Laura Kagame, the founder of Travel Neza, has a profound love for travel that stems from her childhood experiences. She recalls waking up to bird songs in the wilderness lodge at Queen Elizabeth National Park, surrounded by animals roaming freely. This experience sparked her passion for creating transformative experiences that bring people, culture, and Uganda together. For Kagame, travel is not just about logistics and bookings; it’s about crafting unforgettable experiences that transcend borders. She believes that Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” has so much to offer, yet many Ugandans have never had the chance to explore its beauty.
The Spark of Passion
Kagame’s journey began when she was just 13 years old, when her family embarked on a trip to Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. This experience left an indelible mark on her, and she became determined to join the tour and travel industry. She remembers being amazed by the attention to detail that went into creating an unforgettable experience for her family. “That moment with my family stands out as the happiest I have ever been with them. From that time on, even as I transitioned into secondary school, I knew deep down that I wanted to be part of creating those kinds of experiences for others,” she said.
Education and Early Career
Kagame’s educational background played a significant role in shaping her career. She attended Victoria Nile primary school in Jinja, Mt St Mary’s Namagunga, and King’s College Budo, before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in tourism management at Midrand Graduate Institute in South Africa. Her parents chose this institution specifically for its strong emphasis on tourism, project-based learning, and internships. She later earned an MBA in hospitality management from Stamford International University in Thailand.
Starting Travel Neza
After completing her undergraduate studies, Kagame worked at Flights Special, a company that specialized in creating holiday packages for tourists. This experience taught her the importance of curating the whole travel experience, from start to finish. She recalls working with RwandaAir as their sales manager at the age of 26, where she was exposed to free travel opportunities. However, she remained grounded due to the demanding nature of the job. This experience solidified her promise to herself: if she ever returned to Uganda, she would start her own holiday company. Within six months of returning to Uganda, Kagame resigned from her job and launched Travel Neza in 2017.
Revamping Travel Neza during the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge for the travel industry. Kagame’s company had to adapt to the new reality, embracing e-commerce and innovating beyond traditional scope. “The shift was massive; suddenly, a much larger number of people were shopping and making payments online,” she said. “This change prompted us to revamp the Travel Neza website, focusing on enhancing user experience and integrating online payment systems.”
The pandemic also forced Kagame to rethink the company’s focus on outbound travel. Instead, she decided to shift her attention to domestic tourism, encouraging Ugandans to explore the beauty within their own country.
Challenging the Perception of Expensive Travel
Kagame introduced the Neza Club and Neza digital wallet to make travel more accessible and affordable for the average Ugandan. The Neza Club offers yearly calendar destinations, enabling clients to plan and pay in advance. These initiatives have helped create a strong community of consistent travelers, many of whom started with local trips and have now progressed to exploring international destinations.
Experiencing Uganda’s Hidden Gems
Kagame’s most memorable trip planned yet was a trip to Cape Town, which was one of the earliest trips she planned for clients subscribed to the Neza Club. She believes the sector is finally embracing a more focused and innovative approach by identifying and promoting what is uniquely Ugandan. “There’s a shift from generic safari packages toward cultural and experiential tourism, including group trips, lake activities, ziplining, canopy walks, and boat rides,” she said. As a pioneer in Uganda’s tourism industry, Kagame is committed to sharing the country’s hidden gems with the world.
