When Anne Medeiros took her first trip to Uganda in 2007, her experience of the country and its culture was profound. The wildlife and beauty coupled with the warmth and friendliness of the people she met made a lasting impression on her. Anne’s in-laws had lived in Africa for years, and with their guidance, she and her husband had access to small villages and other “off the beaten path” experiences: “We enjoyed meals with our Ugandan friends, attended a church service, and visited the local market. It was wonderful learning about their lives.”
Returning home, Anne began to think about how she might build on her experience and introduce others to Africa. Anne organized her first safari in 2008 and 16 years later her company, Ujuzi African Travel Company has arranged more than 100 safaris, conservation-focused journeys, and botanical trips to the African continent.
Often partnering with zoos, botanical gardens, and other cultural groups, Ujuzi also arranges opportunities for individuals, couples, and small groups. Currently, Anne is partnering with Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison for a trip focused on the unique wild plants and gardens of South Africa, Olbrich Botanical Garden’s Cape Floral Safari with Optional Big 5 Safari Extension or www.ujuzitravel.com/olbrich.
Reflecting on how her business draws on her social work background, Anne shared two major motivating factors. First, she has seen how travel benefits local communities. Tourism makes financial resources available and encourages residents to protect wildlife and ecosystems, creating viable alternatives to deforestation and killing animals to eat and, often, ship to other countries. Second, Anne has seen how the experiences Ujuzi fosters “make an imprint on people’s lives. People go on safari, have an amazing experience, and revisit their time in Africa at the holiday dinner table in the coming years. It’s a gift to have that kind of impact on the life of my travelers!”