Celebrating the Women of Green Safaris: Champions of Tourism and Conservation

This International Women’s Day, we honour the extraordinary women who make Green Safaris a beacon of sustainable tourism and conservation. From reservations and marketing to camp management and guest experiences, these women are the heart of our success. Their stories inspire us, and we’re proud to share their journeys, challenges, and insights as they pave the way for future generations in tourism and conservation.

The Journey into Tourism & Conservation

For many of the women at Green Safaris, their passion for nature and hospitality was sparked by childhood adventures, a love for storytelling, or an unexpected opportunity that changed their path. Whether growing up surrounded by wildlife or discovering a deep connection to eco-tourism later in life, each of their stories is unique yet bound by a shared dedication to preserving Africa’s natural beauty.

Lauren: Marketing Director – Storytelling for Conservation

For Lauren, her defining moment came at the 2024 Indaba, where Green Safaris’ conservation team spoke about the profound impact of their projects. “Green Safaris is the kind of tourism operator every company should aspire to be: genuinely committed to sustaining the beautiful places we call home. It’s incredibly inspiring to be part of such a purposeful mission.”

 “Green Safaris is the kind of tourism operator every company should aspire to be.”

Having spent weekends in the Lower Zambezi since childhood, Lauren has always been deeply connected to conservation. Her family played a pivotal role in establishing Royal Zambezi Lodge, and her father’s work with Conservation Lower Zambezi further cemented her love for the wild.

“Tourism and conservation have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My passion for it has never wavered”

Lauren’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond her work. In marketing, she understands that filling lodges isn’t just about tourism—it’s about ensuring that revenue supports conservation initiatives. “It’s about more than just bookings; it’s about preserving these landscapes and uplifting local communities. When guests experience this, they become part of the mission.”

Mildred: Senior Reservations Consultant – Connecting the World to the Wild

For Mildred, her passion for tourism started early, inspired by her parents’ work in the industry in Zambia’s Southern Province. “My dad was a camp manager, and my mum worked in laundry. Growing up, I admired the tourists and guides who walked through our village. We would sing and dance for them, and I knew I wanted to be part of this world.”

“We would sing and dance for the tourists, and I knew I wanted to be part of this world.”

Mildred’s defining moment came when she transitioned from receptionist to reservations consultant at Livingstone Island. Initially hesitant, she soon found that the role introduced her to a global network of travel professionals. “It was one of the most incredible experiences, making connections with agents from all over the world. Attending the Indaba 2024 solidified it—I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.”

“Attending the Indaba 2024 solidified it—I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.”

Mildred’s role in reservations plays a crucial part in delivering Green Safaris’ mission. “It’s not just about bookings; it’s about creating memorable experiences and ensuring that guests understand and appreciate the sustainability efforts behind every trip.”

Chipasha: General Manager – Leading with Passion in the Bush

For Chipasha, her tourism journey was unexpected. “I happily stumbled into the world of tourism and conservation. My background was in hospitality, but trust me, I hated hotels! Then came an unexpected offer to work in the bush. From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the quiet, the wilderness, and the way nature demands both respect and admiration.”

“From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the quiet, the wilderness, and the way nature demands both respect and admiration.”

A defining moment for Chipasha was her first visit to Ila Safari Lodge. “I took a boat cruise on the silent, solar-powered eBoat, floating down the Kafue River. That moment of peace, surrounded by untouched nature, showed me how deeply Green Safaris was committed to preserving the wild spaces we call home. I knew then that I wanted to be part of something bigger.”

 “That moment of peace… showed me that I wanted to be part of something bigger.”

Leah: Finance Manager – Driving Sustainability Through Strategy

For Leah, her tourism journey was a bold leap. “I have always been passionate about traveling and immersing myself in new places, cultures, and people. However, my career in banking felt restrictive and monotonous. Taking a leap of faith, I transitioned into the world of tourism and conservation with no prior experience—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.”

“Taking a leap of faith into tourism …was one of the best decisions of my life.”

A defining moment came at Shawa Luangwa Camp, marking her 10-year journey in tourism. “That evening, as if nature itself was putting on a show, I witnessed the most breathtaking sunset. It was a reminder that I was exactly where I was meant to be.”

“That sunset was a reminder that I was exactly where I was meant to be.”

As a Finance Manager, Leah ensures Green Safaris’ sustainability initiatives are financially supported. “Every financial decision we make aligns with our mission to promote responsible tourism and conservation efforts.”

“Every financial decision we make aligns with our mission to promote responsible tourism.”

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise the remarkable women of Green Safaris and all the women shaping the future of tourism and conservation. Their dedication, resilience, and vision continue to transform the industry for the better.

Happy International Women’s Day!