Lauren has a wealth of knowledge, having guided across Safari Africa and worked for some top tour operators both in the UK and in sub-Saharan Africa. Her knowledge of Tanzania, Botswana, and Victoria Falls is superb.
Lauren joined the Yellow Zebra team when she decided it was time to return from living in East Africa. Through guiding overland safaris across Africa, Lauren has built up a wealth of knowledge of all the destinations where we design safaris. However, her specialist areas at YZ are Tanzania, Botswana, Victoria Falls, and Cape Town.
Lauren’s recent excursions to Africa have included a trip to Tanzania’s western reserves, in which she visited YZ favourites Mahale and Katavi national parks. She also enjoyed a two-week adventure to the northern reaches of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, to experience the newest and most exclusive camps and lodges.
Tanzania, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Cape Town.
Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.
Lauren found herself carving a career in a field that she found rather uninspiring. On having a light-bulb moment – ‘There has to be more to life than this!’ – she decided to up sticks and go travelling! The African continent was first, followed by Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the USA – a trip that would take 10 months… apparently.
Having fallen head over heels for Africa, Lauren made it as far as Thailand before cancelling the rest of her ticket and booking a one-way back to South Africa. For the next three-and-a-half years, Lauren worked as a guide for an overland camping safari company, travelling through South Africa all the way up to Uganda and back again. When living out of a dome tent became too much, she returned to South Africa, where she worked in Operations. Lauren returned to the UK to work as an African specialist for a reputable worldwide luxury travel company, but it wasn’t long before Africa came calling again.
Lauren then spent three years living in Tanzania. Here, she worked for leading tour operator Legendary Expeditions, which owns the likes of the sensational Mwiba Lodge. Lauren’s final year on the continent, 2015, saw her living on the beach island paradise Zanzibar, where she assisted in the start-up of a small tour operator and worked as a PADI scuba diving instructor.
“There are way too many to choose just one… feeling elephants brush past my dome tent in the middle of the night in Botswana, climbing the rocky outcrops of Spitzkoppe in Namibia, hiking from the Empakaai Crater to Lake Natron in Tanzania, trekking the mountain gorillas in Uganda… oh, and following a pack of wild dog in Ruaha National Park on my most recent trip to Tanzania. This list is endless!!”
"We have just returned from a wonderful 12 days in Tanzania with everything being well organised by Lauren. All the transfers, hotels and camp arrangements worked flawlessly."
“I am so grateful for Lauren of YZ, who helped me plan the trip of a lifetime! Everything was as Lauren said it would be and to me… that matters! My heart is still smiling and I want to Thank You Yellow Zebra!”
"Lauren Lees at Yellow Zebra put together our dream safari trip. Lauren advised my wife and I on lodge and camp choices in the various safari locations. Her knowledge of the different game camps was crucial in allowing us to choose where to stay. Her recommendations were all fantastic destinations, with breath-taking wildlife, skilled guides and welcoming staff..."
Ikuka is a classic camp boasting a fabulous location on the lofty Mwagusi escarpment, providing breathtaking views of the wilderness below.
With its amazing atmosphere and elephant wandering through daily, this is one of our favourite camps in Tanzania! Children aged 6 years and over are welcome, and management is happy to discuss options for anyone with particular needs.
We recommend this property to travellers seeking great-value deluxe accommodation in the North Serengeti! Children aged 6 years and over are welcome, and under-6s are sometimes accepted too.
This peaceful farm property is a fantastic base from which to explore the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park! Children of all ages are welcome.
The depths of the Indian Ocean hide some of the world’s most unique creatures; it's a paradisiacal place for keen divers. Whether you’re on your 1000th dive or don’t know your fins from your mask, there is something for everyone in Zanzibar.
By Lauren | 10 January 2020
YZ’s Lauren recently went in search of the best views in Kenya, ranging from Out of Africa’s celebrated cinematic scenery to the country’s quiet northern corners. Here she lists her favorite lodges that overlook Kenya’s incredible landscapes:
By Lauren | 09 July 2019
The green season marks the start of the rains in the Linyanti, but don't let that put you off, as the region is transformed from a dry and thirsty region to a lush emerald bounty bursting with colour.
By Lauren | 14 September 2018
