About Us
Hi, I’m Erika – and welcome to While in Africa.
I’m from the Philippines, now raising three kids while navigating life between Denmark and the Philippines. This all started back in 2015 when I left my office job to travel—with just enough savings for a couple of months and a lot of curiosity. While most would choose Europe or Asia, I landed in Tanzania—and ended up staying in Africa far longer than planned.
To stretch my budget, I offered digital marketing help to local safari operators in exchange for food and accommodation. One said yes. That experience opened the door to my career in African tourism. By 2017, While in Africa was born—not as a tour company, but as a place to share insights, stories, and tips based on real travel and real people.
Then came life.
In 2020, while in Mauritania, I got pregnant with my first baby. Then came my second. And then my third.
Each time, this blog took a backseat. It almost didn’t make it through. But something (or someone) always reminded me not to let go of it completely.
So now, in 2025—three kids later—we’re back.
What is While in Africa?
Soon, we’re launching a Tour Operator Directory—a platform designed to give African tour companies a space to showcase their tours, especially those without the budget or know-how to build their own websites.
All inquiries go directly to the operators. We don’t take commission or control the bookings. But we do help verify the legitimacy of each business—so travelers can feel more secure, and local operators get the visibility they deserve.
With a background in digital marketing through my business Mato Marketing and certification as a Travelife Sustainability Manager, I aim to promote operators who value transparency, fair practices, and long-term impact.
You’ll still find:
Destination and visa tips
Border-crossing stories
Firsthand reviews of operators we’ve worked with
Volunteer and couchsurfing advice
Real traveler experiences across Africa
So Welcome.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Africa or just curious what it’s really like, I hope you find something here that’s helpful, honest, or even inspiring.
Thanks for being here.