African Bush Camps teamed up with Zimbabwean creatives to transform Somalisa Bush Camp staff into models, celebrating identity and empowerment for this year’s World Safari Day

For World Safari Day, November 25th, African Bush Camps (ABC) shifted the spotlight from guests to the people who make the safari experience exceptional. Seventeen staff members—guides, hosts, chefs, waitresses, and managers—became models in a first-of-its-kind fashion photoshoot in Hwange National Park, created in collaboration with leading Zimbabwean artists.

“Something like this has never been done before. It means I can be who I want to be and share the pride we have for this country.”— Brenda, Waitress, Somalisa Camp

A Role Reversal at African Bush Camp’s Somalisa Camp

For the photo shoot, staff swapped uniforms for bespoke couture garments designed by award-winning designer Victoria Manase for her label Samsara, who spent months getting to know each team member. The result: 17 custom looks reflecting their stories and personalities.

For many, it was a series of firsts—first couture gown, first professional makeup session, first time in front of a camera—and a powerful moment of recognition.

“To step out of the uniform and embrace my femininity… my outfit speaks of royalty and strength.” — Ivy, Camp Manager

At the shoot’s end, Manase gifted each team member their custom garment, honoring the confidence and dedication they brought to the collaboration.

Safari Meets Couture in Hwange

Joined by tailor Lazarus Maudia, photographer Brandon Tsandukwa, and makeup artist Gamu Manyika, Manase worked with the African Bush Camps team to transform Somalisa Camp and the surrounding Hwange landscapes into an open-air studio.

Couture gowns and ensembles swept across savannas, balanced atop termite mounds, and glowed against golden grasses as elephants looked on—placing Zimbabwean artistry in an iconic runway of wilderness.

Celebrating Heritage and Empowerment

Several participants are graduates of the African Bush Camps Foundation’s Women in Tourism Program, underscoring ABC’s commitment to uplifting local communities and cultural heritage.

“This project showcased Zimbabwe’s creativity and empowered our team in extraordinary ways.” — Beks Ndlovu, Founder & CEO, African Bush Camps

About World Safari Day

Celebrated annually on November 25th, World Safari Day was launched by African Bush Camps in 2020 to honor safari tourism’s role in conservation, community development, and cultural preservation.