Our Mission
To celebrate the shared heritage and global legacy of the African diaspora by creating immersive journeys that uplift travelers and the local community
Our Vision
To ignite profound connections across the African diaspora, fostering cultural enrichment and empowering local ecosystems
Our Core Values
Authenticity
We prioritize genuine experiences that reflect the true essence of each destination.
Community Engagement
Collaborating closely with local businesses and guides to ensure our travels benefit and respect the communities we visit.
Sustainability
Commitment to responsible tourism practices that preserve cultural heritage and the environment for future generations.
Empowerment
Encouraging travelers to broaden their horizons, fostering mutual respect and understanding between cultures.
The Impact We Strive for
Our goal is to transform perceptions of Africa by offering journeys that are both enlightening and enriching. Travelers return with a deeper appreciation of the continent’s multifaceted identities, while local communities benefit from sustainable tourism that honors their traditions and bolsters their economies.
Nyamisi J. Muindi
CEO & Founder
Refracting Africa was founded by a first-generation American and daughter of Tanzanian immigrants who grew up in New York City and Pittsburgh. Drawing on a professional background in actuarial and consulting work, she brings analytical rigor, thoughtful planning, and a deeply personal perspective to every journey. Her lifelong connection to Tanzania, strengthened through frequent visits with family, inspired her to create a platform where travelers can experience Africa beyond the typical “adventure travel” lens. Through culturally grounded group tours, Refracting Africa invites travelers to engage more deeply with the histories, communities, and everyday experiences that reveal the many layers of Africa and its diaspora.
Muindi Fanuel Muindi
Content & Communications Manager
Muindi Fanuel Muindi is a social practice artist, philosopher, and poet. His essays for the Refractive Index serve as travel companions for Refracting Africa’s tours.
Muindi is the founder and director of BADS_lab, the Black Arts and Decolonial Sciences laboratory: a curatorial project, residency program, and cultural hub that redistributes creative energies and challenges colonial systems of knowledge and representation. He is also an organizer at the Center for Concrete and Abstract Machines, an affiliate of the Synthesis Center at Arizona State University, and an associate editor of AI & Society. Recent publications include a trilogy of studies in the Black Arts and Decolonial Sciences: The Null Hypothesis (2026); The Sister, the Child, the Ghost (2026); and Fugitive Erotics (2025). Muindi lives and works in Chicago.
Connect With Us
Embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary. Discover the soul of Africa with us and be part of a movement that values authenticity, community, and meaningful exploration.