Beks Ndlovu is an acclaimed safari guide, entrepreneur, and conservationist whose life story reflects an unwavering commitment to Africa’s people, wildlife, and wilderness. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Beks began his career as a professional safari guide before founding African Bush Camps (ABC) in 2006. Today, ABC operates award-winning camps across Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, blending authentic safari experiences with a deep respect for conservation and community well-being.
More than a safari operator, Beks is a storyteller of Africa’s untamed beauty. He established the African Bush Camps Foundation, which supports over 70 community projects in education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. His vision is to ensure that tourism directly benefits local communities while safeguarding fragile ecosystems for future generations.
Recognized globally, Beks serves on the Condé Nast Traveler Advisory Board and speaks at international forums such as the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council. Featured in publications including Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and National Geographic, he is celebrated as a leader in eco-tourism and a voice for responsible travel.
Through his keynotes, Beks inspires audiences with stories from the African wilderness, illustrating how conservation, community, and commerce can thrive together. His talks challenge organizations and leaders to adopt sustainable practices, embrace resilience, and pursue growth with integrity.
Beks Ndlovu is not just a safari operator; he’s a storyteller of Africa’s untamed beauty. His journey from a young boy in Zimbabwe to the founder of African Bush Camps is a testament to his dedication to preserving the continent’s natural heritage. Through ABC, Beks offers immersive safari experiences that connect travelers to the heart of Africa, fostering a deep appreciation for its landscapes and cultures.
His philosophy centers on the belief that tourism should benefit both the environment and local communities. By integrating conservation efforts with community development, Beks has created a model where every safari contributes to the well-being of the regions ABC operates in.
Beks’s expertise in the safari industry is unparalleled. With over two decades of experience, he has cultivated a deep understanding of wildlife behavior, ecological systems, and sustainable tourism practices. His leadership has positioned African Bush Camps as a pioneer in eco-friendly safaris, offering guests unparalleled access to Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.
Under his guidance, ABC has expanded to multiple countries, each camp designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing guest experience. Beks’s commitment to excellence ensures that every safari is not only an adventure but also an educational journey into the complexities of African ecosystems.
His work has garnered international recognition, including his role on the Condé Nast Traveler Advisory Board, where he contributes insights on sustainable travel and diversity in tourism.
Beks Ndlovu, founder of African Bush Camps, is a leading figure in eco-tourism, known for creating immersive safari experiences that prioritize conservation and community development. His work seamlessly blends luxury travel with sustainable practices, offering guests authentic encounters with Africa’s wildlife while ensuring tangible benefits for local communities.
Through his foundation, Beks has implemented numerous projects focusing on education, healthcare, and environmental stewardship. As a speaker, he brings compelling narratives and actionable insights, making him an invaluable voice in discussions on responsible tourism and sustainable development.
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This extended live interview hosted by Elizabeth Gordon introduces Beks Ndlovu, the Zimbabwean-born founder of African Bush Camps (ABC). The session highlights ABC’s conservation-driven approach, the company’s community foundation, and Beks’ unique perspective as one of the few Black entrepreneurs leading in the safari industry.
Elizabeth opens with the goals of the talk: connecting audiences to African conservation during the COVID-19 shutdown and raising funds for impacted community projects. Beks describes his upbringing in rural Zimbabwe near Hwange National Park, his early fascination with the outdoors, and his journey to becoming a professional safari guide. After ten years guiding across Africa, he founded ABC in 2006 with the vision of creating authentic safari camps that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
He explains how the company grew from one modest camp to a collection across Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia. ABC dedicates a portion of revenues to the African Bush Camps Foundation, funding over 70 projects in education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. During the pandemic, Beks prioritized protecting staff jobs, maintaining community trust, and supporting conservation despite tourism’s collapse.
A major portion of the conversation addresses diversity in the safari and travel industries. Beks reflects on his position as one of the few Black CEOs in African tourism, noting both the advantages of cultural understanding and the systemic barriers to entry. He emphasizes the need to elevate local voices into leadership roles, create opportunities for young people, and diversify the image of who goes on safari.
He and Elizabeth discuss challenges in hiring, the importance of mentorship, and the role of global partners in making tourism more inclusive. Beks also highlights barriers to investment and how he built ABC by partnering with clients and supporters who shared his vision.
The session closes with a call for action: building a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry by valuing community partnerships, investing in future leaders, and making conscious choices about conservation. Booking future safaris, Beks notes, remains the most direct way to sustain these efforts on the ground.
00:00–03:00 — Introduction by Elizabeth Gordon; goals of the talk and fundraising efforts
03:01–10:20 — Beks’ early life in Zimbabwe, path to guiding, and founding African Bush Camps
10:21–18:00 — Building ABC: from one camp to operations in three countries
18:01–26:00 — African Bush Camps Foundation and commitment to communities
26:01–35:00 — COVID-19 impacts on tourism, staff, and conservation efforts
35:01–48:00 — Diversity in tourism: representation, leadership challenges, and industry barriers
48:01–55:00 — Audience Q&A on investment, exposure, and millennial engagement in tourism
55:01–58:07 — Closing reflections: building inclusivity, sustainability, and conscious conservation through travel
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Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
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