FROM HUMBLE ROOTS TO TRAVEL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR. An Interview with Harriet Owalla Kenya

For many, travel journalism appears glamorous on the surface. But behind the images and destinations are years of persistence, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in storytelling as a force for impact. Harriet Owalla’s journey is rooted in resilience, curiosity, and purpose. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Harriet has spent the last decade shaping conversations around travel, conservation, and responsible tourism across Africa.

Recently awarded Travel Journalist of the Year, her recognition marks not only a personal milestone but a broader acknowledgment of the role African voices play in shaping the future of global tourism.

We sat down with Harriet to reflect on her journey, her work, and her vision for the industry.

MEET HARRIET OWALLA AWARD WINNING TRAVEL JOURNALIST FROM KENYA

For readers who may not know you yet, can you tell us a little about who you are and how your journey into travel journalism began?

My name is Harriet Owalla, a travel writer based in Nairobi, Kenya, and I have been writing about travel for the past ten years. Journalism was not my childhood dream. I always wanted to be a pediatrician, but I missed the mark during my high school exams. I then chose to study political science and sociology since history was my favorite subject.

After graduating, there were no job opportunities, which is typical in many African environments. I did odd jobs before helping my aunt with her travel business. That was my first real introduction to tourism. Growing up, most African children do not experience travel from a leisure point of view. We only traveled to visit grandparents in our ancestral homes, and that was it. There was no money for leisure travel, so it was never in the picture.

At my aunt’s business, I learned that people actually booked trips for leisure, and that made me curious about the industry. At the same time, I was writing in the background as a side hustle. I later got a job as a scriptwriter at a production house, and one time our company was selected by the tourism board to showcase romantic destinations in Kenya. That trip changed my life and made me want to travel and write forever.

It was also on that trip that I met my greatest mentor, Chris Mburu, who opened doors for me to write. I credit the writing foundation to my mother, who is a teacher. When I was young, she forced me to write compositions and marked them. What started as discipline slowly became a passion, and today it is how I earn a living.

DISCOVERING THE POWER OF TRAVEL AND CONSERVATION STORYTELLING

What first drew you to storytelling within the travel and conservation space specifically?

It was a trip where I met journalists for the first time and saw them in their element. I also met my mentor on that trip, and I remember praying to God that this would be my life forever. Later, when I fully understood what being a journalist entailed, I became intentional about being one of the Africans telling these stories.

WINNING TRAVEL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR KENYA

Congratulations on winning Travel Journalist of the Year. What did that moment mean to you personally and professionally?

Though some might view it as nothing, it meant a lot to me. I saw people voting for me and encouraging me to keep doing great work. My family, both extended and nuclear, gave their time and resources to make sure I won. I also saw people within the industry rooting for me.

I was worried because I was competing with some of the most talented travel writers in the country. This win is not just mine. It is also a win for my profession and its recognition in Kenya. I hope it opens more doors and helps travel journalism be appreciated as a serious profession.

THE WORK AND IMPACT BEHIND THE AWARD

Which story or body of work do you feel played the biggest role in securing the award?

The award was based on consistency over a long period of time and not just one article. I have been doing this for the past ten years consistently and have written on a wide number of issues. The judges also looked at the impact one has had in the industry, and nominees were vetted by veterans in the field. Thirty percent of the final decision also came from the public vote.

WHY IMPACT DRIVEN TRAVEL STORIES MATTER

What was the original motivation behind that story, and why did it feel important for you to tell it?

The motivation has always been impact. I believe stories should do more than inspire people to travel. They should influence how people travel, who benefits from tourism, and what gets protected.

FINDING PURPOSE THROUGH RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL JOURNALISM

Was there a particular moment during the reporting or writing process that confirmed you were on the right path with the story?

Yes. Whenever a story sparked conversation, shifted perception, or made someone think differently about a destination or community, I knew I was on the right path.

WHY CONSERVATION AND RESPONSIBLE TOURISM MATTER IN AFRICA

Conservation is a recurring theme in your work. Why do you believe responsible storytelling is so important in shaping how people travel today?

Storytelling determines how destinations, communities, and even entire industries are perceived. It can either make or break a destination. Responsible storytelling can influence people to travel more consciously, help neglected communities be seen as people, and correct injustices that locals often face because of tourism.

BALANCING TRAVEL INSPIRATION WITH WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

How do you balance inspiring people to explore the world while also highlighting the need to protect fragile ecosystems and wildlife?

I use my voice. Locals need tourism to survive, so I highlight destinations in a way that attracts visitors. At the same time, I educate people on what responsible travel looks like and speak up when I see irresponsible behavior.

HOW TRAVEL JOURNALISM CAN SUPPORT WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

In your experience, how can travel journalism actively contribute to conservation rather than unintentionally harming it?

Travel journalism can actively contribute to conservation by choosing responsibility over spectacle. This means telling stories that center ecosystems and communities, highlighting conservation led tourism models, and explaining issues such as carrying capacity, climate stress, and human wildlife conflict. At its best, travel journalism shapes traveler behavior, influences policy conversations, and amplifies local.

TOURISM IN KENYA A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE ON CHANGE AND GROWTH

As a resident of Kenya, what changes have you observed in tourism over recent years?

One of the most beautiful changes I have witnessed is seeing more locals travel and share their experiences. I have seen establishments start to recognize locals as a worthy market and treat them accordingly. More Kenyans are owning tourism businesses, and sustainability is becoming part of how tourism operates.

OVERTOURISM IN KENYA AND ITS IMPACT ON WILDLIFE AND COMMUNITIES

Overtourism has become a growing concern in key wildlife areas. How is this affecting sustainability of wildlife and local communities in Kenya?

I always feel horrible during migration season when I see high vehicle densities disrupting wildebeest crossings. What feels spectacular to us can be destabilizing for wildlife and change their natural behavior. If this continues, there will be nothing left to protect, and local communities that rely on tourism will suffer. It also degrades habitats and puts pressure on limited resources like water and grazing land.

IS THE TOURISM INDUSTRY DOING ENOUGH TO PROTECT NATURAL HABITATS

Do you think the tourism industry is doing enough to manage visitor numbers and protect natural habitats?

The government is making efforts through licensing, penalties, and increasing park fees during peak seasons to regulate visitor numbers. My main concern is the continued development of lodges along wildlife migratory paths.

THE ROLE OF TRAVELERS IN PREVENTING OVERTOURISM

What role do you believe travelers themselves play in either contributing to or preventing overtourism?

Travelers play a powerful role through the choices they make, including when they travel, where they go, and who they travel with. Traveling off peak, respecting park rules, and supporting responsible operators can help prevent overtourism.

THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL TOURISM AND TRAVEL IN AFRICA

Looking ahead, how do you see the global tourism industry evolving over the next decade?

I see the industry becoming more intentional, regulated, and impact driven. Immigration and border policies will influence travel flows and may reinforce inequalities, especially for travelers from the Global South. At the same time, I see growth in e visa systems and regional mobility, and I believe Africa will eventually become a more borderless and affordable continent to travel within.

HOW AFRICAN DESTINATIONS SHOULD MARKET THEMSELVES DIFFERENTLY

What shifts do you hope to see in how destinations market themselves particularly in Africa?

I would like to see African tourism boards prioritize African travelers. There are harmful perceptions that Africans do not travel or lack spending power, and those narratives need to change.

EMERGING TRENDS IN SUSTAINABLE AND REGENERATIVE TOURISM

Are there any emerging trends in sustainable or regenerative tourism that genuinely excite you?

I am excited by locally rooted luxury experiences that combine cultural integrity with conservation funding. I am also encouraged by community led tourism models where locals are owners, decision makers, and storytellers.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING TRAVEL JOURNALISTS IN AFRICA

What advice would you give to aspiring travel journalists who want to tell meaningful stories rather than just beautiful ones?

Be curious, not just captivated. Ask deeper questions about history, people, power, and impact. Listen to local voices, research thoroughly, resist trends, and stay authentic. And never give up when an editor says no.

THE ONE MESSAGE HARRIET OWALLA WANTS TRAVELERS TO REMEMBER

Finally, if there is one message you hope readers take away from your work, what would it be?

Travel is not just about movement but about responsibility. Every place has a story beyond our visit. If my work encourages people, especially Africans, to travel with respect, awareness, and empathy, then it has done its job.

A LETTER FROM THE ADVENTURE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE TEAM

Dear Harriet

It has been such a privilege meeting you and sharing space through this interview. From the moment we connected, the depth of your journey, your voice, and your purpose felt incredibly profound. This award is more than deserved, and we are deeply grateful that you allowed us the opportunity to tell your story.

We not only look forward to seeing you in Kenya later this year in your home country, but we are also beyond excited to welcome you to South Africa. Knowing that you will be here for your deeply meaningful stargazing journey makes it even more special, and we are holding you to your promise that we will load up the Adventure Lifestyle Magazine adventure van and head off to explore Hogsback together. Wandering through the forests, chasing magic, and exploring alongside our team feels like the perfect continuation of this connection.

Thank you for such an honest, powerful, and inspiring interview. Meeting you was truly impactful, and your work continues to shape how we travel, how we tell stories, and how we show up responsibly in the world.

We wish you nothing but prosperity, clarity, and abundance on the roads ahead, and we look forward to many collaborations in the very near future.

With appreciation and excitement for what lies ahead.

The Adventure Lifestyle Magazine Team