How does the voting process work?
Phase 1: Nominations
Anyone can nominate a safari lodge, camp or operator that meets the criteria for The Safari Awards by visiting https://thesafariawards.com/vote/nominate
The Safari Awards management team then verify the details of the nomination and if the nominee passes verification an account is created and login details are generated where nominee managers may populate their nominee listing with text, images, videos, social channels and any other information they wish to add. Nominee managers are notified by email of their nomination and they can canvas for supporting votes may contact their opt-in mailing lists to gain support from their customers.
Phase 2: Voting
Within a few days of the previous Safari Awards cycle ending, usually in early to mid-May, the next voting phase begins. Over 4,500 vetted tour operators, travel agents and travel journalists are invited to vote for the best safari camps, lodges, houses, mobile and riding operators, and wildlife organisations they are aware of. Nominees may ask their guests to support them whilst in camp by including The Safari Awards nomibation information in their room/tent information packs. The voting continues right up to the Judges select their finalists, usually in mid April.
Phase 3: The Judges' Shortlist
The Judges have continuous access to all Nominee and the supporting comments from customers. This is followed by a few days of reflection where Judges can discover more about specific nominees culminating in an online voting process where each Judge selects their 'top five' in each category per country. This creates the 'Judges Shortlist' of about 200 safari camps, people and operators. This list is sent to all Judges who conduct further research on the 'short listers' to become better informed.
Phase 4: The Finalists
Following a global webinar where they can share their own experience of the 'short listers' and discuss newcomers all Judges are then required to score the 'top ten' Shortlisters in each category from 10 (best) to 1 (lest best) to creates the 'awards finalists' revealed on the 19th April.
Phase 5: The Winners
The process of selecting The Safari Awards winners is a more subjective process. There are several discussions between 19th April and 12th May where the Judges share their thoughts on our communal WhatsApp group. On the 12th May the Judges in Durban meet and in collaboration with those Judges who can't be with them, decide the winners in all 18 categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Safari Awards truly independent?
Yes. We do not sell travel and we have no commercial interest in any nominee.
Does it cost to participate?
There is no cost for safari operators of lodges, camps, mobile, walking and diving safaris who are licenced to operate in their respective countries to participate in The Safari Awards.
Are the Awards just about Africa?
Currently The Safari Awards is restricted to African safari operators. There are plans to expand to other contininn
Should I canvas for votes?
We advise you not to canvas the judges however nominees should certainly use their nomination as a tool to contact their past guests, and ask for support. This tells the guest that you have been nominated in the prestigious Safari Awards and reminds them how good you are! They will give their feedback when they vote and this will be sent to the judges if you make the shortlist.
How do I make the shortlist?
This is purely by numbers - you need to get enough support from past guests and from the trade.
Where and when does the Awards Announcements take place?
This changes year on year, but is usually in November.
How can a nominee interact with the Safari Awards / Good Safari Guide community?
We are always happy to publish information (news, specials etc) about Awards Nominees- just send content over to editor@ goodsafariguide.com and we will endeavour to publish it on our site and out in our newsletter.
Any tips for making the most out of a nomination?
- put the Awards Nominee logo on your email footer with a link to your voting page
- put a page in your guest welcome pack detailing the Safari Awards and asking them to visit your designated page on the site and to vote and leave their feedback
- invite the Judges who specialise in your country to visit
- contact your past guests and ask them to support you by voting for you
