By Onyeka Ezike
Safari Valley, GHANA, One of West Africa’s leading tourism destinations and the region’s first fully integrated eco-tourism and lifestyle brand, is deepening its push into the Nigerian market as part of efforts to strengthen the region’s tourism potentials and position West African as a tourism hub in African and across the World.
Founded in 2020 by Samuel Afari Dartey, Aqua Safari Valley Eco Resort has grown from a single eco-luxury resort into one of Ghana’s most prestigious tourism brands. Today, the Safari Group operates a diverse tourism ecosystem comprising three major destinations, more than 20 unique experiences, and eight business units: 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 has been deliberate in building a tourism brand that combines luxury, sustainability, and community development.
He explained that the Safari Group operates three flagship properties in Ghana. Safari Homes, located in Accra near the airport, offers secure short-stay accommodation. Aqua Safari Eco Resort, situated on the southern outskirts of Accra, is renowned for its water-based recreational activities, including jet skiing, flying boats, and three private islands within the resort. The third property, Safari Eco Park, spans more than 600 hectares and is home to over 65 species of wildlife.
According to Gyekye, the Safari Group established a registered company in Lagos last year, with an office in Lekki Phase 1, as part of its long-term strategy to expand into the Nigerian market and bring the Safari experience closer to Nigerian travellers.
“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. During one of my visits to Lagos, I had the opportunity to meet the President of NANTA, Yinka Folami,” he said.
He also disclosed that Safari Valley is collaborating with Sterling Bank in Lagos to further strengthen tourism development and promote the Safari experience among Nigerian travellers. “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,” Gyekye added.
Describing Safari Valley as Ghana’s embodiment of Akwaaba—the Ghanaian expression for hospitality—he noted that the brand remains deeply committed to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences while promoting sustainable tourism.
Veteran tourism journalist Frank Meke, who was part of a delegation recently hosted by Safari Valley in Ghana, praised the resort’s exceptional service and professionalism. “My biggest takeaway was the level of professionalism and hospitality I experienced. Despite my extensive travel 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.
Safari Valley has also emerged as a major contributor to Ghana’s economy. The group employs more than 2,000 people, creating significant employment opportunities and contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Operating across seven rural communities, the company invests heavily in hospitality training for young people, while approximately 80 percent of its agricultural produce and operational supplies are sourced locally.
Across its various properties, Safari Valley integrates renewable energy solutions, wastewater recycling systems, biodiversity conservation, low-density developments, and environmental education programmes into its operations.
Safari Valley Eco Resort is a four-star forest lodge situated within a sprawling 600-acre valley approximately 65 kilometres from Accra. The resort offers luxury accommodation featuring private pools, fine dining, recreational facilities, conference venues, and event spaces for weddings, honeymoons, birthdays, and corporate gatherings.
The vision behind Safari Valley is to create a destination where nature is preserved and enhanced through science, technology, and sustainable development, allowing wildlife and people to coexist harmoniously in a carefully protected environment.
Committed to environmental sustainability and community development, the resort continues to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar power systems, biodigesters, and wastewater recycling plants, with the long-term goal of operating entirely on renewable energy and eliminating dependence on diesel-powered generators.
