Katchie Nzama is an intra-African travel adventurer, a beer aficionado, open water swimmer and scuba diver. She is a passionate advocate for community tourism and an award-winning travel blogger and TV Presenter that has travelled to 35 African countries solo using public transport.
Where did your love for travel start?
My grandparents are the original wanderlusters. They took us on road trips across Limpopo and Mpumalanga province while growing up.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry?
No day is ever the same. Every day is an exciting new adventure.
What is your favourite destination/place to visit and why?
I don’t have a favourite destination. Each destination is unique and gives me different reasons why I fall in love with it.
Tell us about one of your most memorable travel experiences and why it stands out.
I was in Dakar, Senegal at the bush taxi station to make my way to Banjul, Gambia. The prices were written on the poles but the driver wanted me to pay 3x the price because I didn’t speak French and that meant I had money.
The women in the bush taxi were translating to me and upon hearing what the driver wanted they started fighting him. It became loud and caused a lot of drama as these women fought the driver. They boycotted the taxi and all got out and refused to be driven by the driver. It brought so much attention to me and I got overwhelmed, took my bags and ran behind the corner to cry. Another gentleman was watching the drama unfold and approached me and asked if he could assist. We travelled together to Banjul and I ended up staying with him and his roommates for the week.
Based on the five senses and thinking about travelling what do you…
Like to see: Cultural festivals
Like to taste: Beer
Like to feel: Hospitality and warmth of Africans
Like to hear: Foreign languages
Like to smell: Forests
Suggestions on resources for other travel and tourism stakeholders. Any websites, publications, podcasts, thought leaders you can recommend or newsletters we should sign up to?
Lelo Boyana is the founder and presenter of the Chica Travel Podcast. She chats with travellers and travel industry professionals who share travel, tips and tricks of the industry. https://chicatravel.co.za/
Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows.
I am terrified of big bodies of water. I scuba dive and swim open waters because facing that fear is the way to remind myself how exciting life can be if I don’t allow fear to dictate my life.
Lastly, what do you love about Africa Travel Week (WTM Africa) and what you are your sentiments on the evolution of trade shows being part virtual?
Trade shows were how we got together and network with industry colleagues and for me, the shows becoming virtual will still take a while to get used to it. The tourism industry is about people and the virtual world takes that away. It’s taking a while to adjust to it.