New Foundation to Deliver Clean Water to Uganda’s Batwa, Where Life Expectancy is Just 28
Echoes of Ubuntu, co-founded by Ugandan-born U.S. travel professional Amarjit Keshav and Canadian journalist Lorraine Simpson, breaks ground in November on its first water project.
Echoes of Ubuntu is a new charitable foundation co-founded by Canadian travel journalist Lorraine Simpson and U.S.-based, Ugandan-born travel professional Amarjit Keshav. Inspired during the Pearl of Africa Tourism Conference, the foundation is dedicated to supporting Uganda’s marginalised communities, beginning with the Batwa of Bwindi — where life expectancy is just 28 years.
Our first project will break ground in November 2025, delivering clean-water facilities to Batwa families. Unlike many charities, 100% of donations go directly to community projects, as all start-up costs are personally covered by the founders.
✨ You can help by donating, fundraising in your community, or joining us on a fundraising trip to Uganda. Together, we can turn compassion into action.
Travel with me on an adventure
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The Ultimate Tanzania & Zanzibar Escape
Join me for an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s wild heart and the paradise shores of Zanzibar. This safe and spectacular country is home to incredible wildlife and rich culture in stunning landscapes. Track the Big Five across the Serengeti, descend into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, and connect with local tribes and community projects. Then relax in Zanzibar swim in turquoise waters, stroll white-sand beaches, and take in its vibrant heritage.
Two guaranteed departure dates: November 11, 2025 & January 10, 2026 (13 nights)
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March Break Uganda Adventure
Welcome to the wild heart of East Africa—Uganda, where the legendary Big Seven await. This once-in-a-lifetime journey takes you deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas, then on to the treetops of Kibale to track playful chimpanzees. Spot elephants, lions, and elusive leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and immerse yourself in vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, welcoming communities.
Uganda stole my heart—and I promise, it will steal yours too. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
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Scenes and Screens England
Step into the world of Britain’s most beloved television and film locations on this 8-night, 9-day small group journeythrough London, Berkshire, Bath, and the Cotswolds.
Enjoy afternoon tea on a vintage double-decker bus, explore foodie delights at Spitalfields Market, and walk in the footsteps of the Crawleys with a visit to Highclere Castle and the village of Bampton from Downton Abbey. In Bath, a Bridgerton expert will guide us through elegant Georgian streets and filming locations, before we continue to the Cotswolds, & Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm and pub.
Meet Lorraine
Lorraine Simpson – Award-Winning Travel Expert
Lorraine Simpson is a nationally and internationally recognised travel personality, regularly featured on major networks in Canada and the USA, including City TV, FOX, and CTV. She is a sought-after speaker at global tourism events, a respected travel journalist for outlets such as Village Media, and a trusted voice on all things travel.
Her true passion lies in leading hosted groups worldwide, curating unique experiences that connect like-minded travellers.
Lorraine also works closely with destinations and travel companies to design impactful FAM trips, create engaging media content, and provide training for travel professionals on selling more effectively.
This site reflects her passion for travel: hosting trips, speaking, writing, training, and helping destinations reach North American travellers.
Some of my Videos
This is my Cityline segment about the origins of halloween - Ireland. It was the time I fell in love with Ireland to later buy a home there.
This is just funny, watch as you see what kind of scary stuff they make me do filming around the world. I almost lost my arm!
Services Offered:
TV, Radio & Print Segments: Expert commentary on global travel, from cruise news to luxury safaris.
Marketing & Brand Partnerships: Engaging content creation, campaign development, and destination promotion tailored to North American audiences.
FAM Trip Design & Hosting: Immersive, small-group educational journeys that help travel advisors and media experience and sell destinations with confidence.
Speaking Engagements: Conference keynotes and workshops on travel trends, adaptability, and growth strategies for the tourism industry.
Lorraine connects destinations, media, and travellers with powerful storytelling and proven results.
Watch Lorraine on Cityline
Bedbugs and Tips - Click here
Watch lorraine on BT talking to Syd about dreaded bedbugs
Lorraine and Keith’s Irish Cottages
In the midst of the pandemic's turmoil, Keith and Lorraine embarked on an audacious journey, transforming five neglected Irish cottages into a beacon of hope and renewal. With their travel business in shambles and financial pressures mounting, the couple sold their Canadian home to navigate through the crisis, investing in a future they had yet to see. Armed with Keith's extensive building experience and Lorraine's design flair, aided by friends like Shai Deluca, they navigated unexpected challenges—from hidden adult toys to spider communities and a forgotten fountain in the overgrown yard. Despite obstacles like a major flood, their unwavering commitment turned dilapidated structures into beautiful short-term rentals. This narrative isn't just a renovation story; it's a testament to resilience, community support, and the transformative power of love and hard work, offering a new beginning in the face of adversity. To read more about their story click here. To book click here www.lemonadecottages.com
When Downton Abbey first hit the screen, it became an instant sensation. The upstairs downstairs drama of the Crawleys and their staff drew millions of viewers around the world, myself included. It was not just another period drama. It was television at its finest, running for many seasons and captivating fans with its elegance, wit, and unforgettable characters.
In Canada, I even ran the Downton Abbey Fan Club, where fellow enthusiasts gathered to celebrate our shared obsession. At my tea room in Jordan Village, I hosted themed Downton Abbey High Teas. Guests would arrive in hats and gloves, sip Earl Grey, and debate Lady Mary’s romances or Mr. Carson’s standards as if they were part of our own neighbourhood gossip.