About Us
About Travel Generation
Our Founder's Story
“Building Africa’s Biggest Travel Movement”
When I first started Travel Generation at just 20 years old, I had a dream of creating something that would grow with me — something born from my deep love for travel and my desire to show Africans that travel isn’t just for the wealthy or privileged.
I wanted to show that we are all part of the travel generation — no matter our age, young or old. I wanted to create a movement that made travel feel accessible, affordable, fun, and community-driven.
So, I started small — just a few friends and one minivan. We hit the road to Hartbeespoort, and the energy was electric. That first trip, though small, changed everything. I realized it wasn’t just about visiting new places; it was about creating experiences that connect people and open hearts.
Before Travel Generation became what it is today, I also spent time traveling solo across Africa, participating in various volunteering programs that allowed me to give back to local communities. I’ve volunteered at an orphanage in Zambia, and in schools across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Through those experiences, I learned that travel is more than ticking off bucket lists — it’s about community and the impact we leave behind.
Today, we proudly host group trips across South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Thailand, and beyond.
But our story isn’t just about travel — it’s about impact. Through the Travel Gen Gives Back Initiative, we’ve begun donating school supplies to children in the very communities we visit, helping to rewrite the narrative. For so long, we’ve seen mostly Western travellers giving back to African communities — but we, as Africans, can also create that impact ourselves.
Travel Generation was created by a tenacious young African traveller, for African travellers — to make a difference through adventure. Today, my mission is clear:
To build Africa’s biggest travel movement — one that celebrates culture, connection, and community.
Because when Africans travel together, we grow together. We shift perspectives, create memories, and prove that our dreams can take us anywhere.
— Shirley Phiri
Founder & CEO, Travel Generation
Our Movement Pillars
Our Purpose at Travel Generation
Explore
Affordable, curated group trips across Africa and beyond — from the golden beaches of Mozambique to the tropical islands of Thailand. We design experiences that let Africans see the world without breaking the bank, creating unforgettable adventures filled with culture, laughter, and discovery.
Connect
Travel Generation is more than a travel company — it’s a community. Every trip brings together like-minded travellers who become family. Through shared experiences, we build genuine connections that last long after the trip ends.
Give Back
Through the Travel Gen Gives Back Initiative, we’re committed to making every journey meaningful. We support schools, local businesses, and communities in the destinations we visit — proving that travel can create joy and impact at the same time.
