African Bush Camps (ABC) has introduced its first female safari guide graduates in Botswana, marking a step towards greater gender inclusivity within the safari industry.
The graduates completed the African Bush Camps Foundation‘s (ABCF) Female Guide Program, a two-year initiative designed to equip women from local communities with the skills necessary to navigate the bush and guide travelers.
The Female Guide Program combines theoretical instruction, practical experience, and on-the-job training at ABC camps.
Participants receive education in wildlife behavior, conservation principles, photography, and tracking.
The program aims to create pathways for women in a traditionally male-dominated field, offering career opportunities while promoting more balanced gender representation in the safari sector, as per a press release.
Among the graduates is Baemule “Bae” Siethuka, who has become the first female trainee guide at ABC. Siethuka, from the village of Tutume in northeastern Botswana, was inspired by a female guide to pursue the program.
“As a woman, there were challenges to being in such a male-dominated field, but that made me even more determined,” Siethuka said.
Now stationed at Atzaró Okavango Camp in the Okavango Delta, she blends her passion for nature with communication skills to deliver memorable experiences for guests. “By the end of the day, the guests and I have great connections that go beyond everyone’s expectations,” she added.
The success of the first cohort has encouraged ABCF to expand the program. Additional cohorts are currently underway in Botswana and Zambia, with plans to launch in Zimbabwe in 2025.
The initiative not only fosters career development but also supports broader efforts to empower women and promote diversity within the tourism industry.
For outdoor hospitality businesses operating in regions where tourism plays a key role in the economy, ABCF’s Female Guide Program highlights the importance of investing in workforce diversity.
Developing comprehensive training initiatives that create opportunities for underrepresented groups can enhance service offerings, improve guest satisfaction, and build stronger connections with local communities.
