Ella is very quick to point out that she was born to do this job at African Bush Camps and her enthusiasm quickly shines through whether chatting about African Bush Camps Zimbabwe where the founder Bex Ndlovu is from or African Bush Camps Zambia or African Bush Camps Botswana. It seems to me that Ella is living the dream and I enjoyed listening to her enthusiasm when we spoke about her journey
Why Visit African Bush Camps?
RJZ: Ella, as the head of marketing at African Bush Camps, why should people visit your camps?
ED: Great question. I believe everyone should visit this beautiful part of the world. A safari is a unique adventure offering something unmatched by other travel experiences. At African Bush Camps, we provide an authentic African experience. Our story begins with Beks, our founder and CEO, who grew up just outside Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. His local roots and guiding expertise shape our mission to hire local staff and offer guests genuine perspectives. Experiencing Africa through local eyes makes all the difference.
Guiding is at our core. An exceptional safari requires exceptional guides, and our guides make the bush come alive. We invest heavily in their training, shutting down our camps annually for intensive guide development. This commitment sets us apart in the industry. Additionally, we focus on sharing and conserving Africa together. Our foundation, African Bush Camps Foundation, founded in 2006, integrates conservation and community-led projects into every camp experience.
Ensuring Trust and Transparency
RJZ : How can guests trust that African Bush Camps delivers on its promises of community support and conservation? Is there third-party auditing?
ED: While I can’t confirm specific audits, our foundation is operationally funded by African Bush Camps, not dependent on external donations. Our business is regularly audited, and we collaborate with organizations like the United Nations Tourism Board and the University of Oxford. They recently visited our camps to study our model for broader industry application. Every donation directly supports community projects without hidden operational costs.
Solving Problems for Travellers
RJZ: What problems do you think African Bush Camps solves for tourists?
ED: A safari provides a rare chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, family, and friends. In our busy lives, it’s valuable to find such space. For travellers unfamiliar with Africa, we offer seamless experiences from start to finish, alleviating concerns about logistics or safety. With 18 years of experience, we manage all aspects, from arrival to camp, ensuring smooth travel to remote locations like African Bush Camps Zambia or African Bush Camps Zimbabwe.
Addressing Safety and Perceptions
RJZ: Do you think travellers worry about visiting Africa?
ED: Yes, media narratives often focus on negative events, creating misconceptions. However, when guests visit and interact with locals, they see the beauty and safety firsthand. We aim to counter these perceptions by illuminating real stories through our camps. Guests often request full-service assistance from arrival, which is why trusted agents play a critical role in bridging that gap.
Personalized Safari Experience
RJZ: What is the guest-to-staff ratio at your camps?
ED: Our camps are intimate. For instance, at Somalisa Camp, we maintain nearly a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio. Each camp typically hosts 20-24 guests, supported by over 60 staff. This ensures personalized and attentive service.
Guest Feedback and Engagement
RJZ: How do you handle guest feedback? Can guests reach out directly to Beks?
ED: Absolutely. Beks values guest interactions deeply. Guests complete feedback forms at the end of their stay, reviewed at multiple levels from camp managers to head office. Any rating below exceptional prompts a thorough investigation. While Beks may not have a public phone number, he is active on social media and engages regularly with guests. We cherish guest stories about impactful experiences, such as visiting community projects or seeing conservation efforts firsthand.
Ella’s Journey to African Bush Camps
RJZ: Can you share a bit about yourself and how you arrived at this role?
ED: I joined African Bush Camps Botswana in December but have known Beks since I was 12. With a Zimbabwean father and a deep love for this region, I’ve always wanted to return. Though I grew up in the UK, I spent significant time in Zimbabwe, shaping my passion for safari and conservation. My expertise lies in digital marketing, which aligns well with modernizing the safari industry. Working for African Bush Camps allows me to contribute to something I believe in wholeheartedly.
Favourite Destination
RJZ: What is your favourite destination?
ED: My favourite is Nyamatusi Camp in Mana Pools. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, blending land and water with breathtaking views of the Zambian escarpment. The walking safaris there are incredible, offering intimate wildlife encounters. I love spending hours on foot, fully immersed in nature.
A Memorable Experience in the Bush
RJZ: Can you share a fun or hair-raising experience from the bush?
ED: Once, during a non-ABC safari, we encountered a protective lioness on foot. She was defending her cubs, and we accidentally found ourselves too close. She emerged from the bush just a meter away, growling. We crouched low, signalling respect, and she moved on peacefully. It was exhilarating and reinforced the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries. Experiences like these highlight the raw beauty of safaris at places like African Bush Camps Zambia and African Bush Camps Botswana.
Interested in finding out more about great safari deals to Botswana, Zambia or Zimbabwe, please feel free to email rael@wildsunsets.travel or check out some of our specials at www.wildsunsets.travel