
Jay Parmar
Founder & Safari Curator
I’m Jay,
founder of Wander Africa.
My love for the continent—the wilderness, the people, and the deep-rooted spirit of Africa—has always been a guiding force in my life. It’s what led to Wander Africa. To me, this isn’t just a company—it’s something living. It breathes purpose, joy, and connection into everything I do.
Wander Africa was built with intention. It’s here to protect wild spaces, uplift communities, and connect people with the kind of travel that leaves a mark—in all the right ways.
My wife, Brandi, and I spend time each year on the ground, visiting remote camps, building relationships, and trying out new experiences ourselves. It keeps us close to what matters and allows us to guide our travelers with real, firsthand knowledge—nothing we recommend is from behind a desk.
What hasn’t changed since the beginning is how we show up. We lead with kindness. We work with integrity. We care deeply—about our clients, about the people we partner with, and about doing right by both. That means no commission-driven decisions, no cutting corners, and no pushing what doesn’t feel right. Just honest advice, clear communication, and journeys we’d be proud to take ourselves.
We live in Black Mountain, North Carolina, with our son—where the mountains remind me a little of Kenya, and our door is always open to friends and family. I love anything on four wheels (especially Land Rovers and classic Porsches), collect vintage watches, and find a lot of joy in cooking and gathering people around the table. Despite all the travel we do, airports still make me a little anxious—and yes, I’m the type who shows up earlier than I need to, just in case.
These days, one of my greatest joys is spending time with our son and beginning to show him the world—its beauty, its people, and all the wonder that travel brings.
We’re so grateful you’ve found your way here—and we can’t wait to share this part of the world with you.
A third-generation Kenyan, and a second-generation safari designer and tour operator.