Tourism in Africa
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 06/19/20
Justa Lujwangana was born and raised in Tanzania by her grandmother as her mother was away seeking a better life for her and her 4 siblings. She was fortunate to attend her first school years in Uganda as her grandmother valued education and wanted her to have access to a better education even if it meant going away to a different country for it.
When her mother came to America, she promised to bring the rest of them. In 1997, Justa arrived in New York City, but immediately had the urge to go back home where life was more comfortable for her. She had the impression that everything would be bigger in America, but was surprised at what she saw when she arrived. Once in New York, she and 5 other people lived in an apartment where the dining and living room were turned into 2 bedrooms. She recalls seeing beds everywhere.
Back in Africa, school was different for Justa. She had to cut her hair once she entered boarding school because in Tanzania, educators viewed long hair as a distraction. Every girl had to cut her hair and keep it short in order to focus on perfecting her grades. Although it was an all-girls school, maintaining short hair pushed girls to focus less on looks and more on competing for the highest grade.
When Justa started attending middle school in New York, she was often mocked. Many asked her if she was male or female due to her short hair. After two weeks in school, she was fed up with being ridiculed and told her mother that she would not go back to school without a changed look. She managed to get box braids and tried to assimilate as much as possible.
Justa skipped 8th grade and went straight to high school. In her last year of high school, she began taking nursing classes and had the opportunity to work with 10 patients. When one of the patients died, she was traumatized and knew that she would not be able to work in that field. Since she had an interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, she went on to obtain a Masters in International Nutrition with the hopes of one day returning back home to educate Tanzanians about nutrition.
While she worked as a clinical dietitian, she often went back to Tanzania. Traveling back gave her the opportunity to discover other hidden parts of her country. As her uncle showed her around, she grew more fond of her native land. Unfortunately, she could only stay in Tanzania for 2 weeks since she had a 9 to 5 back in America.
Justa knew that she had to find a way to spend more time in Tanzania. After working as a clinical dietitian for 10 years, she transitioned into tourism. She knew little about tourism, but relied on research. In 2015, with her own savings, Justa founded “Curious On Tanzania.” They provide an unforgettable experience to foreigners looking to explore Tanzania and its culture. While everyone at the time focused on tourism in America and Europe, Justa’s aim was to veer travelers to Africa. Because Africa is big and comprises 54 countries, she decided to specialize in one country. Her mission became to emphasize the value of Tanzanian culture.
Curious On Tanzania provides a customized experience to tourists. “Our goal is to fulfill your curiosity and experience,” Justa expressed. Justa has grown her team to over 30 people— who are Tanzanians and have an appreciation for their land. She describes her team as people who are very passionate, and attentive to their clients’ needs. When tourists arrive at the airport, they provide transportation, then host them, and create a customized itinerary for them. They are open to show tourists the most beautiful parts of Tanzania, as well as places that some natives would rather keep hidden. But Justa says that it is about being authentic. She is not ashamed of any part of her country.
Although the tourism sector is full of adventure, one also has to be careful of some companies that prey on tourists. On one occasion, a couple booked a trip to Tanzania for their honeymoon. They ended up getting scammed by another company and were left penniless and without shelter in a foreign country. Fortunately, the couple crossed paths with Justa. Justa hosted them (free of cost) and made sure that they enjoyed the rest of their time in Tanzania. “We are human first. We have to support each other first,” Justa said. She explained that visiting a foreign land can be overwhelming, so her team makes the experience smooth and enjoyable for their clients.
Yearly, Curious On Tanzania provides hospitality to over 500 tourists, and counting. In the past, they’ve hosted TED GlOBAL, Nomadness Travel Tribe Member, George Town University MBA students, CEO’s, singles, couples, and families. Justa is involved in every aspect of her business. She shared that in order to build a successful tourism business, one must be open-minded, creative, manage money well, able to create connections, observe and see people for who they are.
Gladys Shahtou and Justa met through travel events in the African community and became good friends. She says, “Justa is a very inspirational, hardworking, kind and humble woman. She is very passionate about Tanzania and uplifting her people and country. I am very honored to be her friend. If you have the chance to travel with her, she is very hospitable and will care for you with the utmost attention.“
“Dear Justa is very determined in whatever she sets her mind on and will execute her plans thoroughly. What many people don't know is she has a very playful and fun side to her. She will make you laugh plenty, loves to dance and can actually cook. Africa should be proud to have her as a daughter,” Gladys added.
Now, instead of 2 weeks, Justa spends six months in Tanzania, and then spends the other 6 months in the United States. She created a business centered around her passion, while adding value to her native land. She has contributed to the economic development of Tanzania as well as the cultural aspect. Justa reminds us that if we want others to value our culture, we must first value our heritage.
Welcome to Justa’s World
Justa was born in Dar es Salaam (the capital of Tanzania). At 4 years old, she moved to live with her grandmother in Bukoba—her favorite place in Tanzania because that is the village she grew up in. She says that people there know the real her.
“Success is in the hands of the beholder.”
“My mother inspires me. She always finds her way through everything or if there is none, she will make her way.”
“A strong woman is well-rounded, open, creative, takes her own journey, and is aware of who she is. ”
Connect with Justa:
Facebook: Curious on Tanzania
Instagram: @curiousontanzania
Want to visit Tanzania? Click here: http://www.curiousontanzania.com/
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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