Chica Travel with Lelo

She grew up in exile across five African countries, built one of the most decorated marketing careers in South Africa, and somewhere along the way decided she was going to live life at full speed.

Khensani Nobanda has been to 87 countries, stood in the Monza pits while Red Bull engineers played reggae, lost her passport in Cappadocia and somehow ended up on a yacht on the Bosphorus, and turned 40 on Halong Bay surrounded by 40 of the people she loves most.

But the thing that made me want to have this conversation was not her CV.

It was her energy.

This episode is about Formula 1, the 50 Before 50 list, Istanbul, travel philosophy, work life integration, choosing joy now, and refusing to wait for life to begin. Youtube

She grew up in exile across five African countries, built one of the most decorated marketing careers in South Africa, and somewhere along the way decided she was going to live life at full speed.

Khensani Nobanda has been to 87 countries, stood in the Monza pits while Red Bull engineers played reggae, lost her passport in Cappadocia and somehow ended up on a yacht on the Bosphorus, and turned 40 on Halong Bay surrounded by 40 of the people she loves most.

But the thing that made me want to have this conversation was not her CV.

It was her energy.

This episode is about Formula 1, the 50 Before 50 list, Istanbul, travel philosophy, work life integration, choosing joy now, and refusing to wait for life to begin. Youtube

Nafisa Akabor has been covering technology for 18 years and has travelled to 46 countries. In this episode of Chica Travel with Lelo, she breaks down everything you need to know about travelling smarter, safer and further, starting with what's on her phone before she boards.

We talk eSIMs, VPNs, fake QR codes, Japan's new visa fees, the 5x increase that caught everyone off guard, tax-free shopping and what's changing in November 2026. We also get into the emotional reality of travelling with an African passport, the visa anxiety, the border control stress, and the strategy that got Nafisa a 5-year Schengen visa.

She closes with her ultimate travel tech kit and the one thing she wishes more African women knew about travelling in this world right now.

Find Nafisa on TikTok @nafisaakbor and follow Chica Travel with Lelo on YouTube and Social Media @chicatravelwithlelo / @mslelob

Would love your feedback on the episode! Tech, Travel & the African Passport | Nafisa Akabor

Most people think travel is simple. Book a flight, pack a bag, and go but the truth is, a lot can go wrong before you even leave the country. In this episode, I do something a little different and connect with my friend, Cultural worker & Traveler, Kwena Baloyi to construct a Travel Clinic that's answer questions people are too afraid to ask out loud. From visas and passports to solo travel fears, travel insurance, and common mistakes that could cost you time and money.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, confused, or unsure about travelling, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.

What we cover:

- What you actually need before you travel

- Travel mistakes that can ruin your trip

- The truth about solo travel

- Why travel insurance is essential

- What first-time travellers always get wrong

The information shared in this episode is based on personal experience and is intended for general guidance only. Travel requirements, visa regulations and health recommendations change frequently. Always check the official requirements for your specific destination and nationality before you travel.

Please subscribe for more honest travel conversations and follow @chicatravelwithlelo on X and Instagram. The Travel Clinic: What Nobody Tells You Before You Travel

Pitsi Sathekge (Pitsi_S) is a South African travel content creator who built a thriving group travel business after being scammed on her own 30th birthday trip. In this episode she breaks down: how she accidentally became a group trip host, why Zanzibar is the perfect first international trip for South Africans, what actually happens on a women-only group trip (including a Bali boat ride that went very wrong), how to spot a travel scam before you hand over your money, and how her side hustle became a fully registered travel business. If you're considering a group trip, If you're considering a group trip, this is a real conversation about travel, community, and taking the leap. To join Pitsi's trips, visit www.sunsetsandmargaritas.com.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@ChicaTravelPodcast

📱 Follow Chica Travel Podcast: @ChicaTravelWithLelo/ @MsLeloB Chica Travel Youtube