Welcome to Eager Journeys. I am Iga Motylska, a Cathsseta-accredited National Tourist Guide, travel advisor and award-winning journalist.

With over 15 years of experience as a travel writer – including authoring guidebook chapters for Fodor’s on Namibia and Gauteng – I don’t just show my guests the sights; I narrate Africa’s untold stories through the eyes of locals. While on the road for publications like BBC, The Telegraph, and Financial Mail Travel I’ve interviewed conservationists, historians and changemakers from all walks of life. I bring that same journalistic curiosity and research to every itinerary I create.

Personalised tours across South Africa and Namibia

Whether you’re looking for a multi-day tour of Cape Town, a driver-guide for a Garden Route road trip or a sustainable safari in Namibia, I turn itineraries into immersive, story-driven journeys. I specialise in:

• Private tours and small groups tailored to your interests, budget and travel style
• Personalised travel advisory services for discerning travellers who value sustainability and an authentic local experience
• Polish and English guiding to bridge the cultural gap
• Self-drive itineraries for independent travellers based on my personal experiences

Why Choose Eager Journeys?

• The journalist’s eye: I’ve written hundreds of articles for over 75 publications. My tours are grounded in research and fact-based storytelling.
• Certified expertise: I am a National Tourist Guide (Cultural) qualified through the Tourist Guide Institute (TGI).
• Responsible tourism: As a “greenie”, I advocate for ethical and sustainable tourism. Each trip booked through Eager Journeys supports local communities and the environment. I only support legitimate wildlife sanctuaries, rehabilitation centres and Fair Trade Tourism partners.
• Photography-focused safaris: Rarely seen without a camera, I help guests capture the perfect light and angles while on tour in the Kruger National Park or along the Panorama Route.

Should you book a tourist guide in South Africa?

As part of my qualification to become a national tourist guide, I completed a course on Risk Management Planning and a First Aid Course. Registering with DEDAT (the Department of Economic Development and Tourism) in the Western Cape, requires up-to-date qualifications that must be renewed every two years and ensures my papers are in check.

I’ve written an article about ‘How to avoid travel scams in South Africa’ that you might find useful.

More about Iga Motylska

I’m an early riser and nature lover who always has a camera slung around my neck. My adventurous spirit has taken me to over 50 countries across six continents (often as a solo female traveller), where I’ve scuba dived with sharks in Mauritius, paraglided on Reunion Island, partaken in rhino notching at Marataba Conservation Camps and hiked the Otter Trail.

I create experiences that connect you to people and places. Since 2018, I’ve been sharing my travels on air as a travel correspondent for Talk Radio 702 and Cape Talk. My radio feature is based on Eager Journeys, my travel and photography blog, which is how it all started back in 2010.

Feel free to read my travel articles or contact me to help you design your personalised African adventure – no matter what kind of traveller you are.

What did you study?

Beside my tour guiding qualification, I have a Master’s degree in Investigative Journalism from the University of the Witwatersrand, in South Africa. My undergraduate majors included: English Literature, Media Studies and Communications, and Drama and Film. I also hold a post-graduate certificate in Advanced Sub-editing from the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ) and a post-graduate certificate in Education, also from the University of the Witwatersrand.

What else do you do for a living?

When I’m not creating travel itineraries or on the road, I work as a freelance editor, journalist, SEO copywriter and photographer. I’ve worked for government institutions, international tourism boards, publishing houses, creative agencies and as a one-woman show. I’m always open to be commissioned, no matter where the work will take me. Feel free to read my published work.

Something we don’t know about you

I am an honorary publicity ambassador for Gangnam (the same neighbourhood that PSY sings about in his K-pop song Gangnam Style). After the song went viral he, too, was awarded the same status by the mayor.