An interview with Deborah Calmeyer at ROAR AFRICA

We are proud to partner with ROAR AFRICA, who also value heritage, passion, personal craftsmanship and innovation. Nowhere in Africa, will you see an example of curated travel and design colliding in such perfection; connecting not only our outer aesthetic but also evoking strong inner emotions. 

A pioneering CEO and Founder, Deborah Calmeyer at ROAR AFRICA has created a business that is run by women that supports native-born guides. With a large number of destinations (including Botswana) Deborah and her team are on hand to provide a seamless experience from the moment you land. ROAR commit to ensuring travel is 100% offset and that their initiatives have a positive impact on local communities. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Watching an African sunset with elephants and close friends around me

What is your greatest fear? 
Loneliness, human connection is our life source.

Which living person do you most admire?
Pat Mitchell, a women's rights activist and media legend.

What historical figure do you most identify with?
Amelia Earhart - she did it her way and refused to be boxed in by gender. I love how she changed the aviation world – a true pioneer and rule breaker! I love that.

Who are your heroes in real life?
African women working in conservation, who have broken both western and tribal glass ceilings.

What is your greatest extravagance?
A double portion of Caviar on Emirates first-class flights.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Mon Dieu.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband, horses and all things French.

What is your most marked characteristic?
My ability to focus and get things done.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Delivering 'The Greatest Safari on Earth', the first in the world of its kind, setting an entirely new standard in luxury African travel during a pandemic.

What is your favourite journey?
Hands down 'The Greatest Safari on Earth' – the most epic trip I have ever done.

What is your greatest regret?
That I took myself so seriously in my 20s.

What is your most treasured possession?
My friends.

Where would you like to live?
I would love to live in Paris.

What is your favourite occupation?
Creating and designing houses, lodges, hotels, experiences, parties…always transcending the norm and finding the perfect experience.

When and where were you happiest?
On the beach in St. Barts in August.

Which talent would you most like to have?
It would be amazing to be a professional dancer.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would like to be able to relax more!

What is your motto?
If African women rise, wildlife will thrive.