INTERVIEW MARIA LUIZA LAZZARESCHI

For Maria Luiza Lazzareschi, traveling is a way to connect — with the world, with lesser-known cultures, and above all, with herself. A passionate animal lover and seeker of off-the-beaten-path destinations, she found something truly special in Africa. The bond was so deep that today, she even has an elephant there. Yes, you read that right.

Meet Maria Luiza

Maria Luiza’s passion for travel began at an early age, sparked by her parents’ love for discovering new places. From a young age, she and her sister were encouraged to explore the world — but with one important rule: they had to get to know their own country first. Her parents believed that before setting foot in distant lands, the girls should understand the richness and diversity of Brazil. So, their early adventures took them through the major capitals across the country, from north to south, helping shape Maria Luiza’s deep appreciation for Brazilian culture and landscapes.

Once they had explored much of Brazil, the family began to travel abroad, with Europe being a favorite destination — especially Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Later on, Maria Luiza continued her international journey by moving to the United States to study, expanding not only her academic horizons but also her worldview.

“It’s impossible not to fall in love with traveling,” Maria Luiza says. “You learn so much, meet new people, and create all kinds of connections — with history, culture, geography, nature... and that’s such a wonderful feeling.” For her, travel isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list — it’s about experiencing the world in a deeper, more meaningful way. Every trip leaves a mark, adds a story, and opens up a new perspective.

Her passion for Africa

Maria Luiza’s deep connection with Africa began with her lifelong love for animals. She’s absolutely passionate about them — so much so that she’s been a vegetarian for 25 years. “I just don’t feel comfortable eating animals,” she explains. “It’s a personal choice. I don’t try to convince anyone to do the same, and I don’t judge those who eat meat. Everyone should do what feels right for them.”

That empathy and respect for all living beings naturally drew her to Africa, where the wildlife and raw beauty of nature touched her in a profound way. It’s a place that awakened something in her — a bond she carries to this day.

Her first trip to Africa

Her first trip to Africa took her straight to Kenya and Tanzania — a journey that marked a true turning point in her life. It was there that Maria Luiza discovered the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization that rescues orphaned elephants, cares for them for about two years, and then reintroduces them into the wild. Many of these elephants are orphaned because of ivory poaching — something she finds absolutely heartbreaking and senseless in today’s world — while others lose their families due to natural causes.

Deeply moved by the organization’s work, Maria Luiza began adopting elephants through the trust. It’s been ten years now since she started supporting these orphans in Nairobi, Kenya — a commitment that reflects not only her love for animals but her belief in protecting the planet’s most vulnerable creatures.

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/ 

Since then, most of Maria Luiza’s travels have taken her back to Africa — a continent where she found not only a strikingly different culture but also a sense of purpose. She felt deeply drawn to the simplicity of local communities and inspired by a desire to help in meaningful ways. 

On one of these trips, she traveled to Rwanda to see the famous mountain gorillas. While in Kigali, the capital, she 

came across a local initiative that helped families build traditional hand-made mud houses. Moved by the resilience and warmth of the people, Maria Luiza got involved with the project and began supporting the community's efforts. 

Her connection to Africa goes far beyond the wildlife and landscapes — it’s rooted in people, in stories, and in a shared sense of humanity. 

Favorite destinations

Favorite destinations She often chooses to travel alone — not out of necessity, but by preference. “When you’re on your own, you truly integrate into the environment, the culture, and the local community,” she says. “You learn to live within the rhythm of the place you’re in.” This mindset applies not just in Africa, but also in Europe, Asia, and the United States.

No matter the destination, Maria Luiza always prioritizes nature. In Italy, for example, she’s drawn to the Dolomites rather than the bustling cities. Recently, she also explored the Galápagos Islands — the birthplace of Darwin’s theory of evolution — another destination that reflects her passion for unique ecosystems and the natural world.

favorite stays

Maria Luiza usually stays in stunning lodges, often managed by&Beyond, a renowned company that operates in several incredible locations across Africa. Though the settings are luxurious, her approach to travel is deeply immersive.

Where to start if you want to go to Africa?

Of course, traveling through Africa isn’t always simple — it can be expensive and requires careful planning. But for those who are just beginning to explore the continent, Maria Luiza recommends starting with South Africa. “It’s more accessible, easier to get around, and a great introduction to African landscapes and wildlife,” she explains. “The safaris there are a bit more structured — you don’t need to camp out in the wild like you would in the Serengeti, the Maasai Mara, or the Okavango Delta in Botswana.”

For first-time travelers, South Africa offers a good balance of comfort and adventure, while still delivering the magic of African nature and culture.

Travel wishilist

Next on her travel wishlist? Japan. It’s a destination that has long fascinated her — a place where tradition andinnovation coexist, and where she hopes to dive deep into yet another rich and unique culture.