Authentic Aboriginal Tours in the West Kimberley with Mabu Buru

27 June 2024

Johani Mahmid was a Yawuru Country Manager Coordinator in 2018 when he caught up with Bart Pigram, a legendary tour guide in Broome. After their talk, Johani realised there is plenty of space for people to get into Aboriginal Tourism, and Mabu Buru was born.

Launching Mabu Buru Tours

“I was a ranger for about 6 or 7 years, and it got to a point when I thought I wanted to try something new. I had never really worked for myself so I decided to explore that area. So I had a think and asked myself - what am I good at?”

Johani decided he’d lean into his strengths and be himself. Relying on foundations of country, stories, and songs, Johani decided to give the tourism space a go. Mabu Buru means 'healthy country,' 'good place' or even 'good time.'

“I checked with the right people and took the leap and my eldest supported it. All I needed was support to do the business side of things,” says Johani.

And after finding a program set up for new businesses that helped with marketing, brochures, insurances, uniforms and more, Mabu Buru Tours was born in 2020.

"I had to bring the knowledge of Country and my ambition to share it. I have learnt more about tourism and how it helps the community after getting into it.”

Mabu Buru Tours. Credit: Tourism Australia

In 2023, Mabu Buru transitioned into a company from a sole trader. As part of the transition, the Mabu Buru Foundation was created. The social enterprise is supported with a contribution commitment of 50% of profits from Mabu Buru Tours for the purpose of supporting the practice and survival of Aboriginal lore and culture in the West Kimberley region.

The Mabu Buru Foundation is also in a position to accept donations and apply for grant funding to support its purpose and delivery of specifically designed culture practice and preservation programs.

Authentic and immersive experiences in the West Kimberley

Having run Mabu Buru over the past few years, Johani believes travellers are looking for genuine, authentic and immersive experiences, which is what the company always strives to offer. 

He operates three main tours: one that takes you to Broome’s famous Cable Beach for a muwarrt, which is an authentic storytelling session introducing you to Aboriginal connection to Country; the Wakaj Experience, which includes culture, storytelling and dance;  and a 3-day immersive Broome Ultimate Aboriginal Culture Expedition. 

"The 3-day experience is a collaboration with other local Indigenous operators and is the ultimate cultural immersion”, says Johani. 

“We teach people that traditionally Aboriginal people have always had a respectful relationship and connection with their neighboring tribes and this product demonstrates that."

“You get to go on a boat, you get to explore the traditional lifestyle on the land, how to find food on land and sea, how to build a shelter, how plants are used for medicine.”

Building understanding

Above all, the goal is that travelers come away with a better sense of understanding about Aboriginal people in the West Kimberley region.

Keeping it authentic, if you choose the Wakaj Experience when booking with Mabu Buru Tours, you may just get to catch a glimpse of Johani’s pet crocodile as a bonus.

“I applied for a part time job as farm hand and tour guide at the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park. That’s how I became a part-time crocodile wrangler and full-time Aboriginal business owner,” Johani explains. 

"I ended up applying for a license to possess my own saltwater crocodiles which I keep in a special enclosure near my home and the Wakaj Meeting Place. So when you go on the Wakaj experience you see the crocodiles as a bonus. It’s not something we promote about the experience because our focus is more towards sharing culture rather than wildlife these days.”