Redefining the Safari: The Rise of Black-Owned Tourism in Africa

​The African safari industry, a significant contributor to the continent's tourism sector, generates over $12 billion annually. Despite this substantial revenue, Black ownership within the industry remains disproportionately low. According to the African Travel and Tourism Association, only about 15% of its more than 600 members are Black-owned safari businesses.

Historical and Systemic Challenges

The underrepresentation of Black entrepreneurs in the safari industry is rooted in historical, economic, and systemic challenges. During the colonial era, European explorers and settlers established control over vast tracts of land, often displacing indigenous communities. This historical land dispossession has resulted in limited land ownership opportunities for Black Africans. Additionally, establishing and running safari lodges demands substantial capital for land acquisition and infrastructure, and access to funding remains extremely scarce for Black entrepreneurs. ​

Pioneering Black-Owned Safari Companies

Despite these challenges, several Black entrepreneurs have made significant strides in the safari industry:​

• African Bush Camps: Founded by Zimbabwean guide Beks Ndlovu in 2006, this award-winning company operates 17 luxury bush camps across Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia. Ndlovu's vision emphasizes conservation and community empowerment, employing over 700 residents and focusing on creating ambassadors within the industry. ​

• Batoka Africa: Established in 2020 by Vimbai Masiyiwa and her mother, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Batoka Africa is noted as Africa's first Black, female-owned safari lodge company. Operating near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the company focuses on uplifting local communities through employment, skill-building, and entrepreneurship, with about 40% of its staff being women. ​

• Bushman Plains Camp: Located in Botswana's Okavango Delta, this camp is the country's first to be majority-owned by the indigenous San people. The camp offers guests an authentic experience led by guides who honor their hunter-gatherer heritage. ​

• Sarafika Tours: Based in Tanzania, Sarafika Tours is a Black-owned, female-led safari company committed to sustainable tourism and community empowerment. The company prioritizes hiring local staff and supporting small businesses, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism remain within the community. ​

• Great Lakes Safaris: Based in Uganda, Great Lakes Safaris is a Black-owned, locally-led safari company founded by Amos Wekesa, committed to sustainable tourism and community empowerment. The company prioritizes authentic East African travel experiences, supports local communities through job creation and hospitality training, and operates eco-friendly lodges that ensure tourism directly benefits surrounding areas and conservation efforts.

The Importance of Supporting Black-Owned Safaris

Supporting Black-owned safari companies is crucial for fostering economic empowerment, promoting cultural representation, and ensuring that tourism benefits local communities. By choosing these companies, travelers contribute to a more inclusive and equitable safari industry that honors and uplifts the heritage and expertise of African entrepreneurs.​

Conclusion

While the African safari industry has historically been dominated by non-Black ownership, the emergence and success of Black-owned safari companies signal a positive shift towards inclusivity and representation. Continued support and investment in these enterprises are essential for creating a more equitable and culturally rich tourism landscape in Africa.