About Us
SafariBookings is the world's largest resource and leading authority for planning an African safari. Our online marketplace enables you to compare safari offers from top-rated tour operators. And you can be confident of getting the best price available. All safaris are offered under a ‘Best Price Guarantee’. To ensure the reliability and high quality of our service, we check the registration papers of all tour operators, and we also have 118,164 traveler reviews written by people like you.
Not sure where and when to go? Use our expert content and make decisions like a pro. We have gathered together an expert panel of the world's most renowned travel writers specializing in Africa. These award-winning writers are responsible for creating and informing our content, including expert reviews and detailed park and country travel guides. Our content is being updated continuously to ensure you get the most current information available.
Contact SafariBookings.com
Veemarktkade 8 – Unit 62495222 AE 's-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands, Europe
Partner Program
Join SafariBookings to promote your safari company and tours to overThe team behind the website
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Wouter Vergeer
Co-owner
NL
Mail WouterWouter has a history as an internet entrepreneur and is one of the owners of SafariBookings. His first safari, in Tanzania, made him feel like a guest in a world ruled by animals. It was a humbling moment that sparked his passion for Africa. Wouter firmly believes in the SafariBookings project: making it easier for people to find their perfect safari, and linking specialized safari operators with clients all over the world. Wouter’s closest friends describe him as a realistic idealist. He can chat for hours about a fairer world where people and wildlife do more than coexist... they thrive.
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Heini van Bergen
Marketing Director
NL
Mail HeiniWith a history of working alongside the owners of SafariBookings, Heini is very much our DNA. He is an expert in online marketing, and his experience of leading teams in different industries has made him very people-focused in the workplace. Heini has learned that people thrive at work when they feel safe, valued and clearly understand what the company aims to accomplish. He is relatively new to safari travel in Africa, and already appreciates the African mindset of focusing on what’s important and not on things out of your control. At heart Heini is a family man and is married with two sons.
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Ariadne van Zandbergen
Africa Expert & Wildlife Photographer
ZA
Mail AriadneAriadne creates and updates the park and country content on SafariBookings. She and her husband are a photographer/guidebook-writer team and make regular trips to most of the parks covered on SafariBookings. Ariadne also owns The Africa Image Library, a comprehensive photo library. Her work is her hobby but when at home she enjoys outdoor pursuits, including trail running and mountain biking in South Africa where she is based.
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Katie Connolly
Editor
AU
Katie is an eagle-eyed editor with a passion for making great content the best it can be. She has worked as an editor in the publishing industry for 24 years and runs her own editorial business. Katie works with SafariBookings to help make its content accurate, authentic and accessible. She has travelled extensively; one of her favourite destinations is Ngorongoro Crater where she saw more animals than she could count and came across two magnificent rhinos posing beautifully nose to nose.
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Debbie Stubbs
Customer Support
UK
Mail DebbieDebbie’s personable manner and her 20-plus years of experience in the safari industry make her ideal for the Customer Support role at SafariBookings. Whether walking with her dogs across the tors and rugged moorland of Dartmoor in Britain’s southwest or indulging her passion for gardening, the outdoors is where Debbie likes to be. She has enjoyed safaris in East and southern Africa – highlights include canoeing the Zambezi and witnessing the great migration, with thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River. Life is nature.
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Brandon Steenkamp
Customer Support
UK
Mail BrandonBorn and raised in South Africa, Brandon has been no stranger to safaris and the outdoors since childhood. Whether it be abseiling down a waterfall or doing a night hike in the heart of the Kruger National Park, Brandon is always up for an adventure. Now based in London, he has a degree in chemical engineering, and works as part of the Customer Support team, helping safari operators reach their maximum potential on SafariBookings.
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Anita Kovalevska
Project Manager
NL
Mail AnitaAnita is a people-oriented project manager always seeking ways to enhance user experience. With a background in editing and translation, she has developed a keen eye for detail and honed her organizational skills. Outside of work, Anita enjoys expressing her creativity through photography and drawing. She has deep empathy for all living creatures and loves spending time in nature. In both her personal and professional life, Anita is committed to making a positive impact on the world.
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Martijn Segers
Senior Developer
NL
Mail MartijnWork is mainly a social thing for Martijn, who loves the small, international tribe who are his colleagues. Martijn is a developer and one of the owners at SafariBookings – he is an extremely likable figure, with a big heart and a passion for cats and computer games. He is one of the driving forces behind the SafariBookings Foundation that focuses on giving back to Africa. If he could change the world he would bring a more human, spiritual focus to life. And there’s no prouder Dad in Holland – a big smile comes to Martijn's face when his 'lovable daughter' is mentioned.
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Stefan du Plessis
Web Developer
ZA
Mail StefanStefan is our jack-of-all-trades – whether he is updating content pages, writing some code, moderating reviews or creating maps, he continuously strives to add value to the team. He is living the good life with his wife, his mini-me and his two furry friends in the beautiful town of George, where he enjoys running, riding and swimming in the pristine mountains, forests, rivers and ocean along the South African Garden Route.
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Jan Beekwilder
Co-owner
NL
Mail JanJan is a serial entrepreneur. Since 1992, he has started more than 15 companies in 6 different countries, and initiated over 10 innovative online concepts – most in partnership with his brother, Jeroen Beekwilder, and business partner, Wouter Vergeer. Jan was CEO, investor, and board member for several of those companies. He has backpacked the world, and made his home in both the US and South America for several years. Jan's favorite continents are Asia and Africa. He has been an avid birder since childhood and enjoys Africa's bird-life just as much as its wildlife.
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Philip Briggs
Travel Writer & Africa Expert
ZA
Philip is a travel writer and guidebook author specialized in Africa. He first backpacked between Nairobi and Cape Town in 1986 and has traveled around Africa regularly ever since. In the 1990s, he wrote new Bradt Guides to several destinations then practically uncharted by the travel publishing industry, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique and Rwanda. He has also written and updated Africa-focused guidebooks for other publishers including Rough Guides, DK Eyewitness, Insight, Berlitz and Frommer’s.
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Alan Murphy
Director of Content
AU
Mail AlanAlan has lived and breathed travel all his adult life. As a travel writer he wrote many guidebooks for Lonely Planet. Alan is responsible for SafariBookings’ content and honestly thinks he works with the nicest people in the world (or at least in Holland). Alan strongly believes that a key part of travel is giving back – he runs an international NGO called RoundTrip Foundation. He lives in Australia with his wife, Alison, who is his strength and his home.
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Gabrielle Stefanos
Editor
AU
Gabbi has 20 years’ experience as an editor. She has worked mainly in travel publishing for clients such as Lonely Planet. The SafariBookings team inspire her with their expertise and dedication, and she enjoys being part of such a friendly and creative global crew. Gabbi loves a good yarn, walking, yoga and travel. Her favorite birds are the superb fairy-wrens outside her office. She lives in Australia with her two teenage daughters who she can’t wait to take on safari!
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Beverly Chogo
Customer Support
KE
Mail BeverlyBeverly is passionate about assisting small businesses to grow and thrive. Her work with tour operators began at the height of the pandemic, and it was an incredible experience to come in at a time when the industry was hard hit and to become a beacon of hope through the activities in her previous workplace. At SafariBookings, her work entails assisting operators to improve their performance on the platform. In her spare time, you'll most likely find her reading a book or listening to a personal growth podcast. Beverly also enjoys entertaining and preparing delicious meals for her friends and family.
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Matthijs Verberkmoes
Concept Creator & Project Manager
NL
Mail MatthijsMatthijs was just 16 years when his parents took him to Africa and it left an indelible impression on him. Painted (wild) dogs and efforts to save the species captured his imagination. For Matthijs, SafariBookings combines a passion for African travel and wildlife conservation with his expertise in the digital world. Outside of work Matthijs likes ultra-trail running. He would like to see the gift of travel available to all, with its ability to open minds and positively change perspectives on the world.
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Bas van Bockel
Online Marketeer
NL
Mail BasBas spent 15 years teaching guitar and is now an online marketing specialist at SafariBookings. He is the type of colleague that people like sitting next to for his quick mind and gentle manner. On a recent safari, to the Serengeti in Tanzania, Bas was thrilled to see a stalking lion in hunting mode. Bas values working with a team that is highly motivated. He also likes to be connected and colleagues joke that he can’t go anywhere without WiFi or 4G.
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Machiel Hulsbosch
Front-end Developer
NL
Mail MachielMachiel loves the development challenge at SafariBookings. His first African adventure was in Namibia. The experience was more awesome than he could have imagined. The trip included seeing large herds of elephants in Etosha NP, and camping in the middle of the desert. His favourite moment was spotting lions at a watering hole one evening. Machiel loves spending time with family and friends, and wants to explore more travel opportunities. He also enjoys pursuing creative activities when relaxing at home.
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Jeroen Beekwilder
Co-owner
NL
Mail JeroenJeroen is one of the owners of SafariBookings. He has a heart for people and a mind for business. His desire to feel connected powers his love of travel. He will always remember his first African safari with his family in Tanzania. The thundering hooves of the wildebeest migration over the endless plains made him feel like Dr Livingstone himself! In years to come Jeroen would like to focus his energy into helping other people. He would simply like to live in a more sustainable world with less focus on consumption and a greater tolerance and respect toward people... and animals.
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Anthony Ham
Travel Writer & Africa Expert
AU
Anthony has been writing about Africa for over two decades. He began in the Sahara Desert, looking with the Tuareg for the Saharan cheetah. Now, you’ll likely find him in East or southern Africa writing stories for the BBC, New York Times, Lonely Planet, SafariBookings and others. He loves driving alone out into the Serengeti or the wilds of Botswana to camp under the stars, and is happiest when surrounded by Africa’s people and its wildlife in the wild places that they share.
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Helen Christinis
Managing Editor
AU
Mail HelenHelen was born in Zimbabwe, where she spent her childhood. She enjoyed plenty of time in the African bush thanks to her nature-loving aunt and uncle. The wild beauty of Mana Pools is forever her favorite. Helen has worked as an editor for more than 20 years, mainly in the travel-publishing industry, and loves working with her colleagues at SafariBookings. Outside of work, Helen cherishes time with her husband, two boys and two dogs, and has an interest in archaeology and history.
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Mart Siemerink
Operations Manager
NL
Mail MartMart manages the Customer Support operations on SafariBookings. As a child, he already had a fascination with wildlife, visiting every zoo in the Netherlands multiple times. Nowadays, he focuses much of his free time on training and coaching in the sport of powerlifting, something which gives him a lot of energy. Mart is the youngest member of the Dutch office and his fresh perspective helps broaden the horizon of the team.
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Raeesa Essop
Customer Support
ZA
Mail RaeesaRaeesa has worked as an engineer, English teacher and freelance writer. She has created videos and written content for the SafariBookings knowledge base, giving her a deeper understanding of the platform. As a result, she now works in a Customer Support role helping operators optimize their performance on the platform. Raeesa has enjoyed many safaris in South Africa, where she’s based. She’s passionate about animal welfare and tries to support as many wildlife outreach programs as possible.
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Joris van Ekert
Designer
NL
Mail JorisJoris has been working with the owners of SafariBookings for a long time. A creative talent, his drive to produce quality work is combined with a competitive streak, which provides the focus for getting the best out of himself. Also known as the cook and grillmeister, Joris is exceptional on the BBQ, a fact his workmates highly appreciate. Joris is a family man, living with his lovely wife and their two naughty boys! He also loves playing soccer and watching movies.
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Dennis van Rooij
Senior Developer
NL
Mail DennisDennis is the captain of the web developer team and a key component of SafariBookings. Dennis loves the vastness of the Serengeti in Tanzania, which embodies his love of clean air and tranquility. In the office he is both loved and hated for playing Christmas music in October! Dennis loves to spend time with his wife and three beautiful daughters. He hopes for a world without borders so that people recognize their common humanity and consider themselves part of the same community.
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Joris Leermakers
Senior Developer
NL
Mail JorisJoris is a brilliant web developer and highly valued member of the team at SafariBookings. He has a gift for making people feel at ease and a manner that exudes natural warmth. His first safari was in Tanzania where the stunning girth and bountiful wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater will stay with him for a long time. In his next life Joris wants to take it down a notch and be a gardener. Joris is very involved with his local community and lives with his wife and three gorgeous children.
SafariBookings Expert Panel
Working closely with the team behind the website is our 25-member expert panel. Between them, these award-winning travel writers and reputed guidebook authors have written more than 1,000 reviews on African parks, reserves and safari countries. They also provide invaluable input into our online travel guides, helping to answer all your African safari questions. Their comprehensive knowledge of travel in Africa provides the ideal first step in selecting your dream safari.
Alan Murphy
Alan is a travel writer and author of over 20 Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guides to Southern Africa and Zambia & Malawi.
› Full Bio & Reviews
Anthony Ham
Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.
› Full Bio & Reviews
Ariadne van Zandbergen
Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer whose work is featured in many well-known guidebooks and magazines.
› Full Bio & Reviews
Brian Jackman
Brian is an award winning travel writer, author of safari books and regular contributor to magazines such as BBC Wildlife and Travel Africa.
› Full Bio & Reviews
Charlotte Beauvoisin
Charlotte lives in Uganda and is a writer, blogger, volunteer and promoter of birding, conservation and responsible tourism. She writes for Fodor’s, Horizon Guides and Bradt, and runs an award-winning blog.
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Christopher Clark
Christopher is a British travel writer and has contributed to various Fodor's guidebooks and a range of travel magazines.
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Dale R Morris
Dale is a multi-award-winning writer and photographer with more than 500 published magazine articles featured in magazines such as National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Travel Africa, and CNN Travel.
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Emma Gregg
Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.
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Gemma Pitcher
Gemma authored several Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guides to Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.
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Harriet Nimmo
Harriet is a zoologist with more than 20 years’ experience. She has the privilege of working with the world’s top wildlife photographers and photo-guides.
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Heather Richardson
Heather is a British travel / conservation journalist, and has written for publications and broadcasters such as the BBC, Departures, the Telegraph and the Sunday Times.
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James Bainbridge
James is a travel writer and author of many Lonely Planet guides, including senior author of the guide to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.
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Kim Wildman
Kim is a travel writer who authored and updated over 15 guidebooks, including Lonely Planet's South Africa and Bradt's Tanzania guides.
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Lizzie Williams
Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
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Lucy Corne
Lucy is travel writer for a range of publications, including Lonely Planet's guides to Africa, Southern Africa and South Africa.
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Mark Eveleigh
Mark is a travel writer who grew up in Africa and has written over 700 titles for Condé Nast Traveller, Travel Africa, BBC Wildlife and others.
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Mary Fitzpatrick
US
Mary is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including South Africa, Tanzania, East Africa and Africa.
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Mike Unwin
Mike is an award-winning wildlife writer, former editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.
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Nana Luckham
Nana is a travel writer and author of multiple guidebooks, including the Lonely Planet guides to Africa, Zambia & Malawi and South Africa.
› Full Bio & Reviews
Paul Murray
Paul is a travel writer, author of the Bradt guidebook to Zimbabwe and is closely involved in promoting tourism to Zimbabwe.
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Philip Briggs
Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.
› Full Bio & Reviews
Stephen Cunliffe
Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.
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Stuart Butler
Stuart is a travel writer and author of numerous Lonely Planet guidebooks, including 'Kenya', 'Rwanda' and 'Tanzania'.
› Full Bio & Reviews
Sue Watt
Sue is an award-winning writer who specializes in African travel and conservation. She writes for national newspapers, magazines, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet.
› Full Bio & Reviews
Tim Bewer
US
Tim is a travel writer who has covered 10 African countries for Lonely Planet's Africa, East Africa and West Africa guidebooks.
› Full Bio & Reviews