Would I book with Yellow Zebra again?

Probably, but I would do a bit more investigating into other companies and would seriously consider booking with a company where there is no division between the sales and operations teams.

The main reason I chose Yellow Zebra was because I really appreciated having sample itineraries with actual prices posted on their website. I was able to customize an itinerary, add additional days, and build a trip that worked well for us. I also found the sales team to be honest and genuinely helpful in maximizing our time in Zimbabwe. The actual lodges chosen far exceeded my expectations. However - I could have done without the drive from Matopos to Hwange!!

The sales team was responsive, answered all of my questions, made thoughtful suggestions, and helped me feel comfortable with the options I chose. I had contacted several other safari companies that wouldn't even work with me because I wasn't spending over $100,000 USD for a 15-day safari, which, in my opinion, is absolutely insane. Yellow Zebra stood out because they were willing to work with us and provide a personalized experience regardless of our budget. There was no pressure or chasing emails for me to hurry up and make a decision.

Where I think Yellow Zebra falls short, however, is with their operations team.

I was very frustrated with the operations side of things, particularly with the handling of our Zimbabwe visas. I had paid Yellow Zebra to complete the visas required for entry into Zimbabwe, and I filled out the visa form more than a year in advance online, providing all of the information requested. Several months later, the operations team emailed me asking for the exact same information. I responded to their email with the same information already on the form, only to subsequently receive follow-ups chasing me for a response—even though I had already provided the information multiple times. I followed up again and received no response. I don't mind people following up - but if you are going to use email starters with "As per my last email...." you better actually read the emails in between.

During this ordeal they also told me about the American VISA requirements. If they read any of my subsequent emails or looked at the online VISA form I submitted, they would have known I am not American.

The process was extremely frustrating, especially because we ultimately didn't receive our visas until a few days before the trip and at that point I was send daily emails. At that point, I had to contact the sales team via phone directly to get help resolving the issue.

There was another frustrating example toward the end of our trip. During my last call with the sales team, they offered to arrange an additional transfer from our final privately booked accommodation to the airport. I followed up with both the sales and operations teams to arrange this but received no response. In the end, I had to use the WhatsApp travel team while I was already on safari to arrange the transfer myself. It would have given me more peace of mind to have this pre-booked prior to the start of the safari where internet and communication could be limited.

That experience left me wondering why these services are offered if the company isn't able to follow through on them.

Overall, I had a generally positive experience with the sales team and appreciated the flexibility, transparency, and willingness to work with us. The itinerary itself was also a great fit for what we wanted. Unfortunately, my experience with the operations team was a significant source of frustration and took away from what otherwise could have been a much smoother experience.

So, would I book with Yellow Zebra again? Probably—but I would compare them more carefully with other safari companies first, particularly those where the same team manages the booking from initial planning through operations.

We initially got in touch with Yellow Zebra with a view to booking a potential safari + beach trip honeymoon but with VERY little idea of what we wanted having no experience of such a trip.

Jo Hudson swiftly followed up and arranged a call to understand the type of vibe on holidays we like, and came back within a day or so with three outlined suggestions.

This whole part of the process was made by Jo to not feel overwhelming at all, with the information published into a personalised portal, and Jo arranged a quick call to run through the type of options she had curated.

We didn’t feel at all pressurised to revert to Jo too quickly and she was on hand to answer queries via WhatsApp whilst we went through the potential choices, remaining completely open to pivoting fresh options too.

Having finally picked a combination within the Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya and a beach trip to Zanzibar, Yellow Zebras follow up Operations process was very smooth.

Handed across to Marc, Jo made it very clear she was on hand still if we had questions for her, and also had a call with me a few weeks in advance of our trip to make sure we had the various visa and medical forms in place too.

Having an online portal to make swift payment (and also click through the accommodation material) made it nice and straight forward to pay the deposit and the balance nearer the time.

The itinerary documentation that Yellow Zebra craft is detailed but digestible, really useful to have this on hand to keep on top of your logistics whilst away!

The experience of the holiday itself was exceptional and the Yellow Zebra and Wilderness teams were exceptional.

Prior to the trip we had an international flight cancellation and Jo swiftly took off my hands switching our transfer time in Zanzibar.

In Nairobi, we were taken through the airport and assisted with delayed baggage from our connecting flight- Wildnerness and our camp sorted getting this to our camp in less than 2 days!

You don’t feel isolated at all thanks to having a team on hand via a WhatsApp group which gave us the confidence to switch flights home whilst in Zanzibar to avoid a 10 hour layover - Wildnerness sorted all the logistics for our transfer.

Accommodation wise I left separate views for the accommodations themselves but Saruni Leopard Hill and Zawadi Hotel in Zanzibar were exceptional.

We are both keen to make sure that this is not our last safari trip, and we’ll definitely utilise Jo Hudson again for helping us craft the perfect trip!

We loved our experience booking our safari in Tanzania with Yellow Zebra Safaris! From the moment we reached out to them and as first time safari holidaymakers, Eleanor, met with us online to find out exactly what experience we were after and discuss options (we are a famiy of 5 with 3 sons). The booking process was as simple as it could be and the service and communication in the lead up to our trip was remarkable. The team were always willing to answer any questions or concerns which we greatly appreciated. Honestly, the service blew us away and we would highly recommend Yellow Zebra Safaris to other first timer family groups. Highly recommend Eleanor in the sales team and Magda in operations - as I mentioned they made our experience one of the most memorable trips we have been on.

Edward and the team at YZ were fantastic in suggesting and organising a trip that was perfectly tailored to me. Staying at two different camps gave me an amazing variety of experiences, and I was fortunate enough to see the Big Five, as well as more elusive animals such as wild dogs and leopards.

The visit to Victoria Falls and the sunset cruise provided a lovely break between safaris and added even more variety to the trip. All of the journeys and transfers between destinations went smoothly, and there was always someone on hand to help with any questions or queries.

Overall, it was an incredible and very well-organised experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to use YZ again for a future trip and would happily recommend them to others.

From the planning stage through the entire safari experience, Yellow Zebra listened a planned an experience that our entire family found amazing. A true sign of a great support staff is how they react when something goes wrong. We had a flight cancelled and one of the eight of us was not rebooked on the same flight. The team in Tanzania was in contact with me each step of my journey to reunite with my family. The accommodations, location, and guides were exceptional. They really listened to us and planned each day accordingly. I would highly recommend them to plan your trip to Africa.

Lauren Noakes was most excellent with managing and tailor making suggestions and options for our first safari celebrating my son's birthday and my 60th, taking into consideration how we wanted it to be and our budget. Once we had decided which option suited us best, no question was too small or what I considered silly to be answered without hesitation. The operation and team work from Yellow Zebra after the deposit was paid was also seamless and we weren't forgotten. The team in the UK and What's app support if needed whilst away was most exceptional and I would not hesitate in recommending YZ to anyone.
We did splash out on a hot air balloon experience and what a place to do it for the first time and have a wonderfully freshly cooked breakfast afterwards too.
We were totally bowled over by our first safari trip. Big thank you to YZ, Lauren Noakes and everyone that made this possible for us. Xx

This is the second time we have booked a safari with yellow zebra. They were incredibly helpful in helping us to select a camp and hotel in Zanzibar. We received lots of helpful advice before we left and once in Africa everything went perfectly. We will definitely use them again.

I've never used anyone else to plan/manage a trip. I wasn't even sure I wanted or could manage to take a trip of this magnitude. Out of the handful of good decisions I've made in my life, using Yellow Zebra might have been the best.

The initial conversation with the safari consultant was incredible. It gave me an idea of what could be possible and made me more excited to attempt a safari.

After the call, the safari consultant gave me four options, each offering a unique experience. The amount of time YZ and my consultant spent on this trip was incredible.

They are awesome.

Lauren helped me arrange my trip of a lifetime. The service provided was excellent. In a world where we hear about scams abroad, I felt comfortable trusting Yellow Zebra. The support throughout the trip was great and the guides, camps and lodges we used were amazing. My dream was fulfilled.

From start to finish the Yellow Zebra planned the most incredible Northern Tanzania safari/Zanzibar beach trip.
Julian and Savanna took into account all our preferences in food and accommodation when booking and planning our trip. From the time we booked the trip we would get reminders y to ensure visas, insurance etc were in order. In Tanzania a local team updated us daily through WhatsApp. The Wilderness staff on the ground were efficient from the time we were picked up at KIA to our final drop off in Dares salaam. On safari we had the most amazing guides ( James, Stephen and Emanuel) who were knowledgeable and welcoming. They would ask us each day our preferences and tailored the game drives accordingly. We learnt so much from the guides. Their ethical and respectful approach to conservation sets them apart from many other companies. The transitions between safari camps and Zanzibar were seamless with YZ booking with Auric Airlines.
The mobile tented camps in remote areas away from the crowds (we were hesitant initially) were amazing, peaceful and allowed us to see the most amazing sunsets, sunrises and animals including a herd of elephants and wildebeest . The hospitality at these tented safaris is like that of a 5 star hotel. Our trip to Zanzibar was equally amazing - food, culture and great hospitality at hand picked boutique hotels.
If you want peace of mind, a trip of a lifetime personalized for you and your family- go with Jullian/Savanna and the Yellow Zebra team.

They organize and coordinate everything, so you don’t have to worry about anything ! From pickups from airport, transfers to hotels, transport to airports, helping with customs/immigration, to bush flights, they do everything! All you need to do is show up and enjoy your safaris !!

Amazing service. Gave us the best trip!

Great communications. Booked our second safari with Yellow Zebra because our first experience working with this exceptional company was flawless. We are looking forward to our upcoming trip tailored just for us. The planning and pre- trip process was perfect.

Great trip to South Africa, Victoria Falls, West Serengeti, North Serengeti and Kenya. Yellow Zebra organized a seamless multi-camp, multi-country safari with easy transfers, knowledgeable guides every step, and an unforgettable experience.
Emma Dunn is a fantastic agent, friendly and lovely to work with. We will definitely book another trip with her through Yellow Zebra again!
Thank you for this trip of a lifetime!

An amazing safari itinery at very high quality venues. Incredible attention to detail. Transfers and safari guides all very trustworthy and knowledgeable. Pre-departure brief and information was very detailed and covered items we wouldn't have thought of. Made the whole holiday a stress free experience.

The "on-the-ground" support touted by Yellow Zebra / Wilderness could be a call center anywhere in the world. Our parting memory of South Africa is sitting for several hours at "bytes cafe" at Johannesburg airport's pre-security area with 2 young kids and my mother (celebrating her 70th birthday) trying to avoid the gum stuck under the table.

Here's what happened: Our last day involved complex travel (remote safari lodge > van > bush plane > JNB international flight check in) yet no one proactively reached out to confirm the plans or ask our preferences. We relied on a pdf print out from weeks prior.

We had even specifically asked (weeks earlier) what would happen while we waited for our international flight (given our unfamiliarity with Johannesburg's airport). We were assured we would remain at various lounges until our flight time.

Instead, the charter plane company eagerly dumped us at the main terminal hours early and we waited for several hours pre-security in Johannesburg airport because the British Airways check-in counter wasn't open yet. This is when we got to experience bytes cafe. No one from the "on the ground" team called us and certainly no one recommended a restaurant or offer any realistic solution. The team is unable to support the most basic service recovery.

It was a chaotic end to the trip and not at all what one would expect when you book at 10-day trip that costs the equivalent of a higher-end car for your parent's milestone birthday...

The friendeness and professionalism throughout my interaction with Georgia made my reservation experience easy and pleasant. Following our discussions, she prepared a great itinerary in line with my expectation. She was open to my demands for adjustments that she made without any issue. An amazing reservation experience. I am even more excited about my upcoming trip !

very responsive and worked with us to plan our next adventure within our limitations and within our planned budget to get the best experience possible

In summary, I wanted a complete and wholesome experience of Botswana - people, wildlife, scenery - and that is what I received. Two itineraries were proposed, one of which was exactly what I had hoped for, and from there to our return from Botswana, everything was handled with efficiency and expertise.

Yellow Zebra made it easy to do the trip of my life. After talking with Edward he put together an itinerary just like the one I had hoped for. During the trip everything went the way it was supposed to. All accommodations were above expectations with excellent food. The guides were punctual and highly knowledgeable. We absolutely loved our Tanzania experience.