Maureen Opany
Maureen Opany is the founder and agency owner of Elite Curated Getaways, LLC, a luxury travel company specializing in bespoke African safari experiences designed for travelers seeking adventure with purpose. Originally from Kenya and now based in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Maureen combines her deep connection to her roots with a passion for creating meaningful, high-end journeys that give back to local communities.
Maureen’s career began far from the travel industry. She first worked as an Office Manager at Office Depot Warehouse, where she honed her skills in organization, leadership, and customer service. Her transition into travel came after a disappointing personal safari experience—one that sparked her mission to redefine how travelers experience Africa. Determined to create a more authentic and client-centered approach, she founded Elite Curated Getaways in 2018.
A hallmark of Maureen’s business philosophy is her Tree Planting Initiative, in which she plants a tree for every client who books a trip to Africa. She is currently collaborating with local operators to formalize this sustainability program and expand its environmental impact. In addition, she is developing school donation programs in Masai Mara and Serengeti, with the long-term vision of opening a school in each region she frequently partners with. Through these initiatives, Maureen’s work extends far beyond travel—it contributes to education, empowerment, and ecological restoration across Africa.
Maureen’s background also includes over a decade of experience in hospitality and administration, holding positions such as Sales and Catering Coordinator at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, General Clerk with CACI International, and Office Administrative Assistant at Office Depot. Her time in these roles cultivated her expertise in client relations, team leadership, and business operations.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Maureen is a Language Consultant with the National Language Services Corps, where she applies her bilingual fluency in English and Swahili to translation and cultural communication projects.
Motivated by purpose and guided by her Kenyan heritage, Maureen is committed to crafting unforgettable travel experiences that honor both people and place. Whether through luxury safaris, educational outreach, or environmental initiatives, she continues to inspire travelers to explore the world consciously—where every getaway truly becomes a force for good.
• WSET Level 2 Certified (Wine & Spirit Education Trust)
• Human Resources Management Specialist
• Gwinnett Technical College
- AS, Human Resources Management
• American Society of Travel Advisors
• African Travel & Tourism Association
• Cruise Lines International Association
• Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa
• Phi Thetta Kappa
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep passion for travel and African safari experiences. Being authentically Kenyan allows me to connect with my clients on a more personal level—I speak the language, understand the culture, and can share Africa in a way that feels genuine and immersive. My personable, honest, and relationship-driven approach has helped me build long-term trust with clients who know I’m committed to delivering excellence. Having worked in nearly every area of hospitality, I bring a hands-on understanding of what it takes to create seamless, unforgettable travel experiences.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to focus on being authentic and trustworthy. In the travel industry, your name and your reputation are everything. Clients aren’t just booking a trip—they’re investing in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That means every detail matters, and excellence should never be optional.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering the travel and hospitality industry, I always say—find your niche early. Don’t try to sell everything to everyone; specialize in what truly excites you. Be passionate about your craft and let authenticity and expertise define your brand. When you genuinely love what you do, your clients will feel it—and that’s what sets you apart.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my biggest challenges has been streamlining partnerships across Africa to support my tree-planting and school donation initiatives. Building strong, transparent collaborations takes time and trust, especially across multiple regions. Another challenge has been building brand recognition and trust as a niche travel advisor in a competitive market. On the other hand, I see incredible opportunities ahead—especially in eco-conscious travel. Planting a tree for every client, supporting school programs in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, and expanding my client referral network all allow me to align purpose with passion. Serving on the APTA South-east Board will also open leadership opportunities to connect with like-minded travel professionals who share my mission.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and authenticity are at the heart of everything I do. I deeply value cultural respect, community, and conservation, and I believe that giving back should be a natural part of doing business. My work is built on trust and long-term relationships with clients who know I’ll always act in their best interest. Outside of work, I love staying active in my community—I play in a kickball league, belong to a local wine club, and find peace in painting as a creative outlet. I’m also an avid reader of Condé Nast Traveler, which constantly fuels my curiosity and passion for global exploration.