Who is eXplore Plus Travel?

About eXplore Plus Travel

eXplore Plus Travel & Tours started in 2004 when Mariska Griffin and Rika Groenewald were sitting on a beach on Zanzibar, after climbing Kilimanjaro and decided, as they love travelling so much, why not start their own company. They began by selling Zanzibar and very soon they became one of the top 5 sellers to Zanzibar.

As they both grew up on farms in South Africa, they have always had a deep love for the bush. This naturally led them to focus more and more on African safaris and destinations. They soon realised there was a need for high quality itineraries based on in-depth knowledge, complemented by strong attention to detail.

Over the years, eXplore Plus Travel & Tours has evolved into a vibrant, thriving company always aiming to deliver excellent service, on par with the highest international standards. The company is now a reputable, established company and leader in ground-breaking African travel.

They created a travel company which combine excellent service and knowledge and of the highest international standards; establishing eXplore Plus Travel & Tours as a leader in ground-breaking African travel. Not only do they share 50 years of industry experience, but they have also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro 11 times, including the other four highest mountains in Africa!

This goes to show how adventurous and passionate they truly are! With extensive first-hand knowledge of the destinations on offer and their respected reputation in the market, Mariska and Rika design tailor-made African holidays. They can provide trustworthy suggestions according to each client’s specific requirements. They have built leading industry relations which provide them with great contacts who offer excellent service, quality, hospitality and charm.

They keep updated with all the destinations they promote by regularly visiting old favourites and exploring new options. They use every possible opportunity to discover more hidden secrets in each country and discover off-the-beaten-track destinations.

The two of them are still involved on a day to day basis running the company and have recruited around them a team of smart, dedicated, patient safari consultants who love Travel as much as them.

MEET THE TEAM

Experts in Africa Travel

Rika Groenewald

Owner and Team Leader

Rika is passionate about sharing all that Africa has to offer. Her career in tourism started in 1996, specialising in trips to Mount Kilimanjaro and fuelling her intense passion for African tourism. Her dream to develop a specialist African safari travel company was born on a beach in Zanzibar. It became a reality in 2004 when she became the co-founder of eXplore Plus Travel & Tours. She is a South African with 23 years of travel experience and many more to come.

Mariska Griffin

Owner & Marketing Manager

Mariska is a South African born entrepreneur with a deep love for Africa, especially its wildlife. She has more than 21 years’ experience in the African tourism industry. Before establishing eXplore Plus Travel & Tours she spent a couple of years in the hospitality industry, managing game lodges in Southern Africa. Mariska is exceptionally passionate about all Africa has to offer, which also led her to complete her FGASA field guide training.

Naomi

Safari & Expedition Specialist

Naomi started her career in 2005 as a leisure and corporate travel consultant.

Her passion is to travel and experience all the different wonders and beauty the world has to offer, along with experiencing all the unique traditions and cultures. She loves the fact that she can sell dreams to her clients and be part of their travel journey.

Bianca

Safari & Expedition Specialist

Bianca is a travel consultant who’s truly passionate about exploring Africa. With a Diploma in Travel and Tourism, she loves turning travel dreams into unforgettable adventures. She brings energy, expertise, and a personal touch to every trip she plans. Bianca recently joined the eXplore Plus Travel & Tours team, and she’s excited to help clients create amazing journeys.

Abegail

Safari & Expedition Specialist

Abegail is a nature lover. She studied Travel & Tourism and worked 13 years as a Cabin Crew Member for an Airline. She loves to travel, have new adventures, and learn new things. She recently joined eXplore Plus Travel & Tours. Her expertise and passion for Africa make her an invaluable asset to our team and a trusted advisor for those seeking a memorable African adventure.

Melissa

Safari & Expedition Specialist

Travel has always been more than just a passion for Melissa — it’s a way of connecting people, cultures, and unforgettable experiences. She recently joined eXplore Plus Travel & Tours. With a Diploma in Travel and Tourism, she can’t wait to help clients turn their travel dreams into a reality.

Social

Responsibility

Although it has been many years since the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 killed up to one million Tutsi’s, for many survivors the crisis continues. With so many traumatised people (many had suffered rape or witnessed the killing of family members), the journey of reconstruction, healing and reconciliation is an ongoing process. After visiting Rwanda, Rika and Mariska decided to get involved and play their humble role in making lives better, by supporting Ellel Ministries.

Financial

Protection

eXplore Plus Travel & Tours is bonded members of SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) & ATTA (African Travel & Tourism Association). Both memberships require annual renewal and stringent compliance with their exacting standards of quality, financial health, insurance and service delivery.

Furthermore, our accommodation, transport and activity suppliers we deal with meet strict quality controls. Should any supplier become insolvent and fail to provide the accommodation, transport or activity we booked for you, our supplier default insurance protects the money you paid for that service.

Why Book With Us?

When you travel with us, you’ll be taken care of every step of the way by our attentive safari experts.

Safety, Support & Trust

You'll be safe hands with 24-hour support! With our trusted partners on the ground in each destination always on hand, plus you can reach us via our 24-hour emergency telephone number if needed. Our specialists are here to help you craft the perfect itinerary, whether you’re seeking inspiration or have something specific in mind. Each holiday we create is unique and expertly curated by a member of our team, who will support you from the initial quote through to your return home. You can trust us with your travel plans as a bonded member of SATSA.