ROAR AFRICA Founder Deborah Calmeyer on Luxury Safaris, Women's Empowerment, and Wildlife Conservation

Deborah Calmeyer, the founder of ROAR AFRICA, reflects on how her childhood in wartime Zimbabwe, the influence of a rescued lioness named Carmel, and her 25 years in New York contributed to the establishment of her luxury travel enterprise. Launched in 2005, ROAR AFRICA curates tailor-made experiences that engage travelers with Africa's diverse landscapes, communities, conservation initiatives, and vibrant culture. With a workforce that is 95% female, the company advocates for women's roles in tourism and conservation, promoting the idea that "If African women rise, wildlife will thrive." Since 2019, it has organized annual Women's Empowerment Retreats in various nations, bringing together female leaders and philanthropists. These gatherings have resulted in funded initiatives, such as a museum in Arusha, Tanzania, a training kitchen in Botswana, and a tourism training program in South Africa. Calmeyer describes luxury as encompassing silence, stillness, and space, highlighting that true immersion in nature helps to dissolve ego and restore perspective. Unlike conventional safari operators, her company prioritizes emotional connections, cultural exchanges, and conservation efforts alongside hospitality.