Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
SHE once owned the catwalk with poise, power and presence.
But now model Letwin Tatenda Tiriwaringe is owning boardrooms and booking luxury safaris as she flips the script in spectacular style.
The former beauty queen has traded high fashion for high-end travel, emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s most exciting young entrepreneurs in the tourism game.
And make no mistake—this is no side hustle.
Letwin is the brains behind Safari Destiny, trading as Travel Zim, a fast-growing travel brand that is connecting international clients to Zimbabwe’s biggest gems, including the breathtaking Victoria Falls, the wildlife-rich Hwange National Park and the exclusive Mana Pools National Park.
But how does a runway star pivot into tourism—and win?
“People think it’s a big jump,” Letwin tells Zimpapers Entertainment Hub.
“But modelling exposed me to the world. I travelled, met different people and understood what international clients really want. So for me, it was always part of the bigger picture.”
And that “bigger picture” is now paying off.
With operations stretching between Europe and Zimbabwe, Letwin is tapping into elite global networks to sell Zimbabwe as a premium destination—not just for holidays, but for lifestyle experiences.
“I realised we have something special as a country, but sometimes we don’t package it well,” she says.
“I wanted to build a brand that speaks to the world in a language they understand—luxury, trust and experience.”From destination weddings and golf tours to medical tourism and bespoke safaris, Travel Zim is fast becoming a go-to plug for high-end travellers looking for something different—and distinctly African.
But behind the glamour of success is a grind many don’t see.
“There’s always that perception when you come from modelling,” she says. “People don’t take you seriously at first. But I’ve learned that results speak louder than anything. You just have to keep showing up.”
And showing up she is.
Industry insiders say Letwin is part of a new wave of young African entrepreneurs who are changing the narrative—taking control of how Africa is marketed and experienced globally.
For her, it’s more than business—it’s branding Zimbabwe.
“When someone hears ‘Zimbabwe’, I want them to think beauty, adventure, luxury,” she says. “I want them to feel curious. I want them to come and experience it for themselves.”
But even as she builds her empire, Letwin hasn’t forgotten her roots—or her purpose.
Away from the spotlight, she runs the Letwin Tiwaringe Foundation, a non-profit organisation supporting anti-bullying campaigns, education, health and community development.
“We live by helping others,” she says. “For me, success is not just about making money—it’s about making an impact.”
A portion of her tourism business feeds directly into the foundation, blending profit with purpose in a way that sets her apart from the typical showbiz success story.
And while many celebrities fade after the spotlight dims, Letwin is doing the opposite—reinventing, rebuilding and rising.From flashing cameras to safari sunsets, she is proving that reinvention is the ultimate glow-up.
“I’m just getting started,” she says with quiet confidence.
And if her current trajectory is anything to go by, Zimbabwe—and the world—better be ready.
Before stepping into the tourism industry, Letwin built a strong foundation in modelling, where she gained both local recognition and international exposure.
Her journey began in Zimbabwe, where she quickly stood out for her confidence, elegance and commanding runway presence, earning titles on various national platforms.
Her big break came when she started representing Zimbabwe on global stages, competing in prestigious pageants such as World Next Top Model, Miss Supranational, Miss Polo International, Miss Eco International, Miss Southern Africa, Miss Landscapes International and Miss Cosmopolitan World.
These platforms not only elevated her profile but also positioned her as a global ambassador of Zimbabwean beauty and culture.
Through modelling, Letwin travelled extensively across Europe and beyond, working with diverse brands, designers and creatives.
This exposure sharpened her understanding of branding, presentation and international standards—skills that would later become central to her business ventures.
“Modelling opened doors for me,” she has said. “It exposed me to different cultures and taught me how to present myself and my country on a global stage.”
Her modelling career was not just about glamour, but about building networks, discipline and a global outlook—key elements that continue to shape her entrepreneurial journey today.
