Meet Our Founder

Liz Siyawareva Chakoreka

My name is Liz Siyawareva Chakoreka, and I’m the proud founder of Mama Afrique Travel. My journey into tourism began long before I entered the industry professionally — it was rooted in the heart of the Zimbabwean wilderness, where I was raised.

I was born in Nganga, Zimbabwe, during a time when my father was serving in the army. A close friend introduced him to the world of safaris, and in 1987, he made a bold decision to change careers and become a learner professional guide. He went on to become one of Zimbabwe’s first Black safari guides, earning a reputation for excellence and working with some of the country’s most respected safari operators.

As a result of his career, I spent much of my childhood living deep in the African bush — in and around renowned safari camps like Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, Fothergill Island, Pamuzinda Safari Lodge, and Katete Safari Lodge. In those days, there was a beautiful sense of community; guests and staff would dine together and share stories by the fire. It was during those moments that my deep love for tourism and African wilderness was born.

Although my parents hoped I would follow a traditional path and become a teacher, my heart was already set on the wild. I chose to study hospitality, officially beginning my professional journey in tourism. Over the years, I gained invaluable experience working with leading organizations such as Southern African Tourism Services and Wilderness Safaris Zimbabwe.

Through my work, I came to a powerful realization — many travelers don’t fully grasp what a true African safari is. It’s not just about luxury lodges or spotting the Big Five; it’s about immersing yourself in nature’s untouched beauty, its rhythm, and soul. That insight inspired me to create a travel company that would offer authentic safari experiences — the way I knew them growing up.

In 2006, I relocated to the United Arab Emirates, where I broadened my horizons and eventually established Mama Afrique Travel’s Dubai branch. Today, our company acts as a gateway to Africa, offering immersive safari adventures — often in tented camps or thatched lodges set deep in the bush — that capture the real essence of the continent.

My mission is clear: to share the soul of Africa with the world — raw, warm, and unforgettable, just as I experienced it.