ABOUT US

Four kids. One continent. Endless fun!

Hi! I’m Grace—international lawyer, human rights advocate, and mama of four chaos agents who’ve thrown up on tiny planes, jumped out of safari trucks, and taught me more about flexibility, resilience, and joy than any courtroom ever could.

I created Mama Gaia Travels because, while family travel content is everywhere, almost none of it focuses on Africa—and even less is made for people traveling with kids.

I was tired of TripAdvisor guessing what my children might enjoy and frustrated by the lack of real, honest, family-tested insights. So I built the resource I couldn’t find: a hub for globally-minded parents dreaming of immersive, ethical, and unforgettable family adventures across this beautiful continent.

We live in Tanzania, where we spend as much time exploring as school schedules (and snack supplies) allow. But this journey started long before now!

I was born in the U.S. but raised in Taiwan, studied in France, worked in the Philippines, prosecuted war crimes at international tribunals, and traveled across six continents (50+ countries!), many with my kids in tow. Every trip—with its magic and mayhem—adds to the soul of this site.

The name Mama Gaia reflects both my personal world (my daughter’s name is Gaia, and I’m “Mama Gaia” in Swahili) and my deeper values.

It’s a tribute to Mother Earth and to Africa as the cradle of civilization—a reminder that travel isn’t just about where we go, but how we connect while we’re there.

At Mama Gaia Travels, we believe in:

  • Authenticity – Real stories, not travel brochures. The magic and the mess.
  • Joy – Laughter in the Land Rover, wonder at the watering hole, memories that last.
  • Curiosity – Asking questions, getting lost (sometimes on purpose, sometimes not), and learning from difference.
  • Connection – With our kids, our hosts, and the Earth that holds us all.

This is your space if you’re dreaming of:

  • A Tanzanian safari that doesn’t feel like a school field trip
  • A move abroad that strengthens your family instead of stressing it out
  • Raising kids who know the world is bigger than their backyard

Here you’ll find practical tips, family-tested itineraries, behind-the-scenes stories, and deeply honest reflections from someone who’s navigated long-haul flights, visa confusion, border tantrums, and babywearing on safari.

If you’re a parent, adventurer, planner, dreamer—or just travel-curious—I’d love to keep in touch. Sign up for the Mama Gaia newsletter here for fresh stories, freebies, and family travel inspiration straight to your inbox.

If you’re a brand or organization that values ethical storytelling and sustainable travel in Africa, we might be a great match.

Click Here To See How We Can Work Together!

Meet the crew!

Mama Gaia Travels wouldn’t exist without the four little co-adventurers who made me a mother and the empress of snacks. From blowouts on bush planes to spontaneous Swahili dance parties, these kids have shaped every story on this site.

THEO

Our food critic who always has his head in the clouds

GAIA

A force of nature with charm for days

EVANGELINE

Equal parts curious, sneaky, and adorable

ELYSIA

Just loves to be part of the action