Episode #169: Lucinda Rome

Guest Bio

Lucinda Rome is the Founder and Managing Director of Ganders Travel, a bespoke travel company specializing in journeys throughout East and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Her deep connection to Africa began nearly twenty years ago when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity and followed it with a safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara. What started as a single adventure quickly became a defining turning point in her life and career.

Soon after that first trip, Lucinda moved to Zambia to work in remote bush camps. What was meant to be a five-month experience turned into four formative years working with two of the country’s leading safari operators. After an unexpected injury brought her back home, she redirected her expertise into designing tailor-made African journeys. Drawing on extensive firsthand knowledge and continued travel throughout the continent, she now creates highly personalized itineraries that reflect both the diversity of Africa and the individual goals of each traveler.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Lucinda about her journey from early guiding roles to becoming a specialist in African travel and the founder of Ganders Travel. She shares how climbing Kilimanjaro and experiencing safari life firsthand shaped her understanding of what makes travel transformative rather than transactional.

Lucinda offers an honest look at the realities of climbing Kilimanjaro, explaining why success on the mountain depends as much on mindset as it does on fitness. She discusses the critical role of acclimatization, the importance of experienced guides, and the team dynamic that develops during high-altitude treks. Drawing from her years managing safari camps in Zambia, she also reflects on the immersive sensory elements of African travel—from the sounds of wildlife after dark to the distinctive scents of the bush.

The conversation also explores the art of bespoke itinerary design. Lucinda explains why understanding a client’s motivations, expectations, and travel style is essential to creating meaningful experiences. Whether focused on wildlife photography, culinary discovery, or cultural connection, she emphasizes that thoughtful planning is what turns a trip into a lasting memory.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Successful bespoke travel begins with understanding a traveler’s personal goals and preferences.
• ✓ Climbing Kilimanjaro is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.
• ✓ Proper acclimatization significantly increases safety and summit success.
• ✓ Experienced local guides are essential for both safety and overall experience.
• ✓ Safari travel engages all five senses in ways few destinations can.
• ✓ Respecting and valuing local staff enhances the authenticity of the journey.
• ✓ Africa offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography and immersive nature experiences.
• ✓ Culinary experiences across Africa can be diverse, memorable, and surprisingly refined.
• ✓ Transitioning from camp management to entrepreneurship requires resilience and adaptability.
• ✓ Traveling with intention leads to more meaningful and rewarding adventures.

What You’ll Find on Ganders Travel

• ✓ Bespoke itineraries across East and Southern Africa
• ✓ Indian Ocean island escapes and beach extensions
• ✓ Expertly curated safari experiences
• ✓ Kilimanjaro and adventure travel planning
• ✓ Personalized service rooted in firsthand regional knowledge
• ✓ Thoughtfully designed journeys focused on meaningful travel