The Good Safari Guide - About Us

With a combined experience of over 100 years, the GSG team understand and faithfully represent the views of the travel trade.

Who We Are

Since the 1930's, when the wildlife safari evolved from hunting to photographic safaris, the safari has changed from a week or two based in a private tented camp to lodges, permanent structures based in and near National Parks and game reserves, or safari camps - normally temporary camps that could be dismantled and moved. The experience has become richer through the training and experience of the safari guides,the key to a great safari experience.

Inevitably as safaris have become more accessible many safari camps and lodges have sprung up in and around most African wildlife areas. Some are in beautiful locations with well trained guides and excellent management, but most lack full marks in at least one of these key areas. The Good Safari Guide runs a selection process, now known as 'the Oscars of the safari industry', to ensure the best safari lodges and camps are recognised for their dedication and excellence, The Good Safari Guide Awards. We work with a panel of very experienced judges, all independent safari specialists with over 200 years experience between them, to vet the nominations of safari camps and lodges from over 450 travel agents and tour operators to receive our coveted awards, much respected by the safari specialists and their peers. The Good Safari Guide, showcasing the finalists and a small selection of awards nominees, is a unique directory showcasing the very best safari lodges and camps.

The Good Safari Guide is run by a very experienced team led by Henry Hallward, ex-safari guide/lodge owner/tour operator based in the United Kingdom having founded it with travel guide writer Rosanne Cobb in 2007. Henry had just completed ten years as a board director of the African Travel & Tourism Association, the last two as Chairman, and Rosanne had identified the gap in the travel guides genre for a specific guide to safaris. Destination guides failed to address the detail required and most importantly how to differentiate between the confusing array of safari lodges and camps, all of whom ensured they looked fantastic on their websites. An independent panel was needed to provide impartial advice and when Henry and Rosanne brought their ideas together, The Good Safari Guide was the result.

Henry and Rosanne are supported by an excellent and dedicated team based in the UK and Africa, all of whom understand the importance and value of maintaining the integrity of our publications and awards process. For further information on our team click here.