Farirai Sanyika aka GoPhari is a dynamic solo travel content creator who has carved out a unique niche in the vast world of travel blogging. With a passion for exploring the globe solo, Gophari inspires countless adventurers through captivating stories, practical advice, and stunning visuals that capture the essence of each destination. From hidden gems off the beaten path to bustling city streets around the world, Gophari’s insights offer an invaluable resource for anyone looking to embark on their own solo journey. Join us as we dive deep into the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of a traveler who has truly made the world their playground.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Farirai Sanyika. I describe myself as a happy solo traveller. I created the name Gophari for my online travel brand because I wanted to create a brand out of a new word and give it meaning through what I do. I post about my travel experiences across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and my website, Gophari.com. I love to share destination advice and inspiration. I also really enjoy sharing solo travel stories and lessons. I have so much fun with it!
What inspired you to get into travel content creation?
I used to work full-time as a chemical engineer in a small industrial town in Mpumalanga. I’ve always had a creative side, and working a technical job had me yearning for a hobby through which I could express myself creatively. I tried a few things, including jewellery making before I had the idea to start a travel blog in 2017 – Gophari.com. Blogging about travel was inspired by my first trip to the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga. The view of Blyde River Canyon flipped me inside out. I’ve been seeking more experiences that give me that feeling and sharing them with others ever since.
Why did you choose solo travel as your specific area of focus?
I didn’t learn of solo travel and decided that that was what I would do. It was more that I just realised that that was what I was doing. It started when I started getting work through Gophari. Often, these hotel stays and trips would fall mid-week, which made it challenging to find a friend available to join. I knew that if I wanted to travel more, I might need to start heading out by myself, and that’s what I started to do. I then discovered and grew to love the freedom and flexibility of solo travel, and it became a way of travel that I feel very confident doing even internationally.
How do you research and plan your travel content? What factors influence your choice of destinations and topics?
I use social media to get an idea of what to expect from destinations I will be visiting. I love to see how other creators have captured it. My destination choices are based on what I would enjoy. I’ve learned that I enjoy being in naturally scenic locations by water. I love the ocean – especially one I can get into. I seek destinations where I can have those experiences. I’m curious about the world, so I would go almost anywhere because no matter how much research I do about a destination, my experience always corrects the perceptions I had of the destination before I visited it every single time.
Could you describe your content creation process, from conceptualisation to publishing?
My content starts with the hook – what my video or image carousel is about. After that, I can think about the different shots I would need to get to tell that story. I primarily create vertical short-form videos.
What techniques do you use to engage your audience and make your travel content stand out?
I use storytelling to engage my audience. For that means being myself and keeping it real. I also show that though I post about travel, I am on a continuous learning journey and open to learning from my audience as well.
I use storytelling to engage my audience. For that means being myself and keeping it real. I also show that though I post about travel, I am on a continuous learning journey and open to learning from my audience as well.
What are some of your most memorable moments while on the road?
My recent travel is always top of mind. I had been wanting to travel to the USA for a while, and this year, I finally got to. Walking the streets of New York for the first time was an experience I will never forget. For me, it was a moment of “Wow, Fari, you’re really doing this and doing it solo.” I felt so proud of myself and so happy. I had such a great time and thoroughly enjoyed creating through that adventure especially because it was a vacation and I had no brand work.
How do you balance the need for authenticity and the desire to present a destination or experience in a positive light, especially when working with sponsors or tourism boards?
I describe the aspects of the product or service that I enjoy or find helpful. Then, if my audience tries it, they can decide for themselves what they think about it. It’s about keeping it real. If I don’t know something, I will say I don’t know.
What challenges have you faced while traveling or creating content? How did you overcome them?
People are often interested in how I’m able to get content at all since I am travelling solo. So it has been interesting also sharing about the content challenges and how I overcome them. My best advice is to get a tripod – that has been my biggest help with solo travel content.
Can you discuss your approach to storytelling through travel content? What do you believe makes a travel story compelling and relatable?
A story should have structure – a beginning, middle, and end. To make it compelling and relatable, I’ve found it works best to let your personality shine. Of course, this takes courage but it definitely gets easier to be vulnerable the more you do it.
What photographic gear do you shoot with?
- Sony A7R III
- iPhone 12
- Tripod
What are your long-term goals and aspirations as a travel content creator? How do you see the industry evolving in the future?
I’m on a mission to continue sharing honest stories about my travels. I aim to grow my audience, visit more new countries (I’m on 25 countries), and encourage more people to push past that feeling of discomfort when trying something for the first time. It is the most fulfilling feeling when someone who follows me sends me a message to let me know that they conquered their fear and are so happy that they did. That’s what Gophari is all about.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring travel content creators who are looking to enter this field?
Have the courage to call yourself a creator and start posting. That’s how we all started. It’s a journey so be patient and enjoy the process on the way to achieving your goals.
