Essay· From the Bush· Building in Africa

Why African Safari Brands Need More African Voices

The industry tells Africa's stories to the world. Not enough of those stories are told by Africans.

By Bavu Vilane7 min readHoedspruit, Limpopo

Hoedspruit, Limpopo. A view I have had so many times it no longer surprises me—it just reminds me.

The safari industry is one of the world's great storytelling machines. It shapes how millions of people imagine an entire continent. Most of the people running that machine are not from here.

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Published October 14, 2025
Dawn light over the Kruger floodplain
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What the Bush Taught Me About Operations

The bush runs perfectly without a single meeting, strategy deck, or KPI dashboard. There is a lesson in that.

6 min read

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