Area/Topic
Africa

Julia Nesbitt
Director
African Safari Company

Julia’s summers as a child were spent exploring her grandparent’s farm in Zimbabwe, game parks throughout the region and visiting family in South Africa. These experiences shaped her more than she could have imagined, and in her early 20s she packed her bags and headed to Zambia to manage a camp in the South Luangwa Valley. After running the Africa department for another Seattle-based travel company for a few years, Julia re-joined African Safari Company as Director of Sales in 2011 and has been an integral part of the company ever since.

https://africansafarico.com/

Summary

Julia Nesbitt, the director of the African Safari Company, shares her background and love for Africa. She discusses the misconceptions about Africa and the importance of promoting the continent as a destination. Julia also talks about the challenges and joys of working in the tourism industry, as well as the importance of customization and making clients' dreams come true. She provides advice for those interested in pursuing a career in the travel industry and discusses the difference between a travel agent and a tour operator. Julia shares her favorite aspects of Africa and her ideal month-long trip in the continent. In this conversation, Julia Nesbitt shares her experiences and insights from her travels in Africa, specifically in Rwanda. She highlights the incredible wildlife experiences, including encounters with gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees. Julia also discusses the conservation efforts in Akagera National Park and the revitalization of parks across the continent by organizations like African Parks. She delves into the diverse and delicious African cuisine, emphasizing the quality of ingredients and regional specialties. Julia addresses concerns about security and safety in Africa, emphasizing the importance of using common sense and listening to local guides. Finally, she encourages listeners to empower themselves to travel and explore the world.

Takeaways

• Africa is a diverse and beautiful continent with unique wildlife and cultures.
• Working in the tourism industry requires a passion for travel and a desire to make clients' dreams come true.
• Customization and personalization are key in creating memorable travel experiences.
• Finding a good fit and having a strong network are important for success in the travel industry.
• Rwanda is a hidden gem in Africa, with a rich culture and beautiful landscapes. Rwanda offers incredible wildlife experiences, including gorilla trekking, golden monkey sightings, and chimpanzee encounters.
• Conservation organizations like African Parks are working to revitalize national parks in Africa, such as Akagera National Park in Rwanda.
• African cuisine is diverse and delicious, with regional specialties and high-quality ingredients.
• Security and safety in Africa can be ensured by using common sense, listening to local guides, and avoiding risky situations.
• Traveling is an empowering experience that allows individuals to expand their horizons and overcome fears.

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