Col·laboren African Bush Camps i Ultimate Safaris

Africa Change Makers (ACM) té un objectiu, salvaguardar el futur del continent.

Two of Africa’s leading safari operators and founding partners of ACM, Beks Ndlovu, CEO of African Bush Camps, and Tristan Cowley, Managing Director of Ultimate Safaris, are leading the way. they are both firm believers in the power of collaboration and share a deeply felt concern for the continent, its people, and remaining wilderness areas. 

Continuity is key, and to build on the great work already accomplished by Africa’s tourism industry pre-pandemic, they are championing the ACM movement which aims to build a reserve of funds to tackle inevitable future challenges. They are hoping that other industry colleagues and members will follow their lead as change is vital for development and growth in Africa. 

Through ACM, partners will contribute a proportion of the value chain towards an ACM “war chest,” which can be accessed when a crisis emerges. Co-investing USD 5 each per bed night sold is the basis of the movement’s long-term financial support model for the people, wildlife, and their future. The movement is working for sustainable travel in Africa and encourages everyone with interest to join.

Africa is a continent that has inspired so many; from explorers and environmentalists to broadcasters and royalty. The rich variety of ecosystems in Africa make it one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Despite being one of the world’s most sustainable destinations, Africa has less than 5% of global tourism revenue. A contribution to Africa is a contribution to the survival of our planet. By encouraging more conscious travellers, we can work together to better protect earth’s natural resources and prepare for likely future challenges. 

The ACM movement was established by the necessity to build a more resilient future for people and wildlife resources alike. The success of this much-needed initiative is dependent on the shared passion and collaborative effort of all parties working across Africa’s tourism industry to ensure a long-term sustainable outlook for the continent. A key pillar of creating a thriving tourism industry includes investment in community and conservation projects in some of the most fragile wildernesses on earth. In creating the ACM fund, the hope is to further protect Africa’s wild places long into the future.

“The pandemic has accelerated fundamental change in the travel industry and in Africa itself” said Beks Ndlovu, a safari guide who founded African Bush Camps in 2006. “We need a stronger commitment from travel products and the travel trade to build a resilient future for Africa, its people, and its wildlife resources. When united, we have the power to give back even more, helping secure a wholesome future for Africa’s wildlife and its people.”

“The last two years have shown that we need to ensure conservation continues even if travel and tourism temporarily doesn’t.” said Tristan Cowley, of Ultimate Safaris. “With Africa Change Makers, we are now inviting our partners in travel, to assist us with this to ensure conservation resilience for times of tourism distress. Our next crisis could be around the corner. Where we are leading, others need to follow. The success of ACM is dependent on many, not just the few, and together we can triumph.”

As well respected, leading authorities in the safari industry, both Beks and Tristan hope that by actively demonstrating their support and commitment to Africa Change Makers, others will follow their lead and become part of this incredible programme to safeguard the future of the continent the industry relies on.  “It is without question that we want to be involved in ACM. As a collective we can achieve so much more.” Said Tristan.

“It is totally understood that many safari companies throughout Africa are already affiliated or part of organizations and foundations that are significant to them, however, Africa Change Makers is about a collective change to rebuild and conserve Africa and its incredible wildlife, ecology, and communities.” Commented Beks. “We are stronger together.”