It’s 2025, and AI can write your emails, plan your meals, and even compose film scores. So why not let it plan your African safari too? Here’s the honest answer about where AI shines – and where (in our humble, human opinion) it currently falls dangerously short.
The reality check
In the last three months alone, we’ve received over 30 enquiries with text clearly generated by AI. Interesting starting point, right? But here’s what happened next: once we started actually working with these clients, their brief changed, the parameters broadened, and the real conversations began.
The end result? Some absolutely outstanding tailor-made holidays that bore little resemblance to those original AI-generated enquiries. Others decided to book package deals with high street travel agents because budget was their main motivation – and that’s totally fine too. Work within your means people, always!
But for those who wanted something truly special and perfectly suited to them?
That’s where the human touch made all the difference.
Where AI gets it right
AI is brilliant for initial research. It can instantly tell you:
- Popular safari destinations
- General best travel times
- Basic cost estimates (please can I emphasise basic)
- Common wildlife you might see
- Standard packing lists
Go ahead and use it for this foundational research – we encourage it! AI can help you dream and get those initial ideas flowing.
Where AI gets it wrong
(and why it matters)
The Safety blind spot AI might suggest gorilla trekking for your family without mentioning it’s strictly 15+ years only. Imagine planning your entire trip around this experience, only to discover your 14-year-old can’t participate. Aidan may also not know that mokoro excursions in the Okavango Delta (traditional dugout canoes with local polers) also require minimum age 15 for safety reasons. These aren’t suggestions – they’re non-negotiable safety rules enforced by park authorities. And does it know that some of these parameters vary vastly, from camp to camp, region to region, country to country?
The personal touch gap AI can’t tell you that the camp or lodge it recommends has paper-thin walls (disaster for light sleepers), or that the luxury camp actually has shared bathrooms, or that the particular guide at that location is phenomenal with teenagers but struggles with younger kids.
Real-time reality check AI’s information is static. It doesn’t know that the road to that ‘must-visit’ park is currently washed out, or that there’s unusual animal movement this season that makes a different location far better for your travel dates.
The ‘who are you?’ factor AI can’t assess whether you’re the type who’ll love camping under canvas listening to lions roar, or if you’re someone who needs luxury amenities and spa treatments after game drives. It doesn’t know if your group dynamics work better with fast-paced adventure or leisurely, immersive experiences.
Family dynamics miss Travelling with teenagers and grandparents? Multi-generational groups work best with significantly different camp or lodge selections, pacing, and activities. AI can’t read between the lines of your family dynamics or suggest the specific accommodations that work for your unique group.
The currency of experience While AI pulls from databases, human specialists pull from experience – and not just their own. They know which vehicle handles rough terrain better, which sundowner spot is truly magical, and which local guide will spot that elusive leopard you’re dreaming of.
The bottom line
Use AI for inspiration and initial research – it’s fantastic for that. But when it comes to crafting your actual African safari holiday, especially when safety, family dynamics, and personal preferences matter, nothing replaces the insight of someone who’s actually been there, knows the places intimately, and can tailor every detail to exactly who you are.
Your African adventure deserves more than generic algorithms. It deserves the human touch that transforms a good trip into an unforgettable, safe, and perfectly tailored experience.
Ready to move beyond AI suggestions to real expertise?
