Safari Camp for All Women in Africa – Robb Report

In the beginning, Angel Vendeline Namshali was the only one

Five years ago, the Tanzanian woman arrived at the Dunia Camp of Asilia Africa, a safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, to discover that She was the only woman there. This was not really a surprise – men have long dominated the safari industry, where the days are long and the work can be grueling. It is rare to see a woman anywhere on the safari circuit, let alone one who calls the shots.

"Many people have this mentality that women can not work in the bush," says Namshali. "But I've always believed that women could do anything that could be done by anyone in this world."

Five years after arriving in Dunia, Namshali is living proof of his belief. Her team of 22 women includes everyone, from leaders to guides of a group of hardcore security agents askari – to the safari camp, where she is the first woman director general of the Serengeti. Here, the pioneering leader speaks of flamboyant trails and challenges in the bush – and beyond.

Angel Vendeline Namshali and his team.

How was it as a woman trying to break into this very male dominated industry?

At first, everything I did was very studied. When I was moved for the first time to Serengeti, I headed an all-male team, and half of the staff were former poachers from a certain tribe in northern Serengeti. . That's when I had a big problem. Finally, I had to fire two of the men, and after that things were better. The team came to understand that a woman can be a manager and began to respect me, and even to protect me.

At Dunia, you manage an all-female team, including three guides. What is it for them in the bush?

Every day they have to prove that they are wrong. When they started driving in the Serengeti, male drivers stopped and stared at them. Some male guides were very friendly and respectful, but others drove very fast, spreading mud on women's vehicles and covering their windshields. But more and more of the industry is now supporting us as their sisters.

"We are proof that women can work in any environment

if given the opportunity."

The environment is so unpredictable in the bush. How do you handle uncertainty?

Despite all the close encounters with wildlife, I never thought of leaving the bush. Here we can not be afraid – otherwise we will lose our job. Our families have an improved financial situation because we are able to bring home a guaranteed salary each month. So we need to build trust and make sure everything goes well.

How do guests react to a safari camp for all women?

Most guests are intrigued when they discover that the camp is run by women, from directors to guides and all service personnel. They say it's like a miracle to find such a place in Africa. Some customers book Dunia specifically to see what women are able to do in the middle of the bush. And others do not believe it until they see it with their own eyes.

How did the existence of an exclusively female safari hut affect the rest of Serengeti and Tanzania?

Because of what we have done, so many women have the chance to work in other companies. We showed them the way. Society is turning to us, and I am so happy that people are showing me an example. We are proof that women can work in any environment if they have the opportunity. And now, girls of our generation will know that they can also do anything.

The tent of Camp Dunia Camp.