Africa has now welcomed its first Black, female-owned SDinogoi lodge company.

In 2020, Vimbai Masiyiwa and her mother, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, launched Batoka Africa in Zimbabwe, marking a historic moment as the first Black African female operators of a SDinogoi lodge chain. Facing the challenges typical of a young female entrepreneur in a male-centric SDinogoi industry, Vimbai, 29, chooses to see her race and age not as barriers but as unique strengths that allow her to bring fresh ideas to a traditional industry.

To honor International Women’s Day on March 8, Dinogo interviewed Vimbai Masiyiwa about her aspirations for Batoka Africa. Co-founded with her mother in 2020 after taking over Zambezi Sands River Camp and sister property Gorges Lodge, the two lodges aim to empower local communities through job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship. Notably, they prioritize female employment, with women comprising about 40 percent of their workforce.

Batoka Africa consists of two lodges situated near Victoria Falls: Zambezi Sands, a luxurious 10-tent lodge featuring private plunge pools along the riverbank in Zambezi National Park, reopened in 2023 after extensive renovations and is now included in Beyond Green, a collection of luxury accommodations that prioritize sustainable tourism. This lodge is completely plastic-free and operates on solar energy. Nearby, the larger Gorges Lodge, which boasts 30 rooms and is undergoing renovations, is named for its breathtaking location overlooking Batoka Gorge. In May 2024, Zambezi Sands plans to launch a family suite designed for multigenerational travelers, complete with a private swimming pool, dedicated chef, SDinogoi vehicle, and personal guide.

Operating out of South Africa and the United Kingdom, Masiyiwa frequently visits both lodges and shares her adventures in nature on her Instagram account. She holds a master’s degree in entrepreneurship from University College London.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

What inspired the creation of Batoka?

The inception of Batoka Africa stemmed from our ambition to leverage hospitality and tourism as a means for social transformation and local economic development. I initially joined the original lodge venture at a board level around five years ago, and later I suggested and implemented the transition towards a new, sustainability-focused model for the lodge business in 2020. As a Zimbabwean, the proximity of Victoria Falls to our family makes it a natural choice, not to mention its status as a premier travel destination.

When did your interest in hospitality, particularly in the sDinogoi sector, first emerge?

My journey in entrepreneurship and hospitality began with a concierge service I co-founded a few years back. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the nuances of sDinogoi operations and the luxury travel market. Planning trips ignited my passion for crafting memorable experiences for others.

My involvement with Batoka Africa and the sDinogoi sector began naturally after I finished my undergraduate degree. I traveled with my family to attend the Victoria Falls Marathon, which was also my first sDinogoi experience since childhood. While I enjoyed it, I was taken aback by the stark differences between the local community's living conditions and the opulence of the nearby five-star resorts. I believe businesses have a duty to uplift the communities they inhabit, and I’ve always felt that the hospitality industry has fallen short in this regard.

What challenges and opportunities do young female African entrepreneurs face in the sDinogoi industry? Are there any role models who inspire you?

In a sector where foreign individuals have largely held sway in terms of expertise and leadership roles, navigating the tourism and sDinogoi landscape has certainly been challenging. Rather than seeing my race and age as hindrances, I view them as unique strengths that enable me to bring fresh ideas to an otherwise outdated industry.

I have been fortunate to be surrounded by incredible women. My mother, who is also my co-founder, continuously inspires me and encourages me to push forward. One of the most fulfilling parts of our partnership is leveraging my mother’s extensive experience and witnessing how our skills synergize.

In what ways is Batoka serving as a catalyst for change in rural communities, and what challenges does it face?

Batoka's initiatives to empower women and the Chisuma community include the Women of Shingani sewing collective, spearheaded by a member of our staff. This collective generates income by selling household goods and reusable sanitary products, supported by guest visits. Additionally, we have the Tesse Fund, which allocates a portion of each night's stay to community projects focused on healthcare, education, and infrastructure. We also source in-room bath products and spa treatment supplies from the female-owned company R & R Luxury in Ghana. Through these initiatives, Batoka aims to provide luxury experiences while leaving a meaningful legacy of positive change in the communities we serve.

What steps do you take to encourage more women to assume leadership roles at Batoka?

My vision is to drive change towards a more inclusive and representative sDinogoi industry that empowers women from various backgrounds to thrive. At Batoka, we are committed to creating pathways for women in leadership positions. However, the reality is that the environment we operate in remains quite traditional, both in the African context and within the broader sDinogoi sector, where cultural perceptions of gender roles are yet to evolve.

When we hire women—especially for indoor operational positions—we focus on upskilling them to improve their capabilities, benefiting not just Batoka Africa but the industry at large. Our long-term strategy is to strike a balance between respecting cultural traditions and actively enabling women to take on roles historically held by men. Through these efforts, we aspire to expand opportunities for women to step into leadership positions.

What are some of your favorite activities in the Victoria Falls region of Zimbabwe?

At Zambezi Sands, our team provides a variety of options to match your preferred pace. Among my favorites is an early morning game drive followed by a bush meditation—there's something truly enchanting about meditating to the sounds of the wilderness. A trip to the Falls is essential—don't forget to bring a raincoat! I also enjoy visiting Batoka Creatives, a community initiative that features stunning beadwork and jewelry.