Where You Stay Matters: Acacia Africa Publishes First Accommodation Impact Report

Acacia Africa has published its first Accommodation Impact Report, underscoring the role that lodges, camps, and hotels play in shaping the traveller experience. Across eleven countries and 50 properties, the findings reveal that 72% of Acacia Africa’s accommodation portfolio demonstrates measurable traveller impact across four pillars, whether through conservation stewardship, community connection, cultural immersion, or experience richness.

The report categorises accommodation into Experience Leaders, Journey Highlights, Journey Connections and Route Contributors. Together, they show how accommodation impact is layered across itineraries, ensuring that every adventure carries meaning beyond the miles travelled.

Arno Delport, Sales & Marketing Manager at Acacia Africa, comments: "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."

• Community connection is the strongest pillar, with 80% of properties engaging directly with local people.
• Experience richness defines the journeys, with three‑quarters of stays offering immersive encounters.
• Conservation stewardship anchors the narrative, with two‑thirds of properties linked to wildlife or habitat protection.
• Culture is rising, with more than half of properties now offering structured cultural immersion. Standout examples include Malealea Lodge in Lesotho, where pony trekking becomes storytelling, and Mlilwane Rest Camp in Eswatini, with stays in traditional beehive huts, guided community village walks, and authentic chiefdom visits adding depth to the journey.

The findings also demonstrate how grassroots properties create memorable experiences while supporting local communities. One of the report's standout examples 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.

For further information, infographics and access to a copy of the full report visit Acacia Africa's blog or contact Acacia Africa (020 7706 4700; acacia-africa.com). ABTA No. W4093 PROTECTED.

The Acacia Africa Accommodation Impact Report assesses 50 properties across South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda using two complementary qualitative assessment frameworks to measure both the breadth and depth of traveller impact.