Rejoice Kea Nx Morake: From Rooiwal Village to Global Travel Curator

Early Life in Rooiwal Village

Rejoice Kea Nx Morake’s journey began in the quaint Rooiwal village, nestled in the former Bophuthatswana, a country that was integrated into South Africa in 1994. Growing up in this small village, Kea was fortunate to benefit from the country’s exceptional boarding schools and bursary programs. At the age of 14, she moved to a boarding school in Hammanskraal, marking the beginning of her exposure to life beyond her village. This transition ignited her curiosity about different places and cultures, as she interacted with peers from various parts of South Africa, including Soweto and Alexandra.

Rejoice has already explored over 50 countries, and her passion for travel shows no signs of slowing down. With a particular interest in African destinations, she plans to visit more countries on this diverse continent. Countries she’s visited include Nigeria, Namibia, Ghana, Mozambique, South Africa, Senegal to name the few.

The Spark of Wanderlust

Kea’s true passion for travel was ignited during a trip to Los Angeles, USA, in 2001. Encountering numerous people curious about Africa, she realized how little she knew about her own continent and how misinformed many Americans were about Africa. This experience fueled her determination to explore the Motherland extensively and share authentic stories about Africa. Once bitten by the travel bug, Kea became unstoppable, setting her sights on exploring the world.

Exploring the vibrant streets of Manhattan! Every corner tells a story. #TravelWithKea #ManhattanAdventures #CityLife”Photo Credit: Rejoice Facebook

The Birth of “The Black Basket Travel”

Kea’s journey into travel curation began with her own adventures. Through extensive research, she discovered various travel platforms and groups, learning how to travel on a budget. Her desire to share these insights with others, especially those who believed travel was only for the affluent, led her to start “The Black Basket Travel”. Initially offering free travel tips and destination advice, Kea eventually established her travel curation business to help others organize their trips with ease.

Rejoice's Daughter Kea with Legendary music Icon Yvonne Chaka Chaka at a charity event organized by Here for Africa Photo Credit: Rejoice — Rejoice’s Daughter Kea with Legendary music Icon Yvonne Chaka Chaka at a charity event organized by Here for Africa Photo Credit: Rejoice

Memorable Travel Experiences

One of Kea’s most memorable travel experiences was curating a Golden Jubilee Birthday celebration for a group of clients in Mozambique. The success and joy of this event left a lasting impression on both Kea and her clients, highlighting the impact of her personalized travel services.

Crafting Unique Itineraries

Kea’s approach to travel curation is rooted in her love for off-the-beaten-path adventures. She seeks out less ordinary destinations and conducts extensive research to ensure her clients have unique and authentic experiences. Her background as a researcher enhances her ability to design well-informed and captivating itineraries.

Embracing the rich heritage of Ghana with Safohen Nana Kwame Nitoto 1 (left) & Safohen Nana Fiifi Aggrey 1 (Right). Honoured to share this moment of cultural exchange and unity. #TravelWithKea #GhanaAdventures #CulturalHeritage”Photo Credit: Rejoice Facebook

Balancing Work and Travel

Striking a balance between work and travel can be tricky for Kea. She tries to set aside specific days to focus on work, but urgent client requests can sometimes disrupt her plans. To manage this, she has an assistant at the office who helps with client services, ensuring that both her travel and work commitments are met.

Founder of “Here for Africa”

In addition to her travel curation business, Kea is also the founder of “Here for Africa”, a non-profit organization dedicated to community uplifting programs. “Here for Africa” primarily uses training and skills development as tools to provide holistic support for the needs of the disadvantaged. The organization’s programs are four-tiered, ensuring comprehensive assistance and empowerment.

“Making a difference, one meal at a time. Rejoice Kea Morake dedicates her time to serving the community, ensuring no one goes hungry. #HereForAfrica #CommunitySupport #GivingBack". Photo Credit: Here for Africa — “Making a difference, one meal at a time. Rejoice Kea Morake dedicates her time to serving the community, ensuring no one goes hungry. #HereForAfrica #CommunitySupport #GivingBack”. Photo Credit: Here for Africa

Insights and Trends in Travel

Kea has observed several trends in the travel industry, particularly in Mozambique and South Africa. In Mozambique, there is a noticeable rise in big group travels, with people seeking leisure and lifestyle experiences in self-catering facilities. TikTok has significantly influenced travel choices, with many clients wanting to replicate experiences they see on the platform. In South Africa, Cape Town continues to attract family and small group travelers, winning numerous travel awards. There is also a growing interest from digital nomads seeking long stays.

Commitment to Sustainable Travel

Kea incorporates sustainable and responsible travel practices into her itineraries by promoting visits to local markets, dining at local businesses, and engaging in activities with small local guides. She educates travelers about the cultures of the places they visit and sometimes curates trips that support local causes or voluntourism.

Rejoice Kea Morake making waves with her clients on Phiphi Island. 🌊✨ #IslandVibes”. Photo Credit: African Dream Travel

Favourite Destinations

Mozambique tops Kea’s list of favourite destinations. Despite being underrated, it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, rivaling those of Seychelles and Zanzibar. Kea is particularly fond of Mozambique’s seafood, which she describes as the freshest and best she has ever tasted.

Rejoice Kea Nx Morake’s journey from a small village in Rooiwal to becoming a renowned travel curator is a testament to her passion, curiosity, and dedication. Through The Black Basket Travel, she continues to inspire and enable others to explore the world, one unique itinerary at a time.

You can connect with Rejoice via her socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afreakandreamtraveller_rejoice?igsh=MXRhZHFmMzd6NWs4Nw==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rejoicekea?mibextid=ZbWKwL