How we choose the safari operators we recommend

Choosing the right safari operator isn’t always straightforward.

For example, in Tanzania alone, there are over 7000 safari companies. Some are long-established with large teams, while others are small one-person setups with a single vehicle. From the outside, it’s not always easy to know who you can trust.

That’s where we come in.

Behind the scenes, we spend significant time researching, speaking to and getting to know safari operators before we ever consider recommending them.

In reality, this often means months of conversations, vetting and understanding how they actually operate on the ground.

We personally travel with every safari operator we recommend to ensure they offer an exceptional service and meet all the the standards we look for.

We get numerous safari operators contacting us every week, but we choose to only partner with a very small number.

Most don’t make the cut.

Every operator we recommend has been carefully selected through a combination of research, personal experience and real-world guest outcomes.

Mr and Mrs D standing with a safari guide looking at a map

What we look for when choosing an operator

Before we recommend an operator, we look closely at how they operate day-to-day, not just what they promise on a website.

We focus on the things that genuinely shape your safari experience, including:

• Our own personal experience with the operator
• Valid licences, accreditations and professional memberships
• Consistent, excellent, genuine guest feedback over time
• The level of care provided during both planning and the safari itself
• The depth of guide experience and tracking ability
• Their approach to ethical guiding and wildlife encounters
• The number and standard of safari vehicles in their fleet
• Local ownership and employment of local staff
• Their commitment to conservation and support of local communities

These are the details that determine whether a safari simply looks good on paper or delivers a truly memorable experience in practice.

Liz & Leon in Tanzania with a sunset behind them
the back of an elephant walking toward a tree

Our Non-Negotiables

There are certain standards every operator must meet before we’ll consider working with them.

Every safari operator must:
-> Guarantee a high standard of ethical wildlife practices
-> Demonstrate a clear commitment to responsible tourism
-> Be fully licensed, locally owned and locally run
-> Employ highly trained, experienced local guides
-> Employ local staff from nearby communities
-> Maintain strong relationships with trusted lodges and camps
-> Offer transparent pricing and honest communication
-> Show a consistent track record of excellent guest experiences, supported by strong independent reviews
->Agree to our price promise, ensuring guests pay the same whether booking through us or directly.

Why We Keep Our Network Small

We intentionally keep our network small and only partner with operators we genuinely trust to deliver consistently high-quality safari experiences. This allows us to:

Maintain strong relationships with partners to ensure exceptional guest experiences

Have a deep understanding of how they operate on the ground

Recommend them with full confidence

Support guest feedback, address any issues quickly and ensure standards remain high

Every operator we recommend is there because we believe in the experience they provide

Enquire now with our trusted operators

If you’re still choosing between safari destinations and unsure which might be right for you, start with our free Safari Planning Guide – it breaks down the key differences between Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa & Namibia, explains how each safari works and helps you decide which destination best fits your travel style before you enquire.