Exploring sustainable luxury in Tanzania

Luxury travel comes to life in Tanzania's Ruaha National Park, home to a new safari lodge quietly taking shape, where the Great Ruaha River meanders through ancient granite formations and monumental baobabs tower over wide open plains. Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, scheduled to open in early 2026, asks a central question: “Can high-end travel give back more than necessary?”

Located in a landscape defined by vast plains and natural beauty, Ubuyu is more than just a destination. It is a thoughtful response to how tourism can responsibly interact with the natural world while offering a luxurious and immersive experience.

Changing travelers' priorities

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration for global travelers. While most say they care, nearly half admit it doesn't always influence their booking decisions. At the same time, more than half are actively seeking accommodation that combines comfort with smart sustainability practices.

This goes to show that responsible travel doesn't have to feel like a compromise. Modern luxury is evolving and travelers now value experiences that are both indulgent and mindful.

Why sustainability is important

Few places show the importance of sustainable tourism more clearly than Africa. Tourism brings more than $170 billion each year to the continent and provides jobs for some 24 million people. But growth must be carefully managed because wildlife and ecosystems face increasing threats from habitat loss and other environmental pressures.

Protected areas around the world are underfunded by billions of dollars each year. Safari tourism plays a crucial role in bridging this gap. Entry fees and permits help fund ranger salaries, anti-poaching efforts and conservation programs. The pandemic made clear how vulnerable national parks can be when tourism slows.

For communities living next to these protected areas, the impact is felt first. When local people are included, trained and employed, tourism becomes more resilient and fairer. This strengthens the connection between conservation and livelihoods.

Sustainability in Ubuyu

At Ubuyu, sustainability starts from scratch. From the beginning, the lodge was designed to fit naturally into the environment rather than dominate it. The construction remained respectful of the land and the existing vegetation was preserved. Each villa is located to provide privacy and harmony with the environment.

Inspired by traditional Maasai architecture, the lodge showcases Tanzanian craftsmanship through locally sourced stone, wood and straw. Construction of the lodge became a community effort, with local tradesmen completing most of the work. This ensured that the economic benefits remained in the region.

Most of the staff will come from nearby cities and towns and will receive mentoring and training in hospitality and conservation. Through the Banyan Tree Gallery initiative, local artisans will be able to display and sell their work, preserving cultural traditions and generating sustainable income.

How are the experiences in Ubuyu based on responsibility?

Energy and water independence are central to Ubuyu's approach. The lodge runs entirely on solar energy and has storage batteries for a constant supply. A private well provides all the water needed, filtered to drinking quality on site, reducing reliance on deliveries and keeping the carbon footprint low.

The hostel does not have air conditioning. Natural ventilation and passive cooling keep the villas comfortable while preserving the tranquility that defines Ruaha. This means that the sounds of lions at dusk and elephants moving through the grass are uninterrupted.

The kitchen follows zero waste principles and uses local, seasonal ingredients for chef's table dinners. Wellness treatments use native botanicals, connecting spa rituals with the earth. Solar-powered forest dining, elevated tree house stays, guided conservation walks, hot air balloon safaris and photography tours allow guests to enjoy nature without disturbing it.

A new definition of opulence

Safari tourism was valued at $32.1 billion in 2023 and continues to grow. This makes responsible practices more important than ever. Most travelers say they want to travel more sustainably and aim to reduce energy use while traveling.

At Ruaha, luxury is more than just material comfort. It is found in silence, space and genuine encounters with nature. Ubuyu embodies this idea, offering high-end travel where leaving a lighter footprint feels effortless and guests can leave knowing they have supported the land rather than taking anything from it.