Who we are

In the sun-kissed city of Cape Town, two friends, Alexander and Prosper, crossed paths in the heart of a vibrant township at the Inkwenkwezi (under the stars) Boxing Club. Their bond was forged through countless hours spent both inside and outside the boxing ring, transcending their diverse backgrounds. With an unwavering passion for his city, Alexander embodies the heartbeat of the local community and Prosper, a vibrant soul from Zimbabwe who had made Cape Town his home since 2008.

Their friendship blossomed over shared experiences and conversations about culture, identity, and the power of travel. They often dreamed about creating a space where others could embark on similar journeys—an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. They envisioned a platform that would not only enrich lives but also honor the beautiful tapestry of their continent.

Thus, Immersion Africa was born. With a shared mission to foster meaningful connections, Alexander and Prosper poured their hearts into curating educational experiences that would challenge travelers’ perspectives and ignite self-discovery. They believed that every trip should be more than just a visit; it should be a journey into the depths of understanding oneself and others.

Their diverse team, each member bringing unique insights, crafted programs that highlighted the richness of African cultures, local communities, and sustainable practices. Together, they created a space where travelers could immerse themselves fully—learning new skills, breaking down barriers, and building friendships that transcended borders.

As travelers joined their programs, they witnessed transformations that echoed their own journeys. In a world that often feels divided, Immersion Africa aspires to stand as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all that travel is not just about the destination but the relationships and experiences we cultivate along the way.

What we do

At Immersion Africa, we design and facilitate tailored Faculty-Led educational programs across the beautiful African continent. Our programs provide students with the opportunity to broaden their global perspectives and deepen their cross-cultural awareness through immersive, hands-on experiences, as well as active dialogue and reflection.

Meet the team

The people making a difference

Alexander Hopking

Director & Co-Founder

Prosper Samva

Director & Co-Founder

Winnie Kreni

Program coordinator

Shaun Taveras

Marketing

Tamara Van Der Byl

Administration

Why education through travel?

Connection

Connect in a meaningful way to individuals and communities from all spectrums of society.

Unique Experience

Experience unique and personal insights into African societies, cultures and historical as
well as modern political realities.

Transformation

Achieve heightened self-awareness, professional development and improved cross-cultural
awareness.

Expanded Worldview

Broaden your global outlook, framework of beliefs, values and understandings.

Contact us

family vacations

Request a proposal

With our support, you can create the ultimate tailored educational experience. We handle all the logistics to help bring your dream to reality while keeping in mind the desired expected learning goals for your trip abroad.

We have designed 4 different stages to help us get to know you better.

Alexander Hopking

Director & co-founder

As the driving force behind Immersion Africa’s strategic and operational planning, Alexander is dedicated to transforming students’ perspectives through exceptional educational experiences across the stunning continent.

A true Capetonian, Alexander’s passion for understanding diverse viewpoints was sparked at a young age during his travels. He quickly realized how perceptions shape actions, inspiring him to learn from and grow alongside others.

After completing his studies in business and tourism, Alexander embarked on a backpacking journey through Europe and South America. He also volunteered as an English teacher and sports coach for children in the rural areas of Mapulanguene, Mozambique. For five years, he played a pivotal role in developing programs for universities visiting Southern Africa before taking the leap to co-found Immersion Africa in 2016.

Prosper samva

Director & Co-founder

Prosper is responsible for Immersion Africa overall business vision. His mission is to connect students to life-enriching educational experiences in Africa.

He was born in Zimbabwe in a tiny village and then moved to Cape Town where he finished his Tourism and Hospitality studies and worked as a Program Facilitator for 7 years before journeying across Asia and Europe to expand his global outlook.

“Immediately i fell in love with the travel industry and the desire to provide more enjoyable educational experiences for students through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues that the communities face grew bigger until the birth of Immersion Africa”.