Travel Influencer, Sylvie Sugira: 'No matter how far I travel - Rwanda has my heart’

Rwandan travel influencer Sylvie Sugira on uncovering hidden gems in her country and the power of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Q: On your Instagram feed @sylvie_sugira, you share the maxim ‘We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us’. What has travel added to your life?

Travel has added depth and colour to my life. It has helped me grow and connect with different cultures and appreciate the beauty of nature and people. I don’t travel to run away; I travel to feel more alive, more present, and more connected to the world around me.Q: You travel a lot, but where is home to you? Are you always glad to return?

Home is Rwanda. No matter how far I travel, Rwanda has my heart. [I love] the warmth of the people, the peace, the safety, the green hills, and the deep sense of belonging. I’m always glad to return. It’s where I feel most myself, most inspired, and most at peace.

Q: Being a travel influencer seems like a glamorous life. Is that true, or is there much work and stress behind the scenes?

It looks glamorous on the outside, but there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes. Planning, creating, editing, negotiating, and constantly showing up takes time and energy. And don’t get me started on the stares I get when recording myself, especially when solo travelling with my tripod! It’s rewarding, but it’s also real work.

Q: Your Instagram feed shows sky dives, skiing, and three-day hikes, among other recent adventures. What’s the attraction of challenging yourself?

I love pushing myself because it reminds me that I can do more than I think. Growing up, I wasn’t confident in many things, so I consciously decided to start challenging myself. It completely changed my life.

Q: You are Rwandan, but have your travels in the country revealed places that are new to you and surprise you?

Absolutely! Rwanda is so rich in beauty and culture that it surprises me. Places like Nkombo Island felt like a whole different world, peaceful and untouched. The Musanze caves also blew me away. I didn’t even know we had something like that until I visited. And the tea plantations in Gisovu? Just stunning. Travelling around Rwanda has made me fall in love with it even more. de nouvelles façons de partager mes expériences. La construction de ma direction artistique et de mon public a pris du temps. Ce n'est pas un succès du jour au lendemain, et il y a eu de nombreux moments de doute et d'épuisement en cours de route. Mais la constance a été la clé, qu'il s'agisse de publier régulièrement des articles, de dialoguer avec mon public ou de rester fidèle à ma passion pour les voyages et l'aventure.

Q: How did you become an influencer?

I didn’t set out to become an influencer. It started with me simply sharing my travel experiences because I genuinely loved discovering new places. Over time, people began resonating with my content, asking for tips, and feeling inspired to explore, too. That’s when I realised it was becoming more than just a personal passion; it was building a community. I stayed consistent, kept learning, and poured my heart into it. The ‘influencer’ title came later.

Q: Has it taken a lot of time to build your brand and your following?

I properly started content creation after COVID, when I found myself with more time to reflect and explore new ways to share my experiences. Building my brand and following took time. It’s not an overnight success, and there have been many moments of doubt and burnout along the way. However, consistency has been key, whether posting regularly, engaging with my audience, or staying true to my passion for travel and adventure.

Q: You have become a travel ambassador for Rwanda? What do you want people to know about the country?

Yes, I’m incredibly proud to be a travel ambassador for Rwanda. There’s so much to love about this country that often gets overlooked. First, Rwanda is a place of immense beauty, but what sets it apart is the resilience and warmth of the people. Rwanda has a bitter history, but it has healed, and now it stands as a symbol of unity and progress. I want people to know that Rwanda offers more than adventure; it offers a deep sense of connection, culture, and belonging.

Q: What advice do you have for those interested in becoming influencers?

Start with passion, not pressure. Don’t get caught up in numbers, focus on creating content that’s true to you and adds value to others. Use what you have, and just begin. Your authenticity will set you apart more than any perfect aesthetic ever could.

Q: Who is the target audience for your posts and reels?

My target audience is anyone who loves travel, adventure, and discovering new places, especially young Africans who want to see the world or explore their continent. I also speak to people looking for inspiration to step out of their comfort zone, whether trying something new, travelling solo, or embracing life a little more boldly. I want my content to feel relatable, fun, and empowering.

Q: Who have been the biggest influences in your life?

One of the biggest influences in my life has been my dad. He deeply loves Rwanda and always reminds me there’s no place like home.’ He believes that Rwanda is capable of more than we can even understand and encourages me to feel proud of studying and building my life here.

Q: What have been some of your most memorable recent trips?

Answer: One of my most memorable recent trips was to Qatar. It’s a fascinating country with so much to offer, from its stunning modern architecture to its rich cultural heritage. As a black solo traveller, I felt safe and welcomed, which is something I truly value when exploring new places.

Q: What five things do you always take on board for a flight?

First, my phone and charger; second, a good book; third, noise-cancelling headphones, especially for long flights; fourth, a neck pillow for comfort because I’m all about getting rest; and fifth, my skincare essentials to stay fresh throughout the flight.