A Letter from Our Founder

Having lived across three continents, I've seen firsthand how beautifully unique each culture can be. To me, culture is everything—the smiles, songs, scents, dances, stories, and those wonderful "aha" moments that change how you see the world.

Growing up, my father, who was born and raised in Benin, always told my brothers and me to "take notes" during our travels. At the time, we thought he just wanted us to pay attention. But I understand now that he was teaching us something deeper: to be curious, to stay open, and to recognize that people everywhere want the same fundamental things—safety, belonging, and love. He also taught me that while some places are good for pictures, others touch your heart, and some touch your soul.

Those lessons stayed with me. By 2017, I had an idea: what if I could help other curious travelers move beyond the stereotypes they see on TV and experience the real richness of different cultures for themselves?

We tested this idea with our first trip to Benin in 2018. My family's deep roots there meant I knew how incredible the culture is—and how few people really get to experience it, especially from English-speaking countries. That first group came back transformed. They hadn't just visited Benin; they'd connected with its daily rhythms and formed genuine relationships with the people they met. That's when we knew we had something special, and Wademba was born.

Today, we create journeys that connect you with the heart of a place—not as a tourist looking in, but as someone truly experiencing it. The word Wademba means to try, to taste, to test, to experience. That's exactly what we invite you to do.

If you're ready for travel that goes beyond sightseeing, come join our family.

I can't wait to experience it with you!

Neil O.
Founder, Wademba