By The UNCHARTED® editors · 6 min read
Safari Superstar: Meet the Visionary Who’s Empowering Local Africans
With camps in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia,
Beks Ndlovu is breaking barriers and leading the
way for Black and female empowerment.
The 21st century has presented Beks Ndlovu with no shortage of challenges in establishing his safari business: Political and economic turmoil in his home country of Zimbabwe. The 2008 recession. Ebola and COVID. Not to mention the headwinds he has faced as a Black entrepreneur in a historically white sector.
Despite it all, African Bush Camps (ABC) now has 17 sites in prime locations across Ndlovu’s native Zimbabwe and in neighboring Zambia and Botswana. And he isn’t stopping now.
ABC avoids the cookie-cutter implications of having a chain operation by employing local guides wherever possible and creating distinctive camps that blend in with their surrounding environment. Furthermore, the company devotes a percentage of its revenues to community development projects that support the health and well-being of its neighbors and their shared ecosystems.
Ndlovu attributes the success of his operation to the quality of guiding that his guests receive. While he has been called “the poster boy for Black empowerment” within the safari industry, he’s also dedicated to setting up programs that train women to take their places among ABC’s impressive roster of professional guides.
Ndlovu grew up in the shadow of Hwange National Park, worked his way up in camp operations and management, and started guiding in 1999. He opened his first camp, Somalisa, in Hwange in 2006, and has since then been gradually expanding the ABC portfolio to include Mana Pools and the Matopos Hills in Zimbabwe; the Makgadikgadi salt pan, Okavango Delta, and Linyanti area of Botswana; and the Lower Zambezi River in Zambia — plus he has ambitions for expansion to Zambia’s South Luangwa and Kafue national parks.
Despite the stature he has attained as a uniquely successful industry leader, Ndlovu remains a modest-sounding ambassador for the holistic relationship between tourism, conservation and economic opportunity.
These responses have been edited for concision and clarity.
Q1: You started as a guide and became an entrepreneur and CEO. What in your background prepared you to succeed?
A pivotal moment in my life was when a herd of elephants invaded our garden. Chasing them off and tracking them the next morning sparked my fascination with wildlife. Visiting a safari camp during school holidays where a friend worked as an intern also opened my eyes to a career in tourism, and this blend of thrilling experiences and hands-on learning in nature solidified my path. It wasn't just about outdoor skills, but about turning my passion for nature into a fulfilling profession.
Q4: Since 2021 ABC has been dedicated to training women to become a quarter of your guiding team. What is the progress report on that agenda?
Q2: Is it correct that ABC is the first Black-owned safari company?
I’m unsure if we are the first Black-owned safari company, but it is true that for a very long time this was an industry that was far from accessible for people of color. There is no doubt that I am one of the first few Black operators to have ever developed a portfolio of luxury high-end safari camps and broken that industry mold.
We’ve launched three cohorts so far, and our Female Guides Program won the 2023 Regenerative Travel Impact Awards in the education category. Our goal is to train 25 by 2025. With over 90 percent of safari guides in the region being male, this program focuses on skills training, mentorship, job shadowing, and rotations across our camps. We aim to equip them with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in this field!
Q3: What sets your camps apart from the competition?
"Guides are the bridge between guests and nature."
What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on hospitality, centered around our dedicated team. We envision the guest's journey from the moment they arrive, ensuring every interaction is warm and genuine. This commitment to authentic hospitality leaves a lasting impression and draws guests back.
Q5: Why is it important to promote female guides?
Q8: What are some of the more memorable experiences you’ve had in the bush?
Women face numerous challenges, from traditional gender norms to lack of training opportunities, and we believe in their untapped potential and resiliency. By nurturing and empowering them, we challenge those norms and enrich the safari experience with unique perspectives. This initiative isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about blending skills, passion, and a deep understanding of our African heritage. We’re creating a future where the wild welcomes everyone, and women play an integral role in the safari narrative. We look for qualities like outgoing personalities, strong communication skills, passion for wildlife, and problem-solving abilities.
Different wildlife experiences have left lasting impressions on me. In Hwange, tracking lions on foot in the sandy, Kalahari-like terrain was incredibly thrilling, from observing their paw prints in the desert soils to hearing their calls at night.
Another exceptional experience was following bull elephants through the acacia forest and floodplain of the Zambezi River. Spending time with those gentle giants in such a beautiful setting was unforgettable!
Living on the water's edge of Lake Kariba and spotting black rhinos daily was another cherished highlight. Studying their behavior, familiarizing myself with their sounds, and finding them in the remote wilderness was an incredible privilege. Sadly, due to poaching, there are no black rhinos left in the area, but I'm hopeful future management efforts will bring them back.
Q6: How does a great guide make or break a trip?
Guides are the bridge between guests and nature. They interpret the language of the bush, making the safari experience both educational and unforgettable. Our emphasis on guiding remains at the pinnacle in these remote homelands where the safari experience remains authentic and is done by locals who create magical experiences.
Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have diverse and extraordinary experiences. From exploring the desolate deserts of Namibia to tracking gorillas in the Congo, I've been blessed with incredible moments in nature. Each experience has enriched my understanding of wildlife and conservation, making my journey as a guide truly fulfilling.
Q7: What distinguishes your training from others in the field?
Each year, we bring together guides from Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia for a week of intensive training covering various topics related to tourism, tracking, sustainability, and conservation. We also have a strong mentorship program where our senior staff offer further guidance throughout the year. With a portfolio of various camps, we can move guides around so they can experience different habitats as well.
"From tracking lions on foot, observing their paw prints in the desert soils and hearing their calls at night, to following bull elephants through the acacia forest and floodplain of the Zambezi River ... my bush career has been unforgettable."
Q9: If someone is going to Southern Africa for the first time, they typically want to travel to South Africa. What case would you make for traveling to other parts of the region like Zimbabwe, Zambia, or Botswana?
Q10: Do you have a family? Where do you live?
I have three [teenage] children, I have a great co-parenting relationship with their mother, and we all live in Cape Town. They are growing up with a deep appreciation for nature, and I hope they will be inspired to continue our legacy in the safari business.
Southern Africa offers incredible diversity beyond South Africa. I recommend a multifaceted journey that includes exploring various landscapes, from deserts to river valleys. Incorporating experiences on foot, in boats, and even from the air provides a deeper appreciation of the wildlife and local communities. This type of journey offers an all-encompassing and unforgettable experience, immersing visitors in the heart of Africa's rich tapestry of life.
UNCHARTED™ is a high-end adventure-travel company that designs, plans, curates, and executes unforgettable travel experiences. If you can dream it, we can make it happen.
Make An Inquiry
Meet the Visionary Empowering Africans
