Championing Sustainability in African Business: Insights from Vincent Kouwenhoven and Daniel Allcock

In the heart of Africa, where the wild meets the serene, Green Safaris has emerged as a beacon of sustainable tourism. Founded on the principles of eco-consciousness and unparalleled guest experiences, Green Safaris is the brainchild of visionaries Vincent Kouwenhoven and Daniel Allcock. Their journey is one of passion, innovation, and a relentless commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Africa while offering guests unforgettable moments. In this blog, we delve into the story behind Green Safaris, exploring the inspirations, challenges, and milestones that have shaped this pioneering eco-tourism company.

The Genesis of Green Safaris

The story of Green Safaris begins in 2014 when Vincent Kouwenhoven conceptualised the idea of an “ultra-eco safari operator.” At a time when eco-tourism was still in its infancy, Vincent’s vision was clear: to protect the last areas of pristine wilderness, we need to engage the local communities, create jobs and offer a safari experience that not only minimises environmental impact but also enhances the guest experience. As Daniel Allcock recalls, “Vincent came up with the name Green Safaris and the concept of an ultra-eco safari operator in 2014, way before the whole greenwashing and everyone claiming that they were eco-friendly operators started.”

Vincent’s inspiration stemmed from his deep connection to the African wilderness and his desire to protect it. In an interview, Vincent shared, “I’ve always believed that tourism can be a force for good. It’s not just about showing people the beauty of Africa; it’s about ensuring that this beauty remains for generations to come.” This vision was further solidified when Vincent met Daniel Allcock, who brought more operational experience inbuilding and managing lodges to the table. Their initial meeting was marked by passionate debates about the balance between conservation and guest experience. As Daniel humorously recalls, “We were arguing like dogs for 48 hours to find the right balance between conservation drivers and commercially sound operations.”

Despite their differences, Vincent saw potential in Daniel’s approach and invited him to join the Green Safaris team. Together, they embarked on a journey to build Ila Safari Lodge, a property that would become a testament to their shared vision of sustainable luxury.

Building Ila Safari Lodge: A Testament to Sustainability

The construction of Ila Safari Lodge was a groundbreaking endeavour that set new standards for eco-friendly tourism. From the outset, Vincent and Daniel were determined to create a lodge that would not only be sustainable but also offer an exceptional guest experience. As Daniel explains, “It’s no use just doing something because it’s good for the environment. It’s got to be the sweet spot where it’s better for the environment and gives you the best guest experience.”

One of the key innovations at Ila Safari Lodge was the use of sandbag-building techniques. This ancient method of construction, which involves filling bags with sand and stacking them to form walls, was chosen for its low environmental impact. “We really pioneered that with the first Ila Safari Lodge by having sandbag external walls,” Daniel notes. The lodge also incorporated other sustainable practices, such as using hardwood with better CO2 sink properties, biogas systems, and a community farm to reduce the carbon footprint of food transportation.

Daniel: “We’re constantly looking for ways to reduce our footprint. Whether it’s through solar power, electric vehicles, or sustainable building materials, every decision we make is guided by our commitment to the environment.”

However, the journey to building Ila Safari Lodge was not without its challenges. The construction took place during the rainy season, a notoriously difficult time for buildings in Zambia. Daniel recounts the arduous process of transporting materials through waterlogged dambos: “We didn’t have a road when we started the building, and nor could we afford to put a road in that would then get messed up by construction traffic.” Despite these obstacles, the team persevered, driven by their commitment to creating a lodge that would set a new standard for eco-tourism.

Ila Safari Lodge before the fire.

The Fire and the Rebuild: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

In 2023, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed the main area of Ila Safari Lodge. The incident was a devastating blow to the team, but it also showcased their resilience and determination. Vincent and Daniel quickly rallied their team, focusing on the positive: no lives were lost, and the guest units were spared. “The first thing to do was try and get the team back together and give everyone a pat on the back for there being no fatalities or injuries,” Daniel recalls.

The rebuild of Ila Safari Lodge was a race against time, as the team aimed to reopen before the next peak season. Vincent led the charge, overseeing the design and construction process. The rebuild also presented an opportunity to further enhance the lodge’s sustainability.

Vincent reflected on the rebuild during an interview: “When the fire happened, it was heartbreaking. But it also gave us a chance to rebuild with even greater purpose. We didn’t just want to restore Ila; we wanted to make it better, more sustainable, and more aligned with our vision for the future.”

The successful rebuild of Ila Safari Lodge was a testament to the team’s resilience and commitment to their vision. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration and leadership in overcoming challenges.

Leadership and Impact: The Heart of Green Safaris

At the core of Green Safaris’ success is its leadership and the impact it has had on both the environment and the local community. Vincent Kouwenhoven’s passion for conservation and community development has been a driving force behind the company’s initiatives. As Daniel notes, “Vincent’s side of the business is very much about community and conservation projects. It’s something he’s deeply passionate about.”

One of the most meaningful milestones for Green Safaris has been the development of its team. The company takes pride in its Zambianized workforce, with local employees rising through the ranks to take on leadership roles. “It makes me incredibly proud that some of our senior management team have worked with me for 14-15 years,” Daniel shares. “When I started with some of them, they were really very junior, and now they are general managers of some of Zambia’s flagship lodges.”

Vincent echoed this sentiment in an interview: “Our team is our greatest asset. They are the ones who bring our vision to life every day. Seeing them grow and take on leadership roles is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do.”

Green Safaris’ commitment to its team extends beyond professional development. The company also focuses on creating magical guest moments, ensuring that every guest leaves with unforgettable memories. “We must make a magical moment for every guest every day,” Daniel explains. “These are the things that memories are made from, and we’ll keep on pushing that magical guest moment itinerary in the coming years.”

The Green Team, the Greatest Asset

The Future of Green Safaris: A Vision for Sustainable Luxury

As Green Safaris looks to the future, the company remains committed to its core values of sustainability, luxury, and community impact. Vincent and Daniel’s vision is to continue pushing the boundaries of eco-tourism, finding new and innovative ways to reduce environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience.

Daniel reflects on the journey so far: “I’d like to think that it’s my contribution that has changed Green Safaris from a single lodge into the group of outstanding properties that it is now. But it’s been a team effort, and Vincent’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping our vision.”

Vincent shared his hopes for the future in an interview: “Our goal is to create a legacy of sustainability that will inspire future generations to protect and cherish the natural world. We want to show that luxury and sustainability can coexist and that tourism can be a force for good.”

The future of Green Safaris is bright, with plans to expand its portfolio of sustainable properties and continue its conservation and community projects. As Vincent once said, “Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to the environment and our belief in the power of tourism to create positive change.”

 A Legacy of Sustainability and Excellence

Green Safaris is more than just a safari company; it is a movement towards a more sustainable and responsible form of tourism. Through the vision and leadership of Vincent Kouwenhoven and Daniel Allcock, the company has set new standards for eco-tourism, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.

As Daniel aptly puts it, “Green Safaris is everything I’ve done in the last 10 years. It’s very personal, and I treat it as if it’s my own.” This personal connection, combined with Vincent’s passion for conservation and empowerment, has created a company that is not only successful but also deeply impactful.

As we look to the future, Green Safaris will continue to lead the way in eco-tourism, inspiring others to follow in its footsteps and creating a legacy of sustainability that will endure for generations to come.