Our History

Knighton Reeve has evolved from African Pride: a company that has been at the forefront of African travel for almost 20 years. Our team knows the continent inside out.

We’ve lived there, worked there, visited many, many times. It’s under our skin. We care about conservation and communities. And we care that you experience everything Africa has to offer. 

We take our name from two of South Africa’s most passionate advocates: John Knighton, joint founder of African Pride, and Sir Anthony Reeve, a former chairman of our founding company.
 
John Knighton is sometimes known as the ‘the man who created tourism in South Africa’. He first visited the continent as a young man working on the Union Castle shipping line. After one visit, he was hooked. Over his 40-year career with various tour operating companies, John paid countless visits to the continent. As a result, his stories and experiences (and sense of humour) were the stuff of legends.  
 
Sir Anthony Reeve, or Tony as he liked to be known, was a career diplomat. He was posted to South Africa during a key stage in its history: as the new South Africa developed in the 1990's. After his retirement in 1996, he became chairman of our then owners and there his association with the travel industry began.
 
Sadly, both men passed away a few years ago. As a tribute to their love, influence and involvement in African Travel, we named the company Knighton Reeve. 

But the story continues as in December 2017 the senior management team of Liz Hall and David Holland, who both worked with John and Tony, acquired the business ensuring continuance of their legacy and looking forward to the future.

We are proud to bring their passion for this unique continent to a whole new generation of travellers.