Maties Travel was founded in 1978, when former bank manager, Matie Geldenhuys, purchased a travel office in Stellenbosch. He and his wife, Benny, had a passion for travel and for people. Maties Travel became well known for their exclusive Maties Escorted Tours, which are still impacting the touring industry today, after more than 30 years. Three years later, in 1981, Matie & Benny opened a second office in the Strand. Maties Travel soon grew to 7 offices, of which 4 were in Corporate In-house premises. Tourvest acquired this family owned business in 2003, and continued the tradition of personal service to the Winelands clientele.

Maties Travel is part of Tourvest Holdings (PTY) Ltd, South Africa’s largest black owned travel and tourism group. Following the acquisition of a 51% stake in the company by a BEE consortium led by Guma Tourism, Tourvest is now also one of the country’s most empowered travel and tourism businesses.