Cape Town never sleeps. I swear, every week there’s something happening, a random event, a festival, a parade, a race, a concert, or something totally unexpected. And somehow, I always end up in the middle of it.
Discover South Africa with a local who speaks your language
Jonas Sandström, a Swede who has called South Africa home for over 20 years, creates experiences that reveal the real South Africa. Whether you prefer a guided tour in Swedish or a self-guided adventure arranged just for you or your group, Jonas brings insider knowledge and local connections to every journey. It’s all in the spirit of “embracing South Africa” - the meaning of Gonana in isiZulu.
Jonas and his women-led team of travel specialists, create South African experiences around your interests, not cookie-cutter itineraries. From safaris, golf trips to wine routes, we help you explore South Africa the way you want - advising on routes and showing you hidden gems. We’re a boutique travel agency ready to welcome you.
South African Travel We Specialise In
Our in-house golf specialist has played nearly every course in South Africa as a single-figure handicap golfer. She works with the rest of the team to design golf trips that suit your style. Whether you want a fully golf-focused itinerary, discovering a new course each day, or a blend of golf with safari, beach, or cultural experiences, we can plan it all.
Jonas has explored countless safaris across South Africa from the iconic Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger to hidden gems in KwaZulu-Natal and along the Garden Route. We design safaris tailored to your budget and bucket list, providing expert advice on the best seasons and experiences for couples, families, or groups.
Explore the best of Cape Town and its stunning surroundings - your way. We offer guided or self-guided trips ranging from city-focused itineraries to adventures in the nearby Cape Winelands and Hermanus. For those seeking something off the beaten path, we also can take you to lesser-known places along the West Coast.
Why Travel With Us?
ACCREDITED
Our founder, Jonas Sandström is a qualified National Guide and accredited by the South African Tourism Board.
OWNER-RUN
We’re a small team of niche professionals with the owner, Jonas, actively involved from guiding to planning.
EXPERIENCED
We have 20 years of experience in hosting European guests, with a particular focus on bringing Scandinavians to Southern Africa.
RESPONSIBLE
We’re Fair Trade accredited and work within that network, and we support sustainability and women-run establishments.
LOCALS
We live and work from Cape Town allowing us to stay up-to-date with life on the ground and test all the new places.
TRIED-AND-TESTED
All of our destinations, and activities are places that we have personally experienced and taken a liking to.
Travel Stories
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An unforgettable trip, very well organized by Gonana South African Travel. Consistently high quality in everything from hotels and restaurants to programs and guided tours, with professional and knowledgeable guides. In Cape Town we were asked what we liked best – the answer was simple: It’s a feeling. We will be back.
Mirella E. Grant, April 2026
Norway
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Wonderful trip to South Africa
We had a wonderful trip to South Africa organized by Joy and Jonas at Gonana Travel. All worked out so well. Very nice extra feature to get recommandations for restaurants. We’ll come back and can warmly recommend Gonana Travel.
Cecilia Nygren Leijonhufvud, April 2026
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Our trip was unforgettable thanks to this fantastic travel agency. Everything was personalized with such care, and the team was always available, responsive, and genuinely helpful throughout the entire journey. The guides were excellent—knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate. The selection of restaurants, hotels, and trips was lovely. We could not have made such a selection ourselves, even with hours of searching.
Katharina Döberl, March 2026
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I highly recommend Gonana if you consider going to South Africa. The staff is professional and responsive to customer needs and they will for sure give you the best experience and service!
Pia Wallberg
Latest News
Raving Through The Winelands
Tue November 25, 2025
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Touring the Western Cape (part 1)
Wed November 19, 2025
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During the past few weeks, all I’ve been writing about is Cape Town (makes sense, because I live here ;)). But the last two weeks have been a little different. I got to follow along on a group trip, led by Jonas, through the Western Cape, and all I have to say is “wow”. Every time I think I’ve seen “enough” of this place, it surprises me again. The more I explore,...
Touring the Western Cape (part 2)
Tue November 18, 2025
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After our wine-filled days in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, it was time for the next chapter of our trip, and let me tell you, this one did not disappoint. I have to say that every day was full of those “pinch me, is this real?” moments.
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