Row of canvas guest tents on green grass beneath trees at Serengeti Nyumbas

About Us

Francesca Panzariello Manager of Special Interest Travel

What do you do? As Manager of Special Interest Travel, I design and manage safaris for universities, museums, zoos, conservation groups, naturalists, professional photo workshops, yoga groups, and celebrity chefs.

What’s your favorite part of your job? Without a doubt, it’s the people. I’m lucky to work alongside an incredible team – both here and in Tanzania – who are all so passionate about what they do and have a genuine love for everything Tanzania.

Besides safari, what has been your favorite past travel experience? Gorilla trekking in Uganda was truly life-changing. A close second would be wandering through traditional markets in Seoul, South Korea to sample incredible local dishes.

What’s next on your travel bucket list? South Africa. A few days exploring Cape Town’s renowned food and wine scene would be right up my alley.

The best meal I’ve ever had while traveling is: I can’t narrow it down to just one!
1. Every home-cooked meal I’ve shared with relatives in Italy. Especially homemade ravioli and freshly picked figs eaten straight from the garden.
2. A classic Sunday roast followed by sticky toffee pudding in the English countryside.
3. Fresh mussels with a Guinness while overlooking the Irish coast.
4. Korean BBQ and local beer in Busan, South Korea.

My insider travel tip is: As a serial overpacker, my best advice is to pack everything you think you need, then remove three or four clothing items. Take advantage of laundry services – you’ll appreciate the extra suitcase space. Always choose comfortable shoes over fashionable ones, and never bring brand-new shoes on a trip unless they’ve already been thoroughly broken-in.