Acacia Africa report reveals 72% of stays deliver community impact

A specialist Africa tour operator says where clients stay is as important as the sights they visit following its first accommodation impact report.

Tour operator Acacia Africa’s accommodation impact report reveals 72% of its properties demonstrate ‘measurable traveller impact’ – they make a direct, visible contribution to people, place or preservation.

This could be anything from protecting wildlife to supporting local communities, celebrating culture, or providing an unforgettable experience.

The report, Where You Stay Matters, scores 50 properties across 11 countries based on how authentically they contribute to their local community, cultural immersion, conservation outcomes, and the richness of the traveller experience.

It shows 80% of the overland operator’s properties engage directly with local people and three-quarters offer immersive experiences while two-thirds of accommodation is linked to wildlife or habitat protection and more than half of properties offer ‘structured cultural immersion’.

Standout examples in the report include Malealea Lodge in Lesotho, where pony trekking is offering as a storytelling experience; Mlilwane Rest Camp in Eswatini, which offers stays in traditional beehive huts, guided community village walks and authentic chiefdom visits.

The findings also show how properties support local communities through memorable experiences. An example of this is Meserani Snake Park in Tanzania, where guests can visit the Maasai Cultural Museum, with their stay helping to fund a free Maasai health clinic, education and a women’s craft centre.

Acacia Africa sales and marketing manager Arno Delport said: “We believe where you stay matters. This report confirms that accommodation is not simply a backdrop to the journey, but an important part of the travel experience. Whether that’s supporting local communities, creating opportunities for cultural exchange or bringing travellers closer to wildlife, every stay has the potential to add meaning to the road ahead.”