We’re excited to share that our founder and CEO, Edward Lyimo, was recently featured on the Big World Made Small: Adventure Travel Podcast. In this in-depth conversation, Edward sits down with host Jason Elkins to talk about his journey from a young volunteer liaison for international projects in Tanzania to building one of East Africa’s leading safari and trekking companies — Pristine Trails.
Over the course of an hour, Edward reflects on the challenges of starting a travel company as a young 19 year old entrepreneur, and how building trust with clients – and word of mouth from happy travelers – helped grow Pristine Trails from budget volunteer trips into today’s bespoke safari and trekking experiences.
Edward also shares the values that have shaped Pristine Trails from the start:
- People first – the importance of fair treatment and growth opportunities for our guides and porters
- Real sustainability – embedding conservation principles into every decision, not just using it as a buzzword
- Strong partnerships – nurturing lasting relationships with local communities and trusted travel partners
- Personalized journeys – tailoring each adventure to reflect travelers’ interests while protecting the places we explore
Edward and Jason also discuss the broader tourism landscape — from the significance of environmental awareness and ethical marketing, to choosing the right tour company, and how effective communication can elevate every travel experience.
Whether you’re dreaming of your first safari or curious about what goes on behind the scenes of responsible adventure travel, this conversation offers an inspiring look at what makes Pristine Trails unique.
