Celebrating Females in Safari with African Bush Camps

Females in Safari is a platform dedicated to celebrating female empowerment within our business and the broader tourism industry. From women-led operations across our Experiences in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana, to our Female Guides Program and community initiatives supporting mothers and young girls, we are committed to investing in women’s development across leadership, education, business, and career advancement.

“I was inspired by my daughter to apply for the Female Guides Program. When I was accepted, she said, ‘Wow, mom, are you going to see many elephants? I’ve never seen elephants before!’ Now, I’m excited to experience so much more when I get out there. I want to witness a lion take down a giraffe, see a variety of animal species, and learn how to master the mokoro. I encourage other women to apply for this program and join us in becoming the best. I know I’ll be one of the best when I get out there!”

This story by Gorata Tshekoeng, who joined African Bush Camps in July 2022 as a female guide trainee in Botswana, is a powerful reminder of why representation in the workplace matters. Inspired by her daughter to apply for the program, Gorata’s journey highlights the importance of creating opportunities and platforms that empower women to grow and develop. By providing these opportunities, we are not only inspiring the next generation of young girls but also showing them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. We aim to create spaces for women to thrive in industries and roles that were once male-dominated.

At the heart of our business is the belief that sharing and conserving Africa, together, is essential to our success. This philosophy keeps us grounded, reminding us that our growth as a company is directly tied to the growth of our people. We are therefore committed to promoting the development and inclusion of women in all roles across our business and Experiences, helping to create a more equal and empowering future for all.

Of our African Bush Camps family, which includes over 500 staff members across our Experiences and offices in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa, 42.2% are women with 65% of the management roles in our Experiences being occupied by women. These women fill a wide range of roles, including finance, camp managers, regional managers, human resources, safari guides, foundation ambassadors, sales consultants, and product managers. This percentage continues to grow as we focus on retaining, developing, and promoting top talent within our business.

Through initiatives like our Female Guides Program and our women’s empowerment projects in local communities in Botswana and Zimbabwe, we are committed to empowering women and fostering economic growth. These projects support women-run businesses in areas like fashion, basket weaving, and jewelery, helping generate income for families. We believe investing in these programs is essential for building healthy, thriving communities by providing women with a voice, skills development, ownership, and independence.

Females in Safari Event at Thorntree River Lodge

On the 24th October 2022, we hosted our first Females in Safari event at Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia, in partnership with Elevate Destinations. Elevate Destinations is dedicated to driving benefits to destinations by encouraging travelers to connect with and invest in the places they visit. As part of the event, we organized a career day for high school girls from the Believe Girls Club in Zambia.

The Believe Girls Foundation empowers young girls by providing them with the skills and confidence to transition into adulthood through access to higher education and creating a platform for girls to take an active role in their well-being. The Believe Girls Club spent the day with us at camp, exploring career opportunities in the safari industry and learning from the incredible women who lead our camps. These women shared their experiences and insights on what it takes to thrive in the traditionally male-dominated safari industry.

Our panel of inspiring female speakers for the day included our camp manager, assistant camp manager, hostess, head of housekeeping and foundation ambassador, chef, beauty therapist, trainee female guides, and our foundation and communications officer. Each shared their unique career experiences, professional advice, and insights into the significance of being a woman in the safari industry.

“Know yourself, that is your power”-Hellen Thorntree Assistant Manager

As part of this event, we also gave back to the local community in Maunga Village by donating care packs for new mothers, supporting our ongoing foundation project in the area.

Zozibini Tunzi, the longest-reigning Miss Universe from Africa, once said, “I think the most important thing… is leadership. It’s something that has been lacking in young women and girls for a very long time, not because we don’t want to, but because of what society has labelled women to be. I believe we are the most powerful beings in the world and should be given every opportunity.”