Njeri, ofThe Travelling Wakili, offers bespoke travel services while providing safe and inclusive travel experiences for women and queer folk on the African continent.
In 2018, Njeri Gachuhi, a Kenyan lawyer and avid traveler, posted about her backpacking trip to Zimbabwe on Instagram. She had always been the go-to trip planner for her friends and family, but the overwhelming response to her posts made her realize she could turn her passion into something bigger.
Two years later, she foundedThe Travelling Wakili, a boutique travel agency that organizes trips across Kenya and Africa for women and queer individuals (Wakili means "lawyer" in Kiswahili, a nod to her legal background). Since then, she has hosted over 50 trips — 26 scheduled group trips and many private ones — curating safe, inclusive travel experiences to well-trodden and lesser-known destinations in and beyond Kenya.
"I consider myself activist-adjacent because I'm deeply passionate about women, queer folk, and Africa," she tells OkayAfrica. "Even within intra-African travel, so much politics and legal complexity is involved. Just crossing a border as a group of 10 Black women or 10 queer people and existing in that space is an act of visibility."At first, Gachuhi didn't realize how impactful sharing her travels could be, but as questions poured in — "Do you feel safe?" "How do you travel so openly as a queer person?" — she saw that the courage she had developed was something others needed too, inviting her clients to embrace the company's motto: "Travel with strangers, go home with friends."
Today, she is in the final stages of preparing aGalentine's Group Trip to Kenya's Samburu. Through Travelling Wakili, Gachuhi is building more than a travel company — she's creating a movement that empowers women and queer travelers to explore Africa on their own terms.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Floating freely — Njeri enjoys a crystal-clear kayak ride in Kenya's stunning coastal waters, one of the many destinations she curates for travelers.
Photo courtesy of The Travelling Wakili.
Njeri Gachuhi:I've always loved traveling and have always been the one planning trips for friends and family. However, in 2018, after sharing a backpacking trip to Zimbabwe on Instagram, I started seeing it as something bigger. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
I was working as a lawyer at the time but wasn't happy. As I kept traveling and sharing my experiences, people kept saying, "I'd love to join one of your trips." I wasn't sure if it was just social media talk. So, in late 2019, I decided to test the waters. I planned a trip to Homa Bay [in Western Kenya], put it online, and to my surprise, 15 people — friends, acquaintances and even strangers — signed up.
Crossing into the new year, I knew I had to explore this further. By February 2020, I quit my job. A month later, the pandemic hit. Though it delayed my plans, I used that time to refine the business — its name, registration and, most importantly, who I wanted to serve.
I often say I'm my first client — I'm a woman, I'm queer, so I'm going to cater to women and queer travelers. Women and queer people face unique risks when traveling — whether it's safety concerns for solo women travelers or the extra dangers queer people navigate. But beyond safety, I wanted to create a space where people could find like-minded travelers. You don't have to wait for your friends to be ready to travel; you can meet others who share your identity or simply your enthusiasm for a particular destination.
Laughter, connection, and vibrant energy — Travelling Wakili travelers unwind on a coastal dhow trip, embracing joy and community.
Photo courtesy of The Travelling Wakili.
And, of course, there's the practical side — group trips are simply more affordable. The costs come down when people travel together. I vet every destination, accommodation, and activity to ensure that the spaces we visit are safe and affirming.
Travel is about challenging yourself, broadening your mind, and finding beauty in new places. Solo travel, in particular, is a great way to rediscover yourself and see how you navigate the world in a different environment and out of your comfort zone. And beyond just destinations, meeting people — experiencing other cultures, foods and music — makes every trip meaningful.
Kenya remains my biggest market, both in terms of travelers and destinations. But every year, I also organize one or two trips within the African continent. I don't offer trips outside of the continent. Africa has so much to offer. It is as much a travel destination as Thailand or Dubai.
In Kenya, Turkana is a top destination for me. I've never seen such dramatic landscapes in one area — you get the desert and the lake; it's untouched and unspoiled. Lamu is another favorite, but I don't categorize it with other Kenyan beaches because it offers something completely different.
Over time, I've seen real change happen in the industry. For example, when I first started bringing queer travelers to certain places, I had to personally ensure that the staff and service providers were respectful and welcoming. Now, I see those same service providers taking it upon themselves to educate their teams and create more inclusive spaces. They've realized that queer travelers are a valuable market — one that deserves the same respect as any other group.
Community is also at the heart of what I do. My motto is: "Travel with strangers, go home with friends." And that's exactly what happens. Many of my travelers come solo; by the end of the journey, they've found connections that last long after the trip ends.
"Travel with strangers, go home with friends." A traveling Wakili group enjoys the beauty of Kenya's waterfalls.
Photo courtesy of The Travelling Wakili.
Building the business hasn't been easy. Registration took longer than expected and securing funding has been a challenge — especially in Kenya, where queer-focused businesses often struggle to access support without hiding their identity. I have been able to find support outside the country. Still, the business is growing. I plan to expand my team to reach a wider audience. I also want to be on the other side of tourism by eventually opening a budget hostel in Kenya — a dedicated space where travelers can stay and experience curated trips firsthand.
For those hesitant about traveling, my advice is simple: start small. Before booking a trip to New York, explore your city. Get comfortable with smaller adventures before working your way up to bigger ones. And for queer travelers, you don't have to be "out" to join my trips. We prioritize safety, privacy and comfort. Whether you're an introvert, an extrovert, or just someone looking for a meaningful way to see the world, there's a place for you at The Travelling Wakili.
I love what I do. The work is challenging, but I love every moment of it. As I often tell my travelers, take the leap — you might be surprised by the community, joy and magic waiting for you.
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