He's met Nelson Mandela, been the driver for the famous Springbok team, South Africa's national rugby squad, and is now part of the Real Africa family,  available to book as a private driver/guide  - a fabulous option for those not wishing to self-drive on a holiday to South Africa and an absolute must for anyone into their rugby!

Real Africa, award-winning UK based tailor-made safari specialist pride themselves on the level of personal service they offer their clients and in their ability to reveal Africa in depth. Many clients choose to self-drive in South Africa giving them maximum flexibility, with the network of roads well maintained and easy to navigate. However some clients prefer to have a driver-guide. Abe Abrahams, something of a local personality around the Cape, has an expert knowledge of the region, and a fantastic reputation and can now be booked as a personal driver/guide. He can accompany clients for a day around Cape Town's environs, or a week or more as required. 

Abe worked for a company called Springbok Atlas Charter, a coach company, who subsequently won the tender to be the transport company for the Springbok team in the nineties. Abe became the team's elected personal driver in 2003 under the leadership of Rudolph Straeuli. Due to Abe's bubbly personality he struck a good relationship with all within the team and served as their driver for many years having a close bond with coach Jake White who took over in 2004.  He is well-known by the current team and still referred to as Oom Abe, or Uncle Abe, a sign of respect. He can often be seen at the rugby ground rubbing noses with the boys.

In 2007, John Smit, who was the Springbok's captain going into the 2007 Rugby World Cup, asked Abe to accompany the team to France for the World Cup, something Abe remembers with great fondness and described in a news report at the time as, "an incredible reward for driving the team."

Abe then had the honour of meeting the late great Nelson Mandela, also in 2007, when the World Cup was presented to him.

Real Africa clients report that Abe is a fabulous asset, often in awe as they chat about rugby, the country, its culture and about Abe's travels and experiences. To find out more or for a personalised itinerary, please contact Real Africa on 01603 283 517.

ENDS.