Interview with Leslie Nevison

[WRITER: Andrew Muswala ] [ PHOTOS: Mama Tembo Tours, Kaingu Lodge]

Leslie Nevison, Director of Mama Tembo Tours Zambia LTD chats to us about her career trajectory and experiences.

Give us your perspective on your upbringing?

I am Canadian-born and Ireland-raised. When we were in our late twenties, my husband and I spent 16 months backpacking around the world, an experience which forever changed our lives’ trajectories. We decided to work internationally. We have now lived in 13 countries in 31 years, of which seven countries have been in Africa. Global citizens who are “movious” (as the Zambians say) have a hard time calling anywhere home. Fortunately, we found Zambia.

Where did your love for the tourism industry come from?

It was a logical progression over time from traveller to tour operator, a process which also included guidebook and travel writing for magazines and newspapers. The knowledge of passionate, experienced travellers who work in tourism industries is invaluable.

When did you come to Africa?

My first safari was in East Africa in 1992. We were living in the Sultanate of Oman. We wrote letters to operators based in Nairobi to arrange the safari. It took months to receive their replies. We still have those aerogrammes! It is a familiar story. We were immediately hooked on African wildlife and culture and we knew we would return. That opportunity came in 2000 when we moved to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

How often did you visit Zambia after your first trip?

My husband’s work brought us to Lusaka in 2008. In late 2010, we moved to Central and Western Africa for an extended period, but we never really left Zambia in spirit. I already knew that I had found a home for MTT.

Tell us about Mama Tembo Tours?

The story starts in Tanzania. Mama Tembo (which means Mother Elephant in Kiswahili) was the name of the ancient Toyota in which I travelled around Tanzania for three years. I purchased it from a Zimbabwean miner. How I loved that vehicle! When I decided to start the tour operation in 2005, it seemed fitting to choose the old vehicle’s handle for a femaleoperated business. The first MTT was based in Canada and focused only on Tanzania. In 2011, I formed MTT Zambia LTD in Lusaka. In 2014, I merged MTT Canada with MTT Zambia. They became MTT Safaris. Today, Lusaka-based MTT works in 13 African countries which is why it

is called the East, West, Central and Southern African safari specialist.

What type of trips were you organising in the early days?

From the beginning, MTT has always addressed each client’s needs. There is no safari which is too short, or too long, or too difficult. Undeniably, however, a safari undertaken 20 plus years ago was far more challenging. It is difficult to replicate those old safaris. “Off the beaten path” does not mean what it used to. The safari industry has kept up with the times and changing market demands - as it should - although balancing large tourism industries and conservation is not always a perfect pairing.

Do you deal with clients looking for luxury on safari?

MTT is most compatible with mid-range and luxury budgets. Luxury is a subjective concept. It is vital to understand how the client defines it. The standard industry definition of luxury is superior accommodation, exceptional services, and exclusivity of the experience. I would add authenticity and privilege as luxuries in travel. The most rewarding wildlife or cultural experiences often requires the acceptance of far simpler accommodations and far greater costs than a week in a five-star resort. Luxury is the privilege of being there.

What has been your career highlight?

In 2014, MTT’s Western lowland gorilla safari to Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in the Republic of Congo and Dzanga-Ndoki National Park in Central African Republic won National Geographic Traveler 50 Tours of a Lifetime Award.

Drawing from your experience, what would be your advice to someone who wants to do a road trip in Zambia and Zimbabwe?

I was fortunate to live in Harare for two years. Zambia’s and Zimbabwe’s different cultures and landscapes complement rather than compete with one another. My advice is to allow enough time; have cross border permits and visas in order; carry two spare tires and at least three jerry cans for emergency fuel; and expect to talk with some traffic police in both Zambia and Zimbabwe! Zambia’s geography lends itself to separate explorations of its North, South, East, and West. It’s easier to drive around Zimbabwe on a circular route, beginning at Victoria Falls and finishing at Chirundu. When I needed to get away from Harare, my go-to place was Zimbabwe’s Savé Valley Conservancy, which supports one of Africa’s most important African wild dog populations. My go-to place from Lusaka is the easily accessible Lower Zambezi National Park.

Any fond memories you would love to share with us?

My husband of 38 years is my best friend and travelling companion. I am relying on him to remember our funniest stories from a lifetime of travel.