By Lea Thin, freelance writer
Reclaiming African landscapes! Decolonizing the safari business
The colonial history of safari tourism is deeply intertwined with the broader history of European colonialism in Africa. Early European explorers, missionaries, and hunters were among the first to document Africa's diverse wildlife and landscapes and romanticized the view of Africa as a land of adventure.
Colonial Legacies of Safari: From Big Game Hunting to Modern Conservation
The safari industry's historical roots reveal its colonial legacy. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European aristocrats and wealthy individuals traveled to Africa for big game hunting, using safaris to demonstrate bravery and prowess. The term "safari," from the Swahili word for journey, became linked to these hunting expeditions. By the early 20th century, safaris evolved into organized commercial ventures, facilitated by European guides and companies that settled in Africa. Infrastructure developments, like the Uganda Railway, opened up remote areas for tourism and hunting.
This colonial-era hunting significantly impacted wildlife and indigenous communities. Overhunting led to wildlife population declines, prompting colonial governments to implement game laws and create national parks and reserves. These measures, however, often prioritized wealthy hunters and excluded local populations, perpetuating inequality. Indigenous communities were being excluded from decision-making processes, frequently displaced and losing access to vital resources. The influx of European tourists also disrupted traditional lifestyles, devaluing indigenous knowledge about wildlife and the environment.
Post-decolonization in the mid-20th century saw a shift from hunting to photographic safaris, driven by changing attitudes toward conservation and global environmental movements. Modern safari operators and governments now emphasize stricter conservation measures to protect species and mitigate negative impacts on wildlife and indigenous communities.
A Decolonized Safari Industry?
Safaris today mix adventure and conservation balancing tourism, wildlife protection, and indigenous rights. But colonial influences continue to shape the industry; Modern safari tourism often still portrays African landscapes and wildlife as exotic and primitive, reinforcing colonial stereotypes. Local traditions are staged for entertainment, reducing rich cultural practices to performative displays. Especially indigenous communities, like the Maasai and San, are often romanticized, depicted in ways that fit Western ideals of "noble savages," overlooking their modern challenges. This marketing strategy marginalizes local perspectives and reinforces the colonial dynamic, presenting African resources and cultures primarily for foreign enjoyment. Further, many safari operators cater to Western tourists, still emphasizing luxury and exclusivity, highlighting the economic divide between affluent visitors and local communities. At the same time high-end lodges and exclusive experiences for wealthy tourists often provide minimal economic benefits to local populations.
Safari by Locals: African Bush Camps
Decolonizing the safari business requires collaboration between local communities, governments, NGOs, and the private sector. They must ensure inclusive conservation practices, accurately represent indigenous cultures, and equitably share economic benefits. A few local enterprises try to develop new forms of cooperation. African Bush Camps founded by Zimbabwean Beks Ndlovu, is challenging conventional safari operators through an approach that emphasizes community-based conservation and social responsibility. Community engagement and empowerment are high on the company’s agenda. Beks, being from a local Zimbabwean community himself, highlights the importance of involving local communities: “By having safari properties run by local people, you are not only providing jobs and support to local communities, but you spark the realization of how the tourism industry helps sustain and conserve their homelands, thus encouraging the local people to aid in the protection of wildlife and landscapes.” African Bush Camps invests in various community projects aimed at improving education, healthcare, and the overall quality of life for local residents. Additionally, the company runs programs that empower women and youth, providing them with skills and opportunities to participate in the tourism industry. This approach not only benefits the communities but also fosters sustainable livelihoods dependent on preserving the natural environment. Understanding and involving local structures creates a win-win for both communities and tourists. “Part of the African Bush Camps ethos is to give back to the communities that help run our camps. By meeting with community elders and being guided in what their needs are, we can help fill in the gaps needed to uplift and empower our surrounding communities and give back to our team on the ground. It also offers a different level of guest experience, as local staff will come with their own depth of knowledge and stories of their homeland, providing a truly authentic African experience,” says Beks.
Authentic safari trip: A long way to go
Safari tourism remains a vital economic driver in many African countries and offers employment opportunities. However, its deep colonial roots continue to influence modern practices and perspectives. Community-based tourism providers and local companies are still outsiders next to the big players from Europe and the North America. However, their importance is growing helping to move the safari industry towards a more equitable and sustainable model that respects and values the rights and traditions of local communities while preserving Africa's rich wildlife and landscapes for future generations.