About us
With 25 years of experience living and exploring Eswatini and the wider region, the owners have ventured far and wide, uncovering hidden gems and iconic destinations.
Our story
It feels like family (because it is)
Established by longterm residents (since 1998), the owners of Taman Tours bring over two decades of firsthand knowledge and passion for Eswatini’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultural fabric to every experience.
As an owner-managed business, we personally vet and visit recommended locations to ensure clients enjoy high-quality and personalised journeys.
Leadership team
Taman Tours is proudly owner-managed, with a passion for travel passed down to the next generation. Our children quite literally grew up in the business—joining safaris, meeting guests, travelling extensively and absorbing the rhythms of the industry from an early age.
Today, they’ve stepped into the business as partners, bringing fresh energy while staying true to the values we built this company on. With two generations at the helm, Taman Tours offers something rare: a deeply personal, hands-on approach shaped by a lifetime of experience and a shared love for Africa.
Elmari Taman
Managing Director
Elmari officially entered the tourism industry in 1997, but her passion for organizing trips began much earlier. At just seven years old, she planned a full weekend class party on her parents’ farm – executing every detail flawlessly. This early success was repeated several times in the years that followed, laying the foundation for her future career.
Elmari was fortunate growing up to be fluent in 3 languages – German, Zulu/Siswati, Afrikaans and added English in the later years of schooling, also developing a strong understanding of the Dutch language. Naturally, combining her love for travel, event planning and language skills led her to pursue a career in tourism.
Completing a tour guide course in 1997 launched her into an industry that would take her through every facet of tourism.
Her expertise lies in Mpumalanga and Eswatini, though Mozambique has always held a special place in her heart. Over time, she expanded her knowledge to include this destination in her portfolio. Throughout her career, she has been involved in marketing, operations management, FIT’s, group travel, incentives and the conference industry. She has also guided tours in Zambia, Botswana, South Africa and Eswatini.
In July 2008, her dream became a reality with the founding of Taman Tours. Now in its 17th year, the company has not only survived the challenges of COVID-19 but has also successfully expanded into South Africa.
Liam Taman
Director
Having grown up in a family that lives for travel and new discoveries, I have seen time and time again how these experiences can transform perspectives and create memories that last a lifetime.
After my years climbing the ranks to senior roles in the yachting industry and providing the highest levels of service to the some of the worlds most distinguished families and individuals, I have now brought that same passion and professionalism to the family business with the goal of turning even the most ordinary moments into extraordinary ones to create those lifelong memories for every single one of our clients.
Britta Taman
Director
My passion for hospitality ignited while waitering in school, finding joy in creating unforgettable guest experiences. That drive took me to yachting for five incredible years, rising from junior stew to Chief Stewardess by perfecting every detail of luxury service. In early 2025,
I joined Taman Tours as a partner to elevate our luxury division. This industry is my heart, and I’m devoted to crafting authentic, story-like journeys with meticulous care, ensuring every guest carries lifelong memories.
Jason Taman
Co-founder
completed my Travel & Tourism diploma in South Africa in 1997, but my passion for the industry quickly led me to volunteer for six months in Eswatini’s game parks. I cherished every moment—both the interaction with guests and the camaraderie with park staff. My dream was to continue north into Africa to work with private tour operators, but life had other plans. Meeting Elmari changed this path, and together we founded Taman Tours. With Elmari’s passion for tourism and eye for detail, and my deep love for the industry, we expanded our vision into the South African, Mozambican, and Eswatini markets—where success has become part of our DNA.
Because experiences are at the heart of what we do, we made it a rule that everything we offer to clients must first be experienced and tested by ourselves. Often, this meant taking our young children along for the adventure—something that inspired them to fall in love with the business as well. Today, our son and daughter-in-law have joined Taman Tours full-time, bringing fresh ideas and an added sense of luxury to everything the company creates.
I’m excited about the journey ahead—and even more thrilled to share it with our clients, crafting unforgettable experiences at every step.
Why we are best
Experienced, English-speaking drivers
With Taman Tours, you’ll be accompanied by professional drivers who are not only skilled behind the wheel but also fluent in English.
Versatile Options
Whether you’re travelling with a smaller group or a larger party, we provide spacious, safe and comfortable vehicles to accommodate your needs.
Exclusivity for VVIP’s
Our executive services offer comfort, privacy, and elegance for VVIPs.
Reliable Support
In the rare event of a breakdown, we offer back-up services to ensure minimum disruption to your trip. You can count on us.
We’re here to introduce you to all the places out there
We don’t just work in travel — we live it. It’s part of every fibre of who we are. That’s why we understand what makes a journey truly exceptional — and why we’re committed to creating family, individual, group and
Our Trusted partners
Whether you're looking for bush luxury, cultural immersion, or coastal relaxation, our partner properties are carefully chosen to complement your safari and travel itinerary.
At Taman Tours, we work closely with a select group of trusted hospitality partners to ensure every journey is seamless, comfortable, and memorable. From luxury safari lodges to serene garden resorts and eco escapes, our partnerships enhance the depth and quality of your experience across Eswatini, South Africa, and Mozambique.
Elmari Taman
Managing Director
Elmari officially entered the tourism industry in 1997, but her passion for organizing trips began much earlier. At just seven years old, she planned a full weekend class party on her parents’ farm – executing every detail flawlessly. This early success was repeated several times in the years that followed, laying the foundation for her future career.
Wade Shealy
Founder & CEO
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