Lauren has a wealth of knowledge having guided across 'safari Africa' and worked for some top tour operators both in the UK and 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 we design safaris however her specialist areas at YZ are Tanzania, Botswana, Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
Lauren's recent trips to Africa include a trip to Tanzania in late 2016 that covered both the northern and southern safari circuits as well as an extensive trip to Namibia in May 2017 and Botswana in June 2017.
Tanzania, Botswana, Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Having turned down opportunities at university, Lauren found herself carving a career in a field that she found rather uninspiring. Upon having a light-bulb moment of ‘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 over landing coming running adventure camping trips, 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 Abercrombie & Kent, but it wasn’t long before Africa came calling again.
Lauren has spent the last three years living in Tanzania, where she worked for leading tour operator Legendary Expeditions, who own the likes of the sensational Mwiba Lodge. Lauren’s final year on the continent has seen her living on 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 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!!
"Well that was a holiday of a lifetime and I am so glad that I booked it through Yellow Zebra Safaris with the very pleasant Lauren Lees to help me plan my trip! It was comforting to know she lived in Tanzania and so was very knowledgeable of where and when to go. All in all the service I received was very professional."
"When planning our long awaited trip to Tanzania and Kenya, we spoke to several travel agents and high end tour companies that our friends had recommended. We were very disappointed and discourage with the lack of help we were getting. Then we came across Lauren Lees from Yellow Zebra. We instantly fell in love with Lauren. It was obvious that she had a soft spot in her heart for Tanzania. She wasn't pushy, was very accessible and knowledgeable, answered all of our questions, and listened to our desires..."
"Working with Lauren at Yellow Zebra was a real pleasure. She helped us plan our trip to Tanzania and kept it in our budget - we still hit a Singita for 3 days! The itinerary was perfect and the lodges selected, amazing. Thank you yellow Zebra for this unforgettable trip!"
Ikuka is a classic camp boasting a fabulous location on the lofty Mwagusi escarpment, providing breathtaking views of the wilderness below.
Lake Manze Tented Camp is located in southern Tanzania’s vast Selous Game Reserve. It is one of our favourite adventurous camps in the entire country!
Lemala’s Kuria Hills is a luxurious lodge that offers seriously good value compared to its rival properties.
Gibb’s Farm is located in the Karatu area of northern Tanzania. It is a superb base from which to explore Rift Valley, including Ngorongoro, Manyara and the surrounding villages.
A phone call is by far the best way to get the ball rolling when planning a safari. Please call us toll-free on +1 855 225 1155, or request a callback. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected].
We operate a 24hr emergency line for our travellers in Africa.
We're open during the week between 9am and 6pm.
Why not give us a call and arrange a time to pop in and talk to us about your holiday plans?
Yellow Zebra Safaris
1-3 Union Street
Kingston-Upon-Thames
Surrey
KT1 1RP
For directions call 020 8547 2305
Our UK offices may be a bit far for you to come and visit, but we would be delighted to hear from you by phone or email!
