How a Detroit native with Ugandan heritage claimed every corner of the world
Photo credit: Contemporary Class
On October 6, 2019, Jessica Nabongo stepped onto the soil of the Seychelles and made history. She had just become the first Black woman documented to visit every country in the world—all 195 UN-recognized nations. Her journey wasn't just about stamps in a passport; it was a declaration that Black women belong everywhere.
The Mission Begins
Jessica Nabongo was born in Detroit to Ugandan immigrant parents who instilled in her a love for both her heritage and exploration. After earning degrees in English, then working in pharmaceuticals and later a travel expert and consultant, she made a pivotal decision: she would see the entire world.
In 2017, she set an ambitious goal—to visit every country on Earth. At the time, around 150 people had accomplished this feat, and no Black woman had done so with documented verification.
"I wanted to show Black women and girls that the world is ours," Nabongo has said. "That we're not just welcome—we belong."
The Journey Across 195 Countries
Over the course of nearly three years, Nabongo navigated the logistics that make extreme travel challenging: visa requirements, political instability, remote locations, and the practical realities of being a Black woman traveling solo in unfamiliar territory.
She visited tourist favorites like France and Italy, but also less-traveled nations like Turkmenistan, South Sudan, and Nauru. Each country offered lessons, connections, and stories. She documented her journey on her blog, "The Catch Me If You Can," building a community of followers who traveled vicariously through her experiences.
More Than Tourism
What distinguished Nabongo's journey was her approach. She didn't speed through countries to check boxes; she sought genuine experiences and cultural connections. She stayed in local guesthouses, ate street food, and engaged with communities on their terms.
Her Ugandan heritage gave her a particular connection to Africa, where she found warmth and recognition across the continent. But she also challenged herself in places where Black travelers are rare, expanding the map of where people who look like us are seen.
The Book: "The Catch Me If You Can"
In 2022, Nabongo published The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World, a National Geographic book that combines stunning photography with personal essays about her experiences. The book is both a travel guide and a manifesto—proof that with determination, resources, and courage, Black women can claim every inch of this planet.
Building a Legacy
Since completing her global journey, Nabongo has become one of the most influential voices in travel. She consults with tourism boards, speaks at international conferences, and continues to advocate for more representation of Black travelers in media and marketing.
Her travel brand has expanded into curated group experiences, connecting her community with destinations that offer transformational experiences. She remains committed to showing that luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion are not mutually exclusive.
What Jessica Teaches Us
Jessica Nabongo's achievement is more than a record—it's a rebuttal to every limitation placed on Black women. It's proof that the barriers we face are not about our capability but about the world's failure to recognize our belonging.
When Jessica Nabongo landed in the Seychelles, she wasn't just completing a personal goal. She was planting a flag for every Black woman who has ever been told she doesn't belong somewhere.
The message is clear: We belong everywhere. And the world is ours to explore.
Inspired by Jessica Nabongo's global journey? Learn about Jessica and other Black history pioneers, then explore our upcoming trips and start claiming your place on the map.
