Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE golden savannas of Hwange are no strangers to spectacle — elephants lumbering to waterholes, lions stalking through tall grass. But in mid-October, the wilderness played host to a different kind of drama: a fashion shoot that fused safari, style, and Zimbabwean heritage in a way never seen before.
African Bush Camps, a pioneer in Zimbabwean safari tourism, teamed up with some of the country’s most celebrated creatives to orchestrate a groundbreaking photoshoot to mark World Safari Day, held on 25 November 2025. Their vision was simple yet bold: to showcase what emerges when safari, fashion, and culture collide.
For three days, Somalisa Camp and its surrounding landscapes transformed into a living runway. Models swept across termite mounds in flowing couture gowns, reclined on dusty safari vehicles, and posed beneath acacia canopies as tulle and chiffon danced in the warm Hwange breeze. The colours — bold, vibrant, and inspired by traditional Zimbabwean patterns — glowed against the ochre earth and golden grasslands.
At the heart of this creative storm was award-winning designer Victoria Manase, who meticulously crafted 17 bespoke pieces for the shoot. She was joined by tailor Lazarus Maudia, photographer Brandon Tsandukwa, and makeup artist Gamu Manyika, turning Somalisa into a hive of artistry and innovation.
But this was no ordinary fashion showcase. The stars of the shoot were not professional models but African Bush Camps’ own staff — guides, chefs, hosts, waitresses, and maintenance personnel — stepping out of their uniforms and into garments that told their stories. Before the cameras rolled, Manase spent months learning about each participant, ensuring every design reflected their individuality.
The result was electric: a celebration of empowerment, identity, and Zimbabwean pride.
“It was amazing to feel like a woman again, to step out of the uniform and embrace my femininity. In this setting, people could see me beyond my role at work; they saw me as human. My outfit spoke of royalty, strength, and beauty,” shared Ivy, Camp Manager at Somalisa.
Brenda, a waitress, echoed the sentiment.
“What does it mean to be Zimbabwean? It means a lot. It means I can be who I want to be and share with others the pride and love we have for this country. Something like this had never been done before, and everyone’s excitement made it even more special.”
For many, this was a first — their first time modelling, wearing couture, or experiencing professional makeup. Yet the significance ran deeper than novelty. Among the participants were graduates of the African Bush Camps Foundation’s Women in Tourism Programme, which equips women from underserved communities with hospitality skills, reinforcing the company’s commitment to empowerment.
The emotional crescendo came when Manase gifted each staff member their bespoke garment — a tangible tribute to their courage and creativity.
“This project showcased the talent and creativity of Zimbabwe in a way that truly empowered our team. It was inspiring to watch our colleagues engage with the process, share their stories, and celebrate their culture,” said Beks Ndlovu, Founder and CEO of African Bush Camps.
This bold initiative formed the centrepiece of World Safari Day 2025, an annual celebration launched by African Bush Camps in 2020 to honour safari tourism’s role in wildlife conservation, community upliftment, and cultural preservation.
And Zimbabwe’s cultural influence was reaching far beyond Hwange. In June, the centuries-old weaving traditions of the Tonga people took centre stage at Milan Fashion Week, inspiring Japanese designer Satoshi Kuwata’s Setchu Men’s Spring 2026 collection — a fusion of African craft and Japanese artistry.
For African Bush Camps, founded by Zimbabwean guide Ndlovu, this project epitomised its ethos: luxury safaris intertwined with cultural authenticity and community empowerment. The stunning visuals captured in Hwange delivered a powerful message on World Safari Day — that the essence of safari lies not only in wildlife but in the resilient spirit, rich heritage, and creative brilliance of the people who call Africa home.
