get to know
Chris Marais & Julienne du Toit
Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit are award-winning photo-journalists, writers, publishers, and educators based in Cradock, Eastern Cape Karoo, South Africa.
They co-founded Karoo Space, a storytelling platform dedicated to capturing and sharing the rich cultural, historical, and natural narratives of the Karoo region, often referred to as the heartland of South Africa.
Storytelling and Preservation of Heritage
Over the past two decades, Marais and du Toit have travelled extensively across more than 100 towns and villages in the Karoo, documenting the lives, traditions, and stories of its inhabitants. Their work blends lifestyle, history, culture, and nature, preserving the unique identity of the Karoo for future generations.
Publishing and Education
They have independently published several best-selling books such as Karoo Keepsakes I & II, Karoo Roads I-IV, Moving to the Platteland: Life in Small Town South Africa, and Road Tripper Eastern Cape Karoo. These books serve as cultural archives filled with tales, photographs, and insights into the Karoo’s people and landscape. They also teach travel writing and journalism, nurturing new voices to continue telling Karoo stories.
Media Presence
Their stories and photographs have been featured in respected local and international publications including Getaway, Weg/Go, SA Country Life, The Guardian, Litnet, and National Geographic Online, bringing wider attention to the Karoo’s cultural richness. They have a weekly Karoo feature in the prestigious Daily Mavericknews site, which brings them closer to an urban audience.
A Closer Look:
Julienne du Toit
Julienne du Toit, with a background in environmental journalism, has won awards such as the IUCN Reuters Award for reporting on sustainable development.
She has contributed to environmental awareness and policy discussions relevant to the Karoo’s ecosystem. She is also a prominent voice in the Karoo anti-fracking movement.
Julienne’s journalism is marked by a blend of environmental consciousness, cultural sensitivity, and narrative depth. She has a reputation for being a meticulous researcher and a compassionate storyteller, often highlighting the intersection of environment, community, and heritage.
A Closer Look:
Chris Marais
As a photojournalist, Chris has reported from more than 50 countries, including Mongolia, Borneo, Timbuktu, Madagascar, and the French Quarter of New Orleans.
For Marais, journalism is more than a profession—it is a calling. He has described himself as a “journey man,” someone who has learned his craft and taken it on the road, always seeking new stories and new perspectives. His work is driven by a belief in the power of narrative to connect people, foster understanding, and preserve the richness of South African life.
