Mefi Alapat shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Mefi, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
There’s something special about planning a Safari for someone who first fell in love with Tanzania on a family Safari as a teenager. Fifteen years later, she’s back, taking her friend to experience that same Safari magic. These moments make me so happy and reiterate my why!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Jambo! (Hello in Swahili)
My name is Mefi, and I plan life-changing Safaris. I’m originally from Tanzania, and I started Journey to Africa Safaris 25 years ago.
What started as planning Safaris to Tanzania and Kenya has grown into taking guests all over Eastern and Southern Africa. I usually take my guests to places I’ve personally been, lodges I’ve stayed at, and experiences I’ve tried myself. And I have done quite a bit over the years.
Even after 25 years, I still get goosebumps when guests tell me that the Safari we created was one of their best travel experiences – and some of these people have been to over 70 countries! I take that as a huge compliment.
What sets me apart? I know Africa. I work with partners that contribute to conservation and care about the community deeply. I know a lot of the guides personally, which makes it fun sharing stories. I’ve stayed at most of the lodges I recommend, so I know if the couch is good for an afternoon siesta – necessary on Safari! I have partaken in many of the activities on Safari like walking Safari, night drives, balloon rides, to even hanging on the edge of Victoria Falls in Zambia – oh my. When I plan your Safari, I’m sharing my Africa with you.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The time that stands out was when I was on Safari in Tanzania, and several guides pulled me aside to thank me for the guests I send them. They told me that my travelers are always respectful, curious, and genuinely engaged – the kind of guests I love sending and they love guiding. In that moment, I felt incredibly powerful because I realized the choice I made to start Journey to Africa Safaris has created this ripple effect that touches so many lives.
The guides can support their families, the communities benefit from tourism, the conservation efforts get funding, and my guests get life-changing experiences. I’m not just planning trips – I’m connecting people and creating opportunities that spread far beyond what I can see. That’s real power.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I am learning. I am always learning. When something doesn’t go right, and we have to go to Plan B – which we always have in our arsenal – I say, ‘I am always learning’ instead of taking it personally. I have realized something: those mistakes taught me more about problem-solving, always having a backup plan, and open guest communication. Now when things don’t go as planned, I see it as data for getting better. And we do take every piece of feedback and work on improving ourselves.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Deep, thoughtful conversations, and being there quietly.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
On Safari 🙂 When I am surrounded by nature, in the middle of nowhere, with silence all around topped off with amazing wildlife, good people, delicious food, and my kids and husband. Bliss.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.journeytoafrica.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeytoafricasafari/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/journey-to-africa/
