From Table Mountain excursions to sightseeing bus experiences, Ngena Ekasi Tours promises an exciting experience of Cape Town. Founder of Ngena Ekasi Tours, Thandisizwe Dano, lets us in on the day to day operations of his tour company.
1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background as an entrepreneur?
My name is Thandisizwe Dano, and I’m the founder of Ngena Ekasi Tours. I come from a background in quality control, but my passion for people, travel, and community development inspired me to step into the tourism space.
2. What kind of business do you run, when did you start this business, and what are its main products or services?
Ngena Ekasi Tours offers cultural, township, and educational day tours around Cape Town, including school excursions, couples’ getaways, and group travel packages. We began operations a few years ago and have since expanded our offerings to include boat cruises, sightseeing bus experiences, Cape Point tours, Cape Winelands, sand dunes, and Table Mountain excursions. We also work closely with schools to organize educational outings and facilitate fun, safe, and informative experiences for learners.
3. Why did you choose to venture into the industry that you are in, and what do you enjoy the most about it?
I’ve always had a passion for storytelling and showcasing the rich culture and history of our communities. What I enjoy most is seeing the joy and excitement on people’s faces, especially first- time visitors,
4. What are some of the challenges you have encountered throughout your journey?
One of the biggest challenges has been access to reliable and affordable transport. Since I started, I’ve had to outsource vehicles, which affects profits. I’m currently working toward acquiring my own minibus to help reduce costs and increase efficiency. Seasonality and unpredictable weather, especially during winter, also affect business, which has pushed me to diversify and focus more on school tours and local promotions during slower periods.
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9. Can you share a success story or achievement related to your business?
One of my proudest achievements was securing a long-standing partnership with Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to offer discounted tickets to previously disadvantaged communities a program I’ve been running since 2019. I’ve also partnered with Wild Horizons for boat cruises and Cape Sightseeing Bus to expand our offerings. Recently, I was recognized through the Cape Town Content Partnership, where a boat cruise video Icreated won an award for being in the Top 5 posts with the highest engagement. This recognition has boosted my online presence and highlighted the value of authentic local storytelling in tourism. Another major milestone was being invited to brief the Deputy Minister of Tourism during her outreach visit to Gugulethu in February 2025, where I provided insights into the state of tourism in the area. Following that engagement, I was invited to attend Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 in Durban, a huge honour that shows growing recognition of the work we do at Ngena Ekasi Tours.
10. How do you intend on growing your business and what is the end goal?
I plan to grow by acquiring my own minibus to lower transport costs, expanding my reach through school contracts, and building more strategic partnerships. I’m also looking at launching a kids wear range in the near future, using my existing school networks.