Startup Story
Leslie Jaroschek is the founder and ceo of Authentic Botswana Tours, a travel agency that attracts tourists from all over the world and offers Wildlife safari, Photography Safari, and Tented Safari experiences. Having obtained an MBA in International Tourism Management from Cyprus University, Leslie started her business in 2021, just after the COVID era. The company is 100% owned by Motswana women. Authentic Botswana Tours operates from Botswana and employs only Batswana.
Lionesses of Africa spoke to founder, Leslie Jaroschek about her business, her passion for tourism, and her ambitions for the future.
What does your company do?
Authentic Botswana Tours is a travel agency that attracts tourists from all over the world and offers Wildlife safari, Photography Safari and Tented Safari experiences.
“Authentic Botswana Tours is a travel agency that attracts tourists from all over the world and offers Wildlife safari, Photography Safari and Tented Safari experiences.”
What inspired you to start your company?
My husband, who is the co-founder, and having travelled with him when he was attached to many countries as a Civil Peace Researcher in South Africa, Cambodia and Israel. I had spent time as a tourist, which led me to study Tourism Management as I was happy to meet people from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds. When I studied Tourism Management, I had in my mind to build myself a Tourism Agency.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Authentic Botswana doesn't support mass tourism; therefore, our groups are limited to 4-10 persons, making it easier for communication, support, and being able to offer tailor-made tours for our tourists.
“I had spent time as a tourist, which led me to study Tourism Management as I was happy to meet people from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds. When I studied Tourism Management, I had in my mind to build myself a Tourism Agency.”
Tell us a little about your team:
We have a vibrant team that does not only look at what they are assigned to do, but regardless of their qualifications, they do general work to satisfy our customers.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I come from a family that had a business, and what I copied from my parents in their transport business was that, slowly but surely, you get what you want if you don't quit. My business is currently in an infant stage but I'm not moved by the circumstances and still believe I'm on the right track and I will soon show results.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Authentic Botswana Tours aspires to open an office and partner with others in the Western World.
“Authentic Botswana doesn't support mass tourism; therefore, our groups are limited to 4-10 persons, making it easier for communication, support, and being able to offer tailor-made tours for our tourists.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Peace of mind, knowing that I do what I like and I'm always available to do it.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Once you start, don't quit because you might quit when you are on the verge of a breakthrough.
Contact Authentic Botswana Tours
Email: lesleyjaroschek@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
Following your passion is often the best way of starting a business, and for entrepreneur, Leslie Jaroschek, her passion was for tourism. Today, she is building a business that creates bespoke travel packages for tourists who want authentic visitor experiences in the country she loves. We look forward to seeing Leslie realise her own entrepreneurial dreams and also the tourism dreams of her customers over the coming years. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa