Help! I’ve got a client who wants an African Safari! I’ve never sold Africa - What do I do?
The number of times I’ve seen this on Luxury Travel Boards is disheartening. Who would go on Safari with someone who knows NOTHING about Africa? Apparently lotsa folks. Here are the Top 5 Must Ask Questions for Safari Planning.
1) Have you lived or worked in (or even been to!) Africa?
The vast Continent of Africa is diverse. East Africa completely different than Southern Africa. Namibia and Zimbabwe could be on different Planets!
You want an African Expert to help you design your Safari. For many, this will be a trip of a lifetime. Even if it isn’t a just once, it is still your precious time and money. You need someone who can help plan, who knows Africa.
2) Why are you an Expert in the field of African Safari Planning?
This is a bit different than the above question. Flyga Twiga™ is honored to work with trusted, In-Country Partners/Destination Management Companies (DMCs) , keeping up-to-date on Industry Changes, and continuing to Travel Extensively*, in East and Southern Africa, all create truly Expert Advice.
*A question you should ask is who pays for the Travel? While Fam Trips are great, I want to support Locals and Local Economy. The vast majority of my travel has some paying component. It is the right way as an African Travel Planning Expert.
3) How long have you specialized in African Safaris?
A little known “Insider Secret” is many Big Box “Luxury” Travel Firms will move successful Sales Staff around. One week a staff member may be working on Cruises, then the next on African Safaris. I love a good Salesman. I also know specializations means knowledge of travel specifics, which may make or break a Safari Experience.
4) Where are you headquartered?
Where the company is headquartered regulates business and banking laws. Your due diligence starts with knowing not only who, but also where, the professional accountability will be held.
5) Who is your Destination Management Company (DMC)?
DMCs are our trusted, In-Country Partner. DMC is a term replacing “Ground Handlers”. The DMC is the person(s) for whom your bespoke Safari Planner is vouching. They are telling you they know and rely on the DMC’s qualifications and professionalism.
Why is this so important? I still get shudders thinking about the “Luxury Travel Expert”, who asked last year, on a Professional Luxury Travel Forum, if anyone had a DMC in Ethiopia. She was planning on sending Clients to not only a place she had never been, but also with people she had never worked with. As I mentioned at the beginning, this happens all the time – scary!
You need to have faith that the people sending you on Safari, know and trust the people in charge of your Safari Experience.
As the questions suggest, you are really conducting an interview with the person you are entrusting with your African Safari safety and experience. These questions should assist in your traveling with confidence and the freedom to enjoy the amazing African Wildlife and Culture.
Please feel free to use these same questions for all your Travels. I think they apply to most Luxury Destinations - Worldwide.
