Why I Keep Going Back to Africa

There’s a moment that happens on almost every trip I take to Africa. It’s quiet. Sometimes during golden hour, when the sunlight hits the tall grass just right and the air smells of dust and fire. Sometimes it’s amidst the laughter and rhythm of a bustling market. It’s never a photo, never a soundbite, it’s always a feeling. This is where I feel most alive.

I’m often asked, “Why Africa?” Why not somewhere easier with kids, jet lag, and logistics? Africa is different. It’s not simply a destination; it’s a soul-deep connection. Africa reminds me who I am when all the noise fades away. It shows me how powerful the world becomes when we slow down enough to truly witness it.

When I first visited, I didn’t expect to be cracked open by a landscape. I didn’t anticipate tears as elephants gracefully crossed the river or uncontrollable laughter beneath a sky brimming with countless stars. I didn’t know I could feel so at home, so far away.

Yet beyond the natural beauty, there’s an essential truth to traveling in Africa that I’ve come to know. Tourism in Africa is delicate, and its story, complex. Every place, every community carries a history that must be acknowledged and respected. As travelers, it’s crucial we represent it thoughtfully and truthfully.

Everyone you meet has a story worth hearing. I encourage you, wholeheartedly, to ask them about their lives, experience, and their country. To genuinely listen. Understanding their stories doesn’t just deepen your appreciation of a place, it enriches your soul and broadens your humanity.

I recognize that many travelers visit Africa seeking adventure and memorable photos, perhaps unaware of their profound responsibility. But travel in Africa should never be reduced to just visuals or fleeting experiences. It demands we actively engage, learn, and share with mindfulness. Read meaningful books and learn about Africa’s past, present, and the dreams its people hold for the future.

Today, my journeys to Africa are fueled not only by the continent’s beauty but by a commitment to support the people and conservation efforts I’ve grown to love deeply.  I return to educate myself, meeting the right people and understanding their stories. It isn’t about ticking off boxes anymore. 

Travel, at its best, reconnects you with your deepest values. For me, Africa continually reinforces mine with humility, openness, and a profound sense of responsibility and belonging.