Ghana’s Safari Valley targets Nigeria expansion, bets on eco-tourism to position West Africa as global destination
By Onyeka Ezike
Ghana’s leading eco-tourism and hospitality brand, Safari Valley, has intensified its expansion into Nigeria as part of an ambitious strategy to position West Africa as a globally competitive tourism destination.
The company, which established a registered subsidiary and office in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, last year, said Nigeria remains one of its largest source markets and a critical pillar of its regional growth plans.
Founded in 2020 by Samuel Afari Dartey, the Safari Group has evolved from a single eco-luxury resort into one of West Africa’s most diversified tourism brands.
Today, it operates three flagship destinations, offers more than 20 unique tourism experiences, and comprises eight business units, including Aqua Safari Eco Resort, Safari Valley Eco Resort, Safari Homes, Safari Eco Park, Safari Nautica, Safari Recreation and Sports, The Ceiba Restaurant and The Green Shop.
Speaking on Villa Square, a special segment of Cr8tive 9ja—a weekly tourism and culture magazine programme hosted by veteran tourism journalist Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji on Mainland 98.3FM—the Board Chairman of Safari Valley Eco Resort, Ernest Kwadwo Agyarko Gyekye, said the company’s expansion into Nigeria underscores its commitment to unlocking West Africa’s immense tourism potential.
“We established a registered company in Lagos because expanding into the Nigerian market has always been part of our strategy. Nigeria has consistently been one of our largest source markets, and we wanted to better understand the market, receive direct feedback from our guests, and strengthen our presence in the country,” Gyekye said.
He disclosed that the company is collaborating with Sterling Bank in Lagos to deepen tourism development initiatives and promote the Safari experience among Nigerian travellers.
According to him, Safari Valley’s vision extends beyond hospitality to building a world-class tourism ecosystem capable of attracting global travellers to West Africa.
“In West Africa, tourism experiences of this scale are rare. When people think of premium safari tourism, they often look to Southern or East Africa. Our vision is to create a world-class destination that places West Africa firmly on the global tourism map,” he added.
The Safari Group’s portfolio spans three flagship properties in Ghana. Safari Homes, located near Accra’s international airport, offers premium short-stay accommodation for business and leisure travellers. Aqua Safari Eco Resort, situated on the outskirts of Accra, is renowned for its water-based recreational activities, including jet skiing, flying boats and access to three private islands within the resort.
Its flagship Safari Eco Park, which covers more than 600 hectares, is home to over 65 species of wildlife and represents the group’s commitment to sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation.
Described by its promoters as Ghana’s embodiment of Akwaaba—the country’s celebrated expression of hospitality—Safari Valley has built its reputation around luxury, sustainability and community development.
Veteran tourism journalist Frank Meke, who recently visited the resort as part of a delegation hosted by Safari Valley, commended the facility’s service standards and attention to detail.
“My biggest takeaway was the level of professionalism and hospitality I experienced. Despite my extensive travels across different destinations, I have never received such outstanding treatment. Every guest is assigned a personal butler who attends to every need throughout their stay. Beyond the beautiful facilities, it was the warmth and professionalism of the people that truly stood out,” Meke said.
Beyond tourism, Safari Valley has emerged as a significant contributor to Ghana’s economy. The group employs over 2,000 people across its operations and conducts business in seven rural communities, creating employment opportunities while supporting local economic development.
The company sources approximately 80 per cent of its agricultural produce and operational supplies locally and invests substantially in hospitality and skills development programmes for young people.
Environmental sustainability remains central to its business model. Across its properties, Safari Valley has integrated renewable energy solutions, wastewater recycling systems, biodiversity conservation initiatives, low-density developments and environmental education programmes.
Its four-star Safari Valley Eco Resort is located within a sprawling 600-acre forest valley about 65 kilometres from Accra and offers luxury accommodation featuring private pools, fine dining, recreational facilities, conference venues and event spaces for weddings, honeymoons and corporate retreats.
The resort continues to invest in solar power systems, biodigesters and wastewater recycling infrastructure as part of its long-term goal of operating entirely on renewable energy and eliminating dependence on diesel-powered generators.
With its Nigerian expansion gathering momentum, Safari Valley is positioning itself not only as a premium hospitality brand but also as a catalyst for regional tourism integration, leveraging sustainable development and world-class experiences to showcase West Africa as an emerging destination for global travellers.
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