As we celebrate International Women’s Day this March, we shine a spotlight on remarkable African women who are making history in the travel and tourism space. These trailblazers have defied norms, embraced adventure, and showcased the beauty of Africa through their storytelling, photography, and travel experiences. Their journeys not only inspire but also challenge stereotypes, redefine narratives, and empower others to explore the world.
1. Neema Jodie Ngelime (Tanzania) – The Storytelling Photographer
Neema Jodie Ngelime, a Tanzanian documentary photographer and filmmaker, captures everyday African moments with an experimental and feminist perspective. A proud advocate of the Swahili language, Neema’s films have been showcased at prestigious festivals such as IDFA and the New York African Film Festival. Through her platform thebongolese.com, she documents African stories and encourages sustainable travel, supporting local communities and shifting perspectives about the continent.
2. Jessica Nabongo (Uganda-USA) – The Record-Breaking Explorer
Jessica Nabongo made history as the first documented Black woman to visit every country in the world. A Ugandan-American travel influencer, photographer, and entrepreneur, Jessica shares her experiences through her blog The Catch Me If You Can and her book of the same title, featured in National Geographic. She founded Jet Black Travel Agency, specializing in curated trips across the African diaspora, proving that representation in global travel is both necessary and powerful.
3. Farirai Sanyika (South Africa) – The Solo Travel Advocate
South African blogger and content creator Farirai Sanyika, known as Gophari, left her career in chemical engineering to pursue her passion for travel. She founded Gophari Travel Blog, a platform that inspires solo female travelers to explore Africa with confidence. Her dedication to making African destinations accessible has gained her a significant following, and she continues to curate all-women travel experiences that empower and connect adventurers.
4. Amarachi Ekekwe (Nigeria) – The Multi-Talented Explorer
Nigerian travel blogger and entrepreneur Amarachi Ekekwe runs Travel with a Pen, a blog that feels like an engaging conversation between her and her readers. A system engineer and fiction writer, she balances her professional career with her love for exploration. Amarachi’s work promotes solo travel as a transformative experience, and her storytelling captures the depth and beauty of Africa’s cultural and natural landscapes.
5. Oneika Raymond (Canada-Jamaica) – The Emmy Award-Winning Traveler
Though originally from Canada, Oneika Raymond has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of Black and African travel experiences. She has visited over 13 African countries and is an Emmy Award-winning TV host, appearing on CNN, NBC, and Travel Channel. Her blog, OneikaTheTraveller.com, won the Best Travel Blog award from the Society of American Travel Writers, and she uses her platform to inspire more people of color to embrace global exploration.
Breaking Barriers and Changing Narratives
These African women travelers are not only breaking barriers but also reshaping the travel industry. They are storytellers, entrepreneurs, and role models who use their platforms to highlight cultural richness, sustainability, and the importance of representation in the travel space.
As we celebrate their achievements this International Women’s Day, we are reminded that travel is a powerful tool for connection, education, and transformation. Through their journeys, they inspire others to see Africa with fresh eyes, embrace adventure, and create their own histories.
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