community boards and committees, giving time and resources to create dialogue and collaborations that overcome current and future obstacles together.
Regenerative tourism goals
Our unique framework for regenerative tourism centres on preserving fragile living heritage — built from the ground up in close collaboration with local stakeholders, creating transformation that transmits to future generations.
Conservation of living & cultural heritage
Understanding the value of intangible living heritage, with a framework to preserve it in the spaces where it exists.
Promoting economic equality
Advocating for policy that promotes equal access and retains equity for indigenous locals within their place of birth.
Skills development & training
Identifying critical skills and knowledge gaps, and developing training that addresses them — prioritising the youth.
Cultural craft preservation
Establishing artisanal guilds that showcase valuable cultural skills in an environment that lends itself to tourism.
Housing security
Collaborating with public and private sectors to advocate for housing options for lower-income families and protections against exploitation.
Alleviating poverty
Working with local aid organisations on feeding schemes and building sustainable revenue streams to support areas of need.
From our founder
Regenerative Tourism: why the way we travel must change
Zaki's essay on how communities like Bo-Kaap are leading the shift from extractive tourism to regeneration — and the role every traveller plays in it.
Read the essayOur collaborators
By collaborating with organisations where we have the most presence, we ensure impact is understood and effectively offset through projects aimed at economic empowerment and the preservation of cultural heritage.
