Kay Trotman, affectionately known as Safari Kay, has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry with over 15 in travel to Africa. Her specialty? You guessed it. Safaris to East Africa, specifically Tanzania. Kay’s passion for Africa is evident as she has led over 75 groups and traveled from the US to Africa more than 100 times. She continues to lead several groups a year to this incredible wildlife and cultural experience.

Safari Kay is the only African American female safari company owner in Tanzania and the only one leading her own tours.

READ HER STORY in her new Book, FROM TRAGEDY TO TANZANIA, AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. Just search the title. BRING IT TO THE BOOK SIGNING ON JULY 27TH AND SHE WILL SIGN IT FOR YOU. (TO BE ANNOUNCED).

From tragedy to tanzania

The road to becoming a safari expert and founder of Destined To Travel has not been an easy one. The former Human Resources Director experienced a sequence of depressing events, including the death of her mother, two brothers and a best friend. Then there was the near fatal traffic accident that left her unable to return to work.

Forced to retire, her life was drastically altered. She needed to get away and far. She had been a part-time travel agent with American Express, so she was well equipped to plan her international travel to none other than Tanzania. It was a trip that changed her life forever!

She knew then that she wanted others to experience what she did—the beauty, the wildlife, the wonder, the culture and peace of safari in Tanzania.  And Destined to Travel was born. She’s a firm believer that one trip can change everything. As such, she customizes safari vacations and adventures for her guests and guarantees that the experience will be like none they’ve every had.

Kay’s commitment to excellence has earned her many repeat guests, numerous referrals and the honor of being voted Best Small Business of the Year by the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce.

Safari Kay’s Sue Talk

Leading African Safaris is not your everyday occupation and many are curious as to how Kay got started in the business. In her SUE Talk, Kay shares her story and gives a better idea how and why she started her business and the tragedies that led up to it. Kay talks about fighting for her right to live in a safe community and how her success propelled her to support the education of 28 children in “The Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home”.

It’s a sad story, but today, I am very glad I had the foresight to build my life around such a wonderful adventure. I’ve educated and opened the eyes of so many who may not have ever gone or even known what a great adventure this would be. I’m grateful for each and every guest who joins our African Safari family.

- Kay Trotman

For more information on SUE Talks and Connected Women of Influence (CWI), visit www.SUETalks.com and connect with our Successful, Unstoppable, Empowering community of professional women. (www.connectedwomenofinfluence.com)

Paul Panga, Professional Wildlife Expert

Paul has been the primary driver for Destined to Travel for over 10 years. Born and raised in Tanzania, he knows the country, its terrain, wildlife, and splendor intimately. His expertise, friendly demeanor and charm and have made his popular, often requested driver.

Paul knew he wanted to be a guide ever since he was a young boy, herding goats for his family. Back then was intrigued with the cars passing through the streets with people he’d never seen before, and he began to ask questions about it.

Every young child whose family is dependent on one of the young children to herd goats doesn’t always have the opportunity to go to school. Paul had other brothers, so Paul was fortunate. He went to Guiding and Tourism school and Wildlife Management School to learn all he could. 

He had a thirst for knowledge and that hasn’t stopped. Now, though, he shares it with Destined to Travel guests he takes on safari.  He is an excellent guide, well known throughout the industry and well respected.  Today, he even helps hire other drivers as the need arises. Paul’s knowledge of the industry and the standards Destined to Travel expects keeps our company at the top of its game. 

Everyone Paul takes on safari becomes a friend he cherishes.  You will too, once you go. He has been part of the life’s blood for Destined To Travel.

John Jorojick

John has been driving for several years. He has been with Destined To Travel about a year. John is fluent in Italian, Swahili and English. He is extremely personable and will always go out of his way to make sure his guests are well taken care of.  

John is very knowledgeable about the bush, the animals and the locations.  He loves to learn and picks up English from his guests.  In his spare time, you might find him reading the English language dictionary. Although he speaks English well, he has a very heavy accent, since Italian is his mother tongue, but Swahili is his common language. He is fun and has a lot of fun with safari guests.

Ukadi

Ukadi, AKA “Eagle Eyes,” can spot a chameleon in a tree miles away, and you won't see it until he pulls right in front of it. Of course, everyone wonders how he did that. He always makes sure we don't drive by something that he has seen, without stopping and providing guests with information about that sighting. When in the car, he keeps the guests entertained. He sings and teaches his guests Swahili.