Saint Augustine once said, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." For Yas Tanzania CFO Innocent Rwetabura, FINCA Uganda CFO Robinah Siima, Nyumba Group CFO Vishal Soni, and Watu Credit CFO Steve Onyango, journeying to different parts of the world has left a lasting impression, with each yearning to return to these uniquely inspiring destinations.
Innocent’s 2013 visit to Japan was a revelation. His trip led him to Tokyo, the nation’s capital - its famous Shibuya Crossing is a major tourist attraction. He also explored Kumamoto, located on Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island. The city is home to the famous Kumamoto Castle, an ancient fortress that stands atop Chausuyama Hill. During his time there, Innocent spotted Mount Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano, which lies on the outskirts of Kumamoto. The sight of steam rising from the ground left him in awe. He was also pleased to see the Japanese work ethic in action at a nearby supermarket.
“I was amazed by how the employees worked. They were so focused and efficient, no distractions at all. They handled transactions smoothly, tapped the cash register, said thank you, and moved on. Everything was done without a hitch,” he says.
While Innocent’s journey to the Japanese mountainside was breathtaking, for Robinah, a beach holiday is the ideal getaway. Whenever she needs to escape from the usual hustle and bustle of Kampala, she flies to nearby Zanzibar. The clear waters and pristine beaches are an instant balm for her spirit. Although South Africa is a close second for her, she enjoys retreating to the island’s seaside for some quiet time away from work.
The archipelago is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania renowned for its rich cultural heritage. This includes the historic Stone Town, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. It is made up of two main Islands - Pemba and Unguja, colloquially referred to as Zanzibar.
“Most of the hotels there don’t even have TVs. I love visiting the spice farms, swimming with dolphins, and enjoying nature. It’s very peaceful. It really takes me away from the constant media noise I deal with in my daily life. By the time I return to work, I’m fully recharged. I love that sense of calm, just being surrounded by nature, talking to trees if you want, and coming back energised enough to drive any strategy forward,” she reveals.
For Vishal, Cape Town is second to none. The port city, which is a popular holiday destination, is just the right balance of urban sophistication and coastal charm. Here, he can enjoy a vacation away from his native Mombasa while remaining connected to city life.
Cape Town, which sits on South Africa’s southwestern coast, is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Table Mountain. Wine lovers often appreciate its proximity to the Stellenbosch region, which is known for its wineries and vineyards. The city also boasts attractions like the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and Robben Island, where anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela served the bulk of his 27-year prison sentence.
“It’s this perfect blend of Nairobi and Mombasa. Even the weather and the people are just right. Without a doubt, South Africa is the most beautiful place I’ve physically set eyes on. And Cape Town is the pinnacle of that beauty. The second place for me is Italy, particularly Venice. I felt such a deep connection there. I feel like I must have been Italian in a past life,” he says.
While Vishal enjoys the vibrancy of Cape Town, Steve is captivated by the allure of ‘The City of Gold’. He has visited many memorable places, including Thailand and Spain, but the one place that stood out to him was Dubai. In his eyes, the emirate, famed for its towering landmarks and glamorous lifestyle, lives up to its moniker. It is perhaps most famous for the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, which stands at a staggering 828 metres and rises to 163 floors. But the main draw, for Steve, is its reputation as a hub for business and finance.
“The transformation is incredible. You see skyscrapers, specialised zones for finance and investments, and tech hubs. It’s impressive how they’ve built such a futuristic city. When you visit places like the Burj Khalifa, you see what focused leadership can achieve. It’s inspiring. I’d love to return one day as a serious investor.”
