 Good morning and welcome back to Tuesday Entrepreneurship. My name is Joy Muchacho. You are watching Why in the Morning on the Y254 channel. Remember you can watch us on channel 3076 on DSTV. And if you want to join us and to talk to us and also to ask us some questions and even share your opinions, you can do so on our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. That is Y254 underscore channel. And then on Instagram, you can find us on Y254, actually that is Instagram Y254 underscore channel. And Facebook and Twitter are just Y254 channel. And please, we'd love for you guys to subscribe to us on our YouTube channel that is Y254 channel. I myself can be found on Joy underscore Muchacho on Twitter alone. And today we have a wonderful entrepreneur on set with us today. Her name is Sarah Nganga. She is the CEO and the founder of Prime Holiday Adventures. Please, let's welcome her. Thank you Joy for having me. Yes. Yes, I'm the founder of Prime Holiday Adventures, limited and I'm the head of reservations and I'm also actively involved. Wow, head of reservations and also actively involved. Yes. So you're Mambo Yorta inside that whole scene. Sure, sure. So that operation cannot happen without you, it seems. Yeah, I have to be there. I have to check on everything that is running smoothly. Yes. Okay. So maybe we can get into a little bit, talk about what Prime Holiday Adventures is all about. What is Prime Holiday Adventures? What is it about exactly? Yes, Prime Holiday Adventures is basically a travel company. We do our main destinations are Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar and Rwanda. We do safaris and we also do excursions, climbing excursions, Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro. Wow. Basically, if you want to travel, you can always count on us. We can always count on you. Yes. That is interesting. Sure. There's something that I found quite interesting when I was learning about you when we're talking. You volunteered elsewhere first and then once you're volunteering there, you actually coordinated a trip for other people to come and it worked out perfectly, so impressively. And that's where you now got the interest to start. Can we talk about how that started off? You're doing the volunteering and then finally choosing to open this company. Sure. When I was at the college, when I was pursuing my bachelor's, so I did volunteer at one of the companies, travel companies, that is Steps Adventures. And when I was there, I was really active. I managed to plan a trip that was, it was so new to me, but I coordinated everything so well and the turn up was quite interesting. So I did it and it was successful. That pushed me too and the idea of Prime Holiday Adventures came about and I thought I can really do well when I have my own company. So after that hike, was it a hike? Yes, it was a hike at Old Doño sub-book. Old Doño sub-book. Yes. So you planned a hike and it turned out quite well. Then your interest to start off your company in tourism came. Sure. Okay. I thought a little bit about what you studied in college because as we were talking once again, you told me that you actually studied something completely different and then did a diploma in tourism after that. So what you started off with was what? I enrolled for bachelor's degree at the University of Nairobi, Amt Conflict and Peace Studies. So when I was a third year, that's when I got the volunteer when I was during my long holidays. Right. Amt Conflict, I still have passion about it. Actually, I'm a member of the Lendo Initiative, I'm a peace scholar and I feel I can also push it forward when it comes to peace and peace related issues. So the idea of having a travel company despite doing a different course from the University came about when I was an attache. So this pushed me forward because I needed something I can also do for myself and I can also build my own brand and push it forward as myself. So when I cleared before I even graduated from the University of Nairobi, I pursued a course in diploma in tourism travel. So I used to do part full time at the University of Nairobi and also part time at the college in town. So I used to do both of them. It was quite challenging. That sounds really challenging, that sounds quite heavy. So you're balancing two different colleges. You can imagine. Wow. You sound like quite an ambitious woman. I was. You were, you still are, yes. This is why you're the founder of such a big wonderful tourism company. Yes. So I used to do both of them and I did the, I sat for the exam for the tourism travel and at the end of 2016, that's when I graduated from the University of Nairobi. Second class upper division, Bachelors of Arts in Crypto and Peace Studies. Wow. Nice. Good job. Wow. Okay. This is so interesting because sociology I can understand. You can, through sociology you can learn about the society and the community around you. Yes. And peace, conflict studies, that sounds so interesting. Why, why did you pick that to begin with? Where, which direction were you going when you picked that in university? Yes, you know Joy, peace is not just the absence of, the absence of conflict. Yes. But basically peace is something that everyone, for you to be here, you have some peace of mind and your environment. So all that I considered, I wanted to pursue in that direction whereby I can actively involved, be involved in peace building and reconstruction, resolutions towards the, I remember taking you back when, sorry, when I was, when I got into form one. Yes. So that it was beginning of 2007, 2008 post-election. So I passed so well but unfortunately I didn't go to that school where I was invited to. So it makes me, it made me feel bad about it. So when I was still at high school and I needed to do something that really would bring peace to the society. Yes. Yes. Wow. That's what pushed me to that direction. Right. So that's why you chose, why you chose that. Yes. That's why the two different interests came up. I'm sure. All right. So let's focus now a little bit more about prime, to prime holiday adventures. Yes. So why did you, first of all, even the name? Why prime? I know prime is, you know, something to describe top, the creme de la creme. It's something that describes, you know, the best of something. I'm sure. Is that the reason why you chose the name prime or is there a different reason? Definitely. I wanted to do something outstanding, something different and more interesting, this name came about when I was still in campus, when I was in the library and I would just write the mission, the vision of my company. So this is something that came about unfolds every time as we went by. Yes. I see. Okay. And when it comes to this particular business venture, I would say that it's mixed. I think that it's both men who do it and also females who do it. Am I wrong or right? You're right. Yes. And so how is it like when it comes to challenges and competition? When you walked in and you decided that you're interested in starting a tourism company, what were the first challenges you faced in the very beginning? Yes. I have been graduated at 2016 and I opened the company early 2017. Also it was quite challenging getting into the system with the vast knowledge in tourism, but a little bit of exposure. So I took the challenge really positively and decided to venture in it because I had passion for it. Remember, I always dream about it. Yes. I always, it was always my dream to have something that I can build up myself. So this pushed me and this company came about when I was just, during my first job as a hotel manager. Okay. It wasn't really my thing. So when I was just working, I just needed to get out of my comfort zone and start up something. Start up something. Yes. What do you mean get out of your comfort zone? Were you uncomfortable at first? Yes. I had not done anything to do with hospitality and I was in a hotel. So it wasn't really my thing. So when I was there, I wasn't really comfortable. I was just there because I was getting a pay and I wouldn't count on it for so many years to come. So I needed to start something. Okay. Yes. So when it comes to, you said that you started, actually was it in 2017, you said, 2016? Yes. Yes. And you said that some of the challenges were because you had to come out of your comfort zone, that you were not well versed when it came to the world of tourism. And that's why you had to go into a diploma and learn a little bit more about tourism before you could actually take the reins and start. So we discussed about some of the challenges you had when you started off. What about throughout your journey? You know, sometimes the ups and downs when it comes to business, lots of times. That's a definite, that's a given. What about throughout your journey? Now that you finally learned the ropes, what were you coming across that you found quite difficult to deal with? Yes. Something that was really challenging, it was of course the capital. I had not really saved much to do it. So I started with that little capital, but because I was very focused and it needed to work, so I would do anything I would travel up and down. I would use the little savings I had to make sure that I've done the registration of the company, I've got the licensing and all that. And all that, I see. And would you, are you, I don't know, when it comes to tourism companies, do they tend to work together sometimes? Yes. They do? Sure. Yes. So I started in tourism travel, a director of one of the companies held my hand and made sure I was getting on track. Why are you saying someone? Yes. You should be saying all their six names if they held your hand. Yes. He's Edward. Yes. Yes. The director of Kenya's tourism travel. Okay. Yes. And so that's a person that actually stood with you and showed you how to do things. Yes. That's interesting. And so what would you like to work with when it comes to, how can I say, helping people? Do people who are starting off in the tourism business reach out to you at any point? Yes. I think that's an ideal thing to do because actually when you do, it's interesting even helping somebody learn or get into the tourism field and that they can always counter me because somebody held my hand so I should do this more often. To people who are coming, especially the young entrepreneurs who are coming on board who really want to do this for themselves, I think it's not that hard. If you believe in yourself and you have the passion and the zeal, you can do it. You can do it? Yes. Okay. And you know when it comes to new entrepreneurs, maybe we can talk about some of the mistakes that they make when they're starting off in business and how you can advise them in ways, maybe three important points that you can advise in ways to start off business properly. Yes. If you want to start something, you must have a direction. Okay. Yes, and the destination. So if you have the directions and you know how to maneuver, you definitely get there. But if you want to just get there, but you don't have a direction on how to move the next step, it becomes challenging. Another thing is that you need to be patient also and let things unfold. Put more effort, but don't push, don't rush to do something, but take your time and it will definitely grow. So patience, having direction for your destination and having patience that will grow. That is great. That's great. And so thank you for that advice that you've given new entrepreneurs and I hope that they've been able to take that down. Once again, if you'd like to interact with us, do feel free to do so on our social media handles. Once again, that's Facebook, Twitter, Y254Channel, that's hashtag, Tuesday Entrepreneurship, hashtag Y in the morning, back to Ms. Nga. Yes. So I saw that you came with your sister and I could see you guys whispering together in the background. It seems like you're quite close. Yeah, we are quite close. Actually, she does journalism. She does journalism. Yeah, at St. Paul's University. All right. So this kind of motivation to her. Okay, that's great. I carried her along with me. That's great. Yes. So the reason I'm asking is because what is it like for your family? I'm sure they're supportive, I'm sure they're proud of you. And so what was it like when you first went to your parents and told them, you know, I know you didn't want to, you don't have to ask them for money. Sure, sure. But it's good to run ideas by our parents, whether or not we need their money. So you went, I'm sure you told them, so I want to do this thing. What was their reaction? I think I have a very good family. You seeing here, it shows that they support me a lot, especially my parents. So when this idea came about, they encouraged me a lot. Even right now, they just want to see me go somewhere. So they're really supporting me and I'm thankful to them. That's really beautiful. Sure. And your sister as well, that's great. So back to the business, what exactly is different about your holiday adventures? When we talked, you mentioned something to do with packages. What is so special about your packages? Yes, Joy, every time I'm doing this, I want to do it differently from other companies to stand out as well. So we package our packages differently, our travel packages. So understanding, I have knowledge in tourism and different people have different attitudes towards destinations. So different perceptions and mentally impressions. So you really want to understand this person who comes to you and then engages you that they want to travel to a certain destination. You need to understand their interest, what they want, what they're looking forward to, so that you can package it really nicely and deliver it to them so that they can really appreciate at the end of the day. Not just throwing packages, you really need to make sure it fits what they expect. Okay. So you put some thought into the packages. Sure, sure. Okay, can we play a scenario now me? Let's say I come to you and I'm interested in going to, I don't know, I want to go to Ambocelli and spend some time there. What would my package be like? Oh, so far... And I'm coming alone because I just want to rest. Yeah, alone? Yes. So you're basically a solo traveler? Solo traveler. That's what I'm known as? Yes, yes. Which I am, which I am. I am a solo traveler. I do travel a lot alone. Yes. So Alda, Alda, Alda, right now you're just in town and all that and it's a hassle. So you want somewhere very silent and no disturbance around you, just to enjoy your peace and the environment. Exactly. So basically I'll choose the best facility for you so that you can also get to enjoy when you're holiday. Okay. That's great. Thank you. And before I forget, we normally do facility inspections. So I travel a lot, engaging different hotels, yes, so that I can really understand what they are offering so that when I'm giving it to my guests, I'm really confident of what I'm doing. Yes, yes. And so as you're traveling to these hotels, I'm sure you go and you tell them your purpose while you're coming. Yes. It's because you have a tourism company interested in bringing guests over, right? How do you... What are some of the things you look at in choosing a hotel for your guests, a hotel for prime holiday adventures? Yes. They should have some good grounds. Okay. Yes. They should have indoor games, facilities like swimming pool and spas and all that. And the rooms should be really nice and well done. Yes. All right. Clean, well done. Sure. Right. Nice design and all that. All right. And could we talk about some of the things that you're interested when it comes to prime holiday adventures? Because I know that you'd like for this to grow, is that right? How would you like for it to grow? To which extent? Yes. And in which aspect? Okay. Right now we have two branches. So I have this idea of getting new branches, opening up new branches so that I can also create employment and also encourage people to travel, change their mindset of traveling. But it's so interesting that most locals are now appreciating and really traveling a lot. Yes. Within the country? Yes, within the country. Wow. Beautiful. And that's good when the community gets to appreciate our resources, the help in maintaining it. Yes. I see. I'm so glad. Yes, because actually yesterday I was reading, was it yesterday or the day before that, I was reading an article, Kenya actually has been listed in Africa as the top tourism destination. Yes, sure. We are number one. I think it used to be South Africa. Yes. But I think in Jersey we took that car medal. Yes, sure. And it's great because first of all, people are coming from overseas to come and see Kenya. Not only that, Kenyans themselves are even interested in Kenya as it is. And maybe you can tell us what are some of the hotspots for locals and then you can tell me some of the hotspots for some of your international guests. Yes. What attracts more the international guests at the wildlife, Masaimara, Mount Kenya, that's international. Yes, basically we are heading to high season, late June, so we expect more tourists coming in Kenya. Right after the rainy season. But we're going to be very busy. And about the locals, they need day trips and excursions whereby they just go enjoy some place like the forest, we are there recently. So and the element, they just want to just go to a certain place that they get to enjoy and come back to their places, especially during and holidays. Okay, right. And you said that you do packages even for couples, is it? Yes. Honeymoons and everything. Sure. And solo travelers like myself. Yes. And also family packages. Yes. That's interesting. Can we maybe discuss what are some of the ideas that are in the kitchen cooking right now? What are some of the things you want to change, Kidogo, or to add a little bit when it comes to your particular company? Okay, but what we are really looking forward to is having travelers appreciate our packages and when they travel, they have what they were expecting is more of what they got there. So and we are also planning on giving them, we actually give them some hampers when they travel with us. They don't just travel and come back and forget about it, we appreciate them. And also they can also get a chance to negotiate like, Joe, you come to me, you really want to travel and you think that I want to go to Diani, but I don't know how it's, I don't know if I have the, they have saved enough to travel. So when you come to me, I'm able to engage you at that point and make you travel to a very nice destination and come back happy. Okay. Yes. Thank you for that. So a beautiful, ambitious lady like yourself, you know, I'm sure that, you know, the gentleman who are thinking, oh, I have to wife this one. What would it be like for you to balance? Do you think that you are ready for something like that? Are you looking forward to something like that? Or are you kind of focusing on yourself right now and on your business right now? Yes. I think in life you need to balance things. For everything to work, you need to check on everything. It makes sure that you're tending both to your family and also the business as well, because you need both of them actually. Yes. That's very true. And we don't have very much time left for our interview right now. And so what I'd like for us to focus on is our young people who are watching. Because we do have a lot of youth who are watching right now who are interested in business. But then, you know, kind of, I don't know how to say, where to begin. Let's say somebody doesn't have capital to start a business, for example. Maybe can you advise our young people ways in which they can first of all find some, get an idea and then get some capital and then finally get the project implemented. Yes. Oh, that's your camera, dear. Sure. You're hearing me from outside there and whatever you need is yourself. When you have yourself, you don't need a lot of capital to start up a business or to just get to somewhere, but you need yourself. That motivation is very important. So if you start the little savings that you have and you actually want to do something, definitely you'll do it. Yes. Thank you for that. Thank you and not least, finally, I'd like for you to market for this wonderful company because I do believe that the more people that are watching, the more you can be able to get some clients and everything. It is Tuesday entrepreneurship. We're not just, you know, here to listen to what you do for a living. We'd also like for you to prosper in what you're doing for a living. And so what are some of the things that you can tell our viewers when it comes to wanting to work with you, if viewers wanting to sit and booking a trip, for instance. Yeah. If you want to join us. I need your website, your social media handle, your phone number for the company. Yes. If you really want to join us, especially when you're an intern, we really appreciate you and we make you, we give you the skills that you need to make a step forward. So if you want to write to us, you can drop us an email at info at holydayadventure.co.k Please repeat that. Yes, info at holydayadventure.co.k. You can also check out our website, www.holydayadventure.co. You can also find us on our social media pages, Twitter at primeholiday17, Instagram primeholiday underscore adventures, and on Facebook primeholidayadventures. Okay. So those are the ways, all the ways in which they can reach you to book something. Sure, sure. That's great. We do have to wind up the show and pave the way for Hilda Wadili and the next interview. Thank you. Thank you so much for watching Tuesday Entrepreneurship. My name is Jerma Chachi. This has been Why In The Morning. Do stay tuned.