When it comes to planning a luxury vacation, travelers today are on the lookout for something truly special. They want an experience that's not just lavish but also unique, authentic, and meaningful. In recent years, an exciting trend has emerged in the world of travel: the rise of luxury lodges in Africa. These lodges not only offer top-notch accommodations but the important part is that they also give back to the communities they are a part.

Our CEO and Founder, Courtnie Nichols had the pleasure of speaking with Ruvarashe Manhombo, Group Sales & Marketing Executive at Batoka Africa, the company behind Zambezi Sands, a newly opened luxury tented camp in Zimbabwe. They met at a travel tradeshow, We Are Africa, which helps connect African hospitality providers with luxury travel advisors from North America to increase awareness and help them understand the product better.

Ruva shared some valuable insights into what makes these tents and lodges so special and the crucial role that travel advisors play in connecting travelers with these extraordinary destinations.

The Rise of Female-Owned Lodges in Africa

Africa's vast and diverse landscapes have long been a magnet for travelers seeking unspoiled beauty and adventure. In recent years, a wave of female entrepreneurs has stepped onto the scene, leading the way in luxury hospitality. One standout example is Batoka Africa, the first black woman-owned luxury safari group in Africa.

The founder of Batoka Africa, Vimbai Masiyiwa, is a trailblazing woman who has shattered glass ceilings and set a new standard in the industry. At just 29 years old, she pioneered the opening of Zambezi Sands, a lodge situated in the Zambezi National Park, a stone's throw away from the iconic Victoria Falls. This lodge is not only a testament to African luxury but also a manifestation of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Africa has always been a dream destination for travelers seeking awe-inspiring landscapes and adventures. In recent years, a wave of female entrepreneurs has stepped onto the luxury hospitality scene. A shining example of this is Batoka Africa, a company that's making waves in the industry.

The co-founder of Batoka Africa, Vimbai Masiyiwa, is a young and visionary woman who broke barriers by opening Zambezi Sands, a lodge located in the Zambezi National Park near Victoria Falls. This lodge is not just a place to stay; it's a symbol of empowerment and a tribute to female entrepreneurship.

Why is Batoka Africa so special?

When Courtnie met Ruva at We Are Africa, she was excited about the opportunity to learn more about the first black women-owned safari hospitality group in Africa. The fundamental mission that underpins what we do at Batoka Africa is to shift the African narrative in terms of the perception around tourism as well as success, with all of our values and actions feeding into this.

We fundamentally aim to create impact through sustainable luxury tourism which in turn drives other aspects of the business.

People are at the heart of Batoka's philosophy, emphasizing the well-being of staff, guests, and the surrounding community. The lodges aim to uplift and improve lives while maintaining a profitable business, recognizing that profit and purpose are intertwined.

The guest experience at Batoka's properties is all about connecting with the people of Africa and immersing yourself in an experience authentic to the spirit of the place.

What is the luxury experience like at Zambezi Sands?  

What sets these lodges apart is their commitment to providing an exceptional experience to their guests. When you visit a tented lodge like Zambezi Sands, you're not just booking a room; you're immersing yourself in a community through a luxury and sustainability-driven experience with community at its core.

Zambezi Sands is a member of Beyond Green Hotels (a collection of sustainable hotels around the world) and "I Prefer" (loyalty reward program for Preferred Hotels & Resorts) groups, which are all about sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Being part of prestigious groups like these is a testament to their commitment to sustainability and purpose-driven travel. 

From an ecological perspective, Batoka Zambezi Sands generates their electricity from solar power, minimizing their environmental footprint. They also make it a point to eliminate single-use plastics from their operations, helping to protect the environment. 

But here's what truly sets these lodges apart: their authentic commitment to their local communities. At Zambezi Sands, 10% of every guest’s night stay goes into the Tesse Fund which allows the staff to create and support projects in their own communities. So, your stay doesn't just enrich your life it enriches the lives of those who call this place home.

Why does Batoka Africa partner with Travel Advisors like TravelBash?

The success of female-owned lodges in Africa is closely tied to their collaboration with travel advisors. Travel advisors play a pivotal role in connecting discerning travelers with these unique destinations that align with their values, and aspirations. 

These relationships often begin at industry events like We Are Africa, where travel advisors get a chance to learn about the properties and build a connection with their sales team. It then evolves into the travel advisor visiting the destination and immersing themselves in the property to fully understand the offerings and what makes them special. Travel advisors get to know the people behind the scenes, which allows them to genuinely promote these destinations to their clients.

The importance of building trust and relationships between travel advisors and luxury properties

Building strong relationships between resorts and travel advisors takes time and effort. It's all about the travel advisor understanding the property’s unique offering and price point and how to match it with the right client. By creating these relationships, both hotels and travel advisors can work together to ensure their clients’ expectations are met and have a mem

One example Ruva shared was the story of an Israeli travel agent who had specific dietary requirements for their client. By providing this information before the guest’s arrival, the property was able to match the needs of the client, ensuring a smooth and comfortable stay.

How do travel advisors learn more about unique luxury properties like Zambezi Sands?

Events like We Are Africa provide a platform for boutique properties to connect with travel advisors and introduce these unique destinations to the world. It's an opportunity for these hotels to show that Africa has a lot to offer in the luxury travel market.

Being part of prestigious groups like Beyond Green is a testament to the commitment of these lodges to sustainability and purpose-driven travel. The recognition they receive at events like We Are Africa is vital in sharing their vision with the world.

We are excited to be working closely with Batoka Africa to raise awareness of not just this incredible destination, but the change that can happen in a community thanks to luxury properties like Zambezi Sands. 

What is the difference between booking a resort like Zambezi Sands through a travel advisor and booking through an online website?

Well, for starters you probably wouldn't have stumbled upon Zambezi Sands without a travel advisor in the first place. The magic lies in the personal touch. Your travel advisor knows you, your style, and your preferences. We’re the key to unlocking a VIP experience that you can't achieve on your own. The relationship between your travel advisor and the hotel is where the real magic happens – it's the extra surprises, the thoughtful touches, and the little details that turn a stay into an unforgettable experience.

We work closely with our partners to ensure your stay is not just personalized but also filled with unexpected moments that will leave you with lifelong memories. So, why settle for a standard booking when you can have a tailor-made adventure crafted just for you?

The rise of female-owned luxury lodges in Africa is not just a trend; it's the new reality of the travel industry. These lodges redefine what it means to travel in luxury. They offer unique experiences that not only pamper but also empower and give back to the local communities.

As you start to think of your next luxury adventure, consider the unique experiences offered by female-owned lodges in Africa. By doing so, you not only embark on a journey of opulence but also empower the women who are pioneering a new era in the luxury travel industry.

If you’re ready to experience everything this property has to offer and ensure that your next celebration makes a difference then submit an inquiry form today!

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.