Tourism across Africa is changing women's lives

Audio By Carbonatix

Tourism is evolving into a driver of social and economic change in Africa. From coffee cooperatives in Uganda to wildlife patrols in South Africa, women are taking on new roles in tourism, supported by lodges and operators that link conservation with community development. The shift is bringing economic opportunity and shared ownership to people living near key wildlife areas.

Safari lodges and tour operators are redefining their role within neighboring communities. Many are expanding their efforts beyond conservation to include education, training and enterprise programs that create new jobs for women. These initiatives are reshaping the relationship between tourism and local economies, ensuring that more of the industry's revenue reaches the people who live alongside Africa's protected landscapes.

Coffee brings new opportunities to women in Uganda

In Western Uganda, near Kyambura Gorge, Volcanoes Safaris partnered with local women to create the Kyambura Women's Coffee Cooperative, giving members a direct role in the tourism economy. With land, seedlings and training provided through the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, the women now grow, harvest and roast their own coffee, selling it to visitors and nearby markets.

The cooperative supports families and promotes sustainable farming that protects the surrounding forest. Income goes back into the program to fund education and health initiatives.

Women take on new roles in African tourism

Across Southern Africa, women are becoming more visible in roles that once excluded them. In Zimbabwe, Deborah Calmeyer, founder of ROAR Africa, built a company that weaves community partnership and conservation into the structure of luxury travel. Each itinerary contributes to education and wildlife protection programs, and Calmeyer mentors other women who want to build careers in the industry.

In South Africa's Mkambati Nature Reserve, Natural Selection's Green Griffons have become a model for female-led conservation. Twelve women, all from nearby villages, patrol the 7,000-hectare reserve to monitor wildlife, remove snares and report poaching activity. This work protects biodiversity and supports livelihoods, strengthening conservation efforts and making tourism more inclusive.

Legacy operators expand opportunities for women

Established safari operators are also strengthening their ties with the communities that support them. Abercrombie & Kent, one of Africa's oldest travel companies, runs development programs through A&K Philanthropy that focus on education, clean water and health care in areas near its lodges. The company works with community leaders to design each project, address local needs and ensure tourism revenue creates long-term benefits.

Among its most successful initiatives is the Bike Shop Program, which trains women in Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania to run small businesses selling and repairing bicycles. The program provides equipment and training, enabling women to earn a steady income while expanding access to healthcare, schools and markets in rural areas. By turning donated bicycles into local enterprises, the project strengthens community infrastructure that sustains tourism.

A movement that continues to grow

As more tour operators invest in education and local entrepreneurship, their impact extends well beyond individual projects. Tourism is no longer just about wildlife or wilderness; it now helps women gain financial independence, protect their environments and build lasting change within their communities.

Mandy is a luxury travel, fine dining and bucket list adventure journalist with expert insight from 46 countries. She uncovers unforgettable experiences around the world and brings them to life through immersive storytelling that blends indulgence, culture and discovery, and shares it all with a global audience as co-founder of Food Drink Life. Her articles appear on MSN and through the Associated Press Wire in major U.S. outlets, including NBC, the Daily News, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun-Times and many more.