About / Contact
Who is Karoo Heartland Routes and how to get in touch with us
If you would like to get involved with Karoo Heartland Routes and list your property on this website along with receiving a number of other benefits, please contact Jonker Fourie at:
Email – jonker@fireflyafrica.co.za
Mobile – +27 82 889 2459
Background
Who’s involved
Set against the sweeping plains, rugged koppies, and luminous skies of Eastern Cape, Karoo Heartland Routes emerges as the region’s premier Destination Marketing Company — an inspired evolution rooted in the enduring legacy of the Karoo Heartland Marketing Association. With a passion for unearthing the hidden gems and proud traditions of the Karoo, our mission is to showcase the authentic spirit, unique culture, and extraordinary landscapes that define this captivating corner of the world.
Karoo Heartland Routes, is more than a guide, it is a celebration of community, history, and the timeless connection between people and place. Drawing on years of collaborative storytelling and regional advocacy, we invite travellers, adventurers, and dreamers to experience the Karoo as never before: through curated journeys, immersive experiences, and partnerships with local custodians who embody the Heartland’s warm hospitality and creative flair.
As we build on the foundation established by the Karoo Heartland Marketing Association since 2003, our commitment remains steadfast: to elevate the Eastern Cape’s Karoo Heartland as a must-visit destination while honouring the stories, traditions, and landscapes that make it exceptional. Whether you seek the tranquillity of open horizons, the intrigue of small-town heritage, or the thrill of discovering something new, Karoo Heartland Routes is your trusted companion in unlocking the extraordinary.
Join us as we chart new pathways, foster meaningful connections, and continue the proud journey of sharing the Karoo’s timeless magic with the world.
Jonker Fourie
Firefly the Travel Guy
Karoo Heartland Routes is headed up by Jonker Fourie, aka Firefly the Travel Guy. Jonker has been in the tourism industry for more than 27 years and was involved with the Karoo Heartland Marketing Association (KHMA), first through ECTOUR and then his own business, for 11 years. With the KHMA going through tough times and talk of closing the association down, Jonker presented a proposal to the committee that would assure the brand continuing on and the association’s legacy not getting lost. This led to the creation of Karoo Heartland Routes in 2025.
Jonker has done everything from tourist guiding and destination marketing, social media management, setting up tourism associations, and being in senior management and administration positions in the industry. He bring all of this along with his passion, knowledge and love of the region to Karoo Heartland Routes.
Achievements include being a judge for the SA Tourism Lilizela Awards for six years, a past board member of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, past vice-chairperson of the Eastern Cape chapter of SATSA, and serving on various Eastern Cape tourism association committees. Jonker is no stranger behind the radio microphone, has been in front of the tv cameras for various magazine and travel shows, have been published in travel magazines, and is an award-winning blogger and photographer.
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