Why a woman organizes women’s empowerment retreats across Africa

Last April, my guests and I prepared to leave the wild embrace of Xigera, a living art gallery in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. This is where we stay roar of africa fifth Women Empowerment Retreat. As we prepared to readjust to the clamor of city life back home, a guest uttered a phrase that stopped me in my tracks: “Empowerment begins with presence.” Those four words get to the heart of why these journeys (of women from around the world with extraordinary women who are transforming Africa) have become my life’s work.

The heart of my why

As a girl who grew up in a staunchly patriarchal environment in rural Zimbabwe, I know that the biggest impact I can make is to play my part in empowering women on my home continent. At the heart of Roar Africa is our credo: when African women thrive, wildlife will thrive. These retreats bring that philosophy to life with measurable impact.

We had our first retreat in South Africa in 2019, and the progress I have witnessed on subsequent trips to Kenya, Rwanda, my homeland Zimbabwe, and now Botswana, has been nothing short of amazing. From photography enthusiasts as guides at Xigera Safari Lodge, to pilots like Dare to Dream founder Kgomotso Phatsima, to the conservationists and entrepreneurs driving growth across the continent, African women are on the rise. With their rise, critical metrics in maternal health, education, and conservation are also improving within their own communities.

What is the retirement like?

Every moment of these retreats is meticulously designed by me to showcase the best of the African destination we choose. Safaris, bush walks and moments of meditation connect us with nature, while inspiring speakers, such as CEOs and founders of non-profit organizations, share their stories. This creates an environment where collaborative relationships are fostered: films and books, TED talks, scholarships, and more have emerged from the partnerships formed at our retreats.

The landscapes of my home continent, such as the majestic coasts of South Africa, the successful history of wild rewilding and the new rhino sanctuary at Segera in Kenya, the fog-shrouded volcanoes of Rwanda and the Grumeti Game Reserve in Tanzania, where we will visit organize our retreat in 2027—provide more than just stunning scenery. These places offer an opportunity to slow down and dismantle the stress that holds us down. Our guests often return several times, drawn by the opportunity to connect and witness pristine nature while guided by experts.

Transformation together

To borrow the wise words of that dear guest, Roar Africa’s success lies in recognizing that empowerment truly begins with presence. In a world that often feels divided, I believe that when women choose other women, not only across borders and cultures, but in everyday life as their doctor, their lawyer, their travel advisor, extraordinary progress becomes possible. An old Kenyan proverb says it best: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Deborah Calmeyer is a member of Travel + Leisure A-List and specializes in travel to Kenya, South Africa and Rwanda. You can create a custom itinerary with Calmeyer at [email protected].