From Koni

Welcome!  I would prefer to first ask about you, but because I can’t right now, I will tell you a little bit about myself: I am Koni Maliehe. I was born and raised in South Africa.  I now live in Cape Town.  I didn’t always have a wine business + a travel business.  Before I started them, I was an HR executive, and before that, I was in banking.

I am a curious person who loves to experience the world. Luckily, my life has allowed me to explore the far corners of the globe (often while selling my wines, but not always).

So, one day while on the treadmill, I started thinking about the future and strategy for Koni Wines. One thing connected to another (please don’t ask me how), and before I knew it, I found myself thinking about the experience of having high expectations for what I would discover while on a vacation.  As I reflected, I realized that often the actual experience falls short.  I didn’t find the great restaurant.  I didn’t meet warm and interesting people.  I wasn’t at the right place at sunset.  Instead, I felt like it could have been great, but I had not found the insider gems.

I also reflected on my personal experiences of feeling rejected, unwelcome or second-class.  If you are anything other than the top of the pyramid, you get me. Sometimes, as a woman, I felt unsafe.

A business is formed to solve a problem for others.  In that moment, I made a decision to found Koni Travels to eliminate vacation regrets.  I went to tour guide school, certified myself, the business, and the car and led my first few tours.  It went so well and I got such encouraging feedback that I have decided to make Koni Travels a larger part of my businesses than I had planned.

Koni Travels offers unique and immersive experiences to travelers seeking authentic cultural encounters with people who truly appreciate and welcome them.  We will be supporting local businesses and communities while fostering meaningful connections.

Well, that’s me.  I am looking forward to learning about you!

Koni Maliehe – Certified Tour Guide