How Sine Mkhize Is Redefining South African Tourism Through Healing Travel Experiences
For many people, a holiday is a chance to relax. For Sine Mkhize, it is something far more profound. It is an opportunity to heal, reconnect and begin again.
The founder of SNE Travels has built a tourism business around a powerful belief that travel can restore the human spirit. What started as a small boat cruise operation in Richards Bay has evolved into one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most recognised travel brands, placing purpose at the heart of every journey.
Founded in 2016, the black woman-led business began with modest harbour cruises in Richards Bay. Nearly a decade later, it has become a growing force in South African tourism, demonstrating how vision, resilience and community partnerships can reshape an industry.
From local boat cruises to national recognition
Mkhize’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple idea to showcase the beauty of Richards Bay from the water. However, she soon realised that visitors wanted more than a single attraction.
In 2022, SNE Travels expanded its business model by partnering with local accommodation providers and tourism attractions to create comprehensive travel packages centred on Richards Bay. The move not only strengthened the local tourism economy but also helped position the city as a sought-after destination for domestic travellers.
Today, the company offers a diverse range of experiences, from adrenaline-filled Quad Bike and Boat Cruise Day Tours to carefully curated travel packages across South Africa.
Travel with a deeper purpose
What truly sets SNE Travels apart is its philosophy that travel should do more than entertain. It should help people heal.
Mkhize says many of her clients book holidays during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, seeking peace, clarity or simply a temporary escape from personal challenges.
“Abantu badlula ezintweni eziningi ezibuhlungu (People go through many painful things),” Mkhize explains. “Sometimes people go on vacation because of what they’re going through. My goal is that no person should carry their pain alone. Umoya omusha uyaphilisa (A new environment heals). That’s why we take people to Mpumalanga, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the North West, places surrounded by nature. Those places can take away your problems. You will feel something new.”
Her approach has resonated with travellers looking for experiences that offer emotional renewal as well as adventure.
National spotlight and growing influence
Mkhize’s work has attracted national recognition.
She has been nominated for the prestigious Kwa Sebenza Women’s Award, featured on Metro FM for her entrepreneurial achievements and showcased as a leading travel agency during the Phalaphala Royal Heritage Festival in Venda, Limpopo.
The growing recognition reflects not only her business success but also the impact of her mission to make travel meaningful and accessible.
Ambitious expansion planned for 2026
SNE Travels is preparing for its biggest expansion yet.
In 2026, the company plans to introduce luxury MSC Cruises to Mozambique and Cape Town, while also expanding its dedicated Limpopo travel experiences.
The business is also extending its footprint beyond KwaZulu-Natal through a strategic partnership with Johannesburg-based travel agency TravelNarine.
The collaboration will introduce new day tours in Johannesburg, including curated Soweto experiences, helicopter flights and authentic local food experiences, giving travellers fresh ways to explore one of South Africa’s most vibrant cities.
Inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Mkhize hopes her journey will encourage more young women to pursue entrepreneurship despite the challenges they may face.
“Starting SNE Travels wasn’t easy, but I believed in my dream,” she says. “This Women’s Month I want to tell every young woman that your age doesn’t define you. Your background doesn’t limit you. Start where you are, with what you have. Tourism is for us too. Women in business need to support each other. When one of us wins, we all win.”
Her message is one of resilience, inclusion and possibility.
By combining affordable travel, strategic partnerships and a belief in the restorative power of nature, Sine Mkhize is doing far more than organising holidays. She is helping reshape South African tourism into a platform for healing, empowerment and hope, one journey at a time.
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