African safaris are one of the most thrilling and adventurous experiences one can have in their lifetime. They offer an opportunity to explore the vast wilderness of Africa and witness the beauty and diversity of its wildlife.
Africa is home to some of the most iconic and majestic animals in the world, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and rhinoceroses, among many others. On a safari, visitors have the chance to see these animals in their natural habitats, roaming free and undisturbed.
There are many different types of African safaris available, ranging from self-drive options to guided tours led by experienced professionals. It’s important to note that African safaris come with their own set of challenges and considerations, such as safety concerns, health risks, and environmental impacts. It’s crucial to plan and prepare accordingly, and to work with reputable and responsible tour operators who prioritize sustainable tourism practices. However, the African safaris can sometimes be too structured and stiff, not giving the wanderers the flexibility to venture out and explore the wonders of the African wilderness in different ways. Due to this, an individual named Beks Ndlovu branched off to start his own camp, a place where guides could be creative and imaginative.
African safaris are often considered critical in terms of exploring wilderness because Africa is home to some of the world’s most diverse and unique ecosystems and wildlife. Additionally, African safaris offer a wide range of experiences, from traditional game drives in open vehicles to walking safaris, horseback safaris, and hot air balloon rides over the savannah. These different types of safaris allow visitors to experience the African wilderness in a variety of ways and get up close and personal with the animals and landscapes.
Beks Ndlovu founded African Bush Camps in 2006 with the intention of establishing an authentic safari experience that actively involves local communities. Currently, Ndlovu possesses ten camps in total, which are located in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia and are built on the principles of sustainable tourism.
Additionally, the African Bush Camps Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on conservation, education, and community empowerment in the areas surrounding the company’s camp locations. The foundation and the company work in partnership, with 2.5% of the company’s revenue going toward the foundation each year. Additionally, the company automatically donates USD10 for every bed night accommodated at its camps. All donations go towards community-based development projects initiated by the foundation. The foundation has spearheaded 72 community projects across Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia since its inception, and 42 of these projects are currently operational under the foundation’s supervision. These projects include generating activities, healthcare, clean water projects, and hosting programs that promote conservation awareness.
As a precautionary measure due to reduced staff numbers, Ndlovu mentions that they have maintained 25% of their staff on-site to ensure adequate surveillance in the field. He acknowledges that poaching incidents have unfortunately increased, but remains optimistic about the long-term future of safaris. African Bush Camps is a company with a philosophy that emphasizes the provision of personalized and privately guided experiences to its customers. They are dedicated to providing highly trained safari guides who can educate travelers about the African wilderness and to further this ambition, a new luxurious safari camp called Lolebezi has been launched by African Bush Camps (ABC) in the secluded wilderness of the eastern part of the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. Beks Ndlovu, the spokesperson for ABC, believes that this location provides an ideal setting for tourists to immerse themselves in the richness of Africa and witness the magnificence and strength of the Zambezi River.
African Bush Camp (ABC) has been recognized with a Green Tourism Gold Certification for its outstanding efforts in conservation work throughout Africa. With a strong focus on sustainability and conservation, ABC ensures that all its properties embody these values, and Lolebezi is no exception. The camp is powered entirely by a solar farm and incorporates concealed climate control systems to maximize energy efficiency while raising awareness of the solar farm’s capabilities. According to Ndlovu, it is necessary not only to diversify the management of safari camps but also the demographic of visitors they target. Rather than solely marketing to affluent individuals between the ages of 45 and 65, Ndlovu suggests expanding the target audience to include millennials and other groups who may not have previously considered visiting African parks.
