Emzini Tours

Emzini Tours was born from the heart and resilience of Ella Mapurisa, a woman who transformed hardship into hope—not only for herself, but for an entire community. Ella grew up on a farm during the apartheid era in South Africa, raised by an alcoholic mother. From the age of 9, she worked to keep the household going, balancing labor with school as best she could. It was a childhood marked by survival, but also by strength. At 18, a missionary visited the farm and saw something in Ella. He offered her shelter, safety, and something she’d rarely had before—opportunity. He placed her in a supportive home and helped her return to school. Ella passed her final exams at age 25, and soon after, moved to Knysna. It was there, in a small Baptist church, that Ella met Penny Mainwaring, originally from Zimbabwe. The two became fast friends, united by their faith and desire to create something meaningful. In 2008, they founded Emzini Tours—a cultural experience that would take guests into the heart of the Knysna township and build bridges across worlds. But for Ella, the tours were only one piece of a bigger dream. Having lived through neglect and hardship, she felt called to protect children who were growing up as she had. In 2010, she and Penny opened the Lukhanyiso Safe House, now home to 16 children who are fully supported through Emzini’s income and guest donations. Today, Emzini Tours employs local guides, drivers, cooks, and carers—people like Mbulelo, Lamla, Ellen, and Fikiswa—who have found confidence, financial stability, and purpose through their work. Together, they share not only the story of their township but the story of transformation. For the Emzini team, each visitor is more than a tourist. They are a witness to resilience, a supporter of change, and a participant in a journey of healing. Through every drumbeat, shared meal, and spoken word of Xhosa, Emzini Tours uplifts lives—one story at a time.