From Personal Journey to Purpose: Carol Snell's Story with Fair Trade Safaris
From Personal Journey to Purpose: Carol Snell's Story with Fair Trade Safaris
Carol Snell never set out to be Chief Memory Maker at Fair Trade Safaris—it just happened, much like the best memories do. Years ago, a simple invitation from her long-time friend, Saurabh, changed everything. It was supposed to be a one-off trip to Africa—a chance to break away from routine and find solace in the vast landscapes. But it quickly became something much deeper.
“It started as just a trip,” Carol recalls, “but it grew into something phenomenal. We didn’t even know we were shaping what would become Fair Trade Safaris.”
The turning point came at a boys’ center in South Africa. Armed with a suitcase full of baseball caps, Carol and her eclectic travel group visited a small organization helping at-risk youth. Early that morning, they laid the hats out on a table and woke the boys. What followed was pure magic. One by one, the boys picked a hat, tried it on, and paraded in front of a mirror, each strut more confident than the last.
“They didn’t just wear those hats—they owned them,” Carol says. “It was a simple gesture, but you could see how much it meant to them. That moment stuck with me forever.”
The Birth of Fair Trade Safaris
After returning to California, Carol and Saurabh couldn’t stop reflecting on those powerful experiences. With his keen business acumen and deep desire to give back, Saurabh began building Fair Trade Safaris—a travel company that seamlessly blends luxury adventure with philanthropy. Carol, with her gift for storytelling and passion for creating lasting memories, naturally became its heart and soul.
Her title—Chief Memory Maker—wasn’t a corporate invention. It grew naturally out of her role. “For me, memories are what make life vivid. They’re the stories we tell again and again, the ones that live on long after the moment has passed,” she explains.
Carol is now the ultimate ambassador for Fair Trade Safaris, weaving tales of adventure and impact everywhere she goes—whether it’s on the golf course, at a dinner party, or while traveling the world with her love, Di. “Have you been to Africa?” she often asks. “Let me tell you a story…”
The Birth of Fair Trade Safaris
After returning to California, Carol and Saurabh couldn’t stop reflecting on those powerful experiences. With his keen business acumen and deep desire to give back, Saurabh began building Fair Trade Safaris—a travel company that seamlessly blends luxury adventure with philanthropy. Carol, with her gift for storytelling and passion for creating lasting memories, naturally became its heart and soul.
Her title—Chief Memory Maker—wasn’t a corporate invention. It grew naturally out of her role. “For me, memories are what make life vivid. They’re the stories we tell again and again, the ones that live on long after the moment has passed,” she explains.
Carol is now the ultimate ambassador for Fair Trade Safaris, weaving tales of adventure and impact everywhere she goes—whether it’s on the golf course, at a dinner party, or while traveling the world with her love, Di. “Have you been to Africa?” she often asks. “Let me tell you a story…”
Creating Memories That Last
“For me, a memory is something so vivid and impactful that you can’t help but tell it again and again,” Carol says. “It becomes part of who you are.”
As Fair Trade Safaris’ Chief Memory Maker, Carol’s mission is simple: help others create their own unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s tracking wildlife in the bush, visiting a local school to hear children sing and dance, or simply watching the sun set behind an acacia tree, every moment offers the chance to connect with something bigger.
Her advice for first-time travelers? “Be open. Trust the journey. Africa will change you in ways you never expected.”
The Heart of Africa
One of Carol’s most awe-inspiring stories involves a journey to Rwanda to visit mountain gorillas. Accompanied by expert guides, Carol and her group trekked deep into the jungle, where they found themselves just six feet away from a silverback gorilla and his family.
“I wasn’t afraid,” Carol says. “I trusted our guides completely. They knew exactly where to take us and how to keep us safe. It was an awe-inspiring experience—watching mothers care for their babies, teenagers swinging from branches. It’s something you can’t put into words. You just have to be there.”
Fair Trade Safaris ensures that every trip balances adventure with comfort and safety. Knowledgeable guides, well-maintained vehicles, and thoughtfully selected accommodations are all part of the experience. And for those who want a fully customized journey—whether it’s a family trip to Kruger National Park or a luxury escape to Botswana—Carol and the Fair Trade Safaris team make it happen.
Carol’s Advice to Travelers
For those considering their first luxury safari, Carol has one piece of advice: Go with an open heart. “Africa will give you far more than you expect,” she promises. “The wildlife is stunning, but the people and landscapes will take root in your soul.”
And if you’re looking for a bespoke experience—whether it’s trekking with gorillas in Rwanda, exploring Botswana’s untouched beauty, or blending luxury with meaningful community visits—Carol’s got just the recommendation.
“At Fair Trade Safaris, it’s all about balance,” she explains. “Luxury and safety, yes—but also authenticity and connection. We can curate your dream trip, whether you’re after ultimate luxury or something more grounded. What matters most is that it stays with you long after you’re home.”
What’s Next for Carol and Fair Trade Safaris
Now living in Palm Springs, Carol splits her time between travel, storytelling, and golf. Di’s passion for golf sometimes takes precedence, but Africa is never far from their minds. “We’ll probably do a golfing trip in Africa soon,” Carol jokes. “I just have to find the perfect course!”
As for Fair Trade Safaris, the future is bright. Carol remains its biggest cheerleader, driven by her desire to inspire more travelers to experience the magic of Africa while giving back in meaningful ways.
“If I could design the ultimate itinerary,” she says, “it would be a mix of adventure, luxury, and heart. Because that’s what Africa is—it’s everything, all at once. It stays with you forever.”
Local Guides and Artisans: Across Africa, we collaborated with talented individuals who enriched our safaris with authenticity, expertise, and cultural depth.
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