In this exclusive conversation, Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, speaks with Peter Robert, Founder and Managing Director of Gosheni Safaris, one of Africa’s most respected safari operators. Since launching in 2009, Peter has focused on personalizing African travel through local insight, sustainable operations, and thoughtful hospitality.

With a growing fleet, a multilingual team, and operations that span East and Southern Africa, Gosheni Safaris continues to attract travelers from across the globe who seek a deeper, more personal connection to the continent. From Kilimanjaro climbs to gorilla trekking and private safaris in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, Peter shares how Gosheni’s approach has evolved, and what lies ahead for the future of travel in Africa.

Alexander Chetchikov: Peter, starting a safari company from scratch is no small task. What sparked the idea for Gosheni Safaris, and what was missing from the industry that you hoped to change?

 Peter Robert: I always wanted to start a fully Tanzanian company. I was a guide myself, and the dream was to show my country from a local’s perspective—not just as a tour, but as someone who lives here. I didn’t want it to feel scripted or commercial. I wanted guests to feel like they were being shown around by a friend. That’s the experience I was missing in the industry.

AC: The range of experiences Gosheni offers, from game drives to cultural visits to trekking, shows a strong understanding of different types of travelers. How do you keep your offerings relevant across such diverse interests?

PR: We stay close to our guests. We attend trade events, we follow trends, but most importantly, we listen to the people who travel with us. What did they enjoy? What surprised them? What would they have liked to see more of? These conversations help us shape experiences that are truly worth it.

AC: Many companies say they personalize travel, but in your case, it seems to go far beyond surface-level customization. What does “personal” really mean at Gosheni?

PR: Personal, for us, means honest and unscripted. We’re all locals. This is home. So, when we guide, it’s not an act—it’s real. We don’t memorize facts just to impress. We live it. That authenticity is what makes the experience feel so personal to our guests.

AC: Your team operates across multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. How do you maintain consistency in quality while adapting to such different environments?

PR: It’s not easy, but we take our time. We invest in training our guides and we carefully choose our partners. They have to share our mindset—client first, always. If a partner doesn’t understand that we don’t work with them. It’s about shared values more than anything else.

AC: One thing that stands out is your use of in-house resources, vehicles, guides, and support teams. Why did you decide to keep most of the operation internal instead of outsourcing?

PR: Because quality matters to us. When you outsource everything, it’s easy to lose your identity. We want people to feel Tanzania when they travel with us, not just any safari company. Keeping things in-house helps us protect that authenticity.

AC: From visiting remote villages to witnessing the Great Migration, guests are often immersed in powerful moments. How do you balance access with responsibility?

PR: We never want to turn a community or a landscape into a spectacle. We work with locals directly and ask them what’s okay, what’s not. Respect comes first. If something feels like it crosses a line, we won’t do it—even if it’s in demand. Long-term respect is more important than short-term thrill.

AC: Looking at Gosheni’s sustainability work—from solar lodges to community partnerships—what efforts have had the most impact?

PR: We try to be responsible in every part of the operation. We’ve installed solar systems in our camps, and we work with local farmers and artists whenever we can. We’re also members of several responsible tourism associations, and we’re currently working toward Travelife certification. It’s an ongoing process, but we take it seriously.

AC: You’ve received repeat recognition from respected travel institutions. How do you use that kind of feedback to guide your next steps?

PR: We listen. Every review, every guest comment—we take it seriously. Even if it’s small. These things help us improve. The awards are nice, but it’s the guest who tells us they felt seen and welcomed that really matters.

AC: Technology is changing how travelers plan and experience trips. How are you integrating digital tools while keeping the human touch?

PR: We’re still pretty old-school, to be honest. We use social media, and we’ve modernized where needed, but we haven’t gone too far into AI or automation. Our guests still appreciate the human connection. Maybe that will change, but right now, the way we do things works—for them and for us.

AC: Lastly, how do you hope travelers feel when they leave after a Gosheni safari? What do you want them to take with them?

PR: I want them to remember Tanzania first—before Gosheni. I want them to feel like they’ve seen a real part of this land, not just the highlights. If they leave with a sense of connection to the people, the culture, and the land, then we’ve done our job.

Thank you, Mr. Robert, for your reflections on the evolving landscape of African travel that highlight a grounded, human-centered model built on local knowledge, trust, and care. We value your perspective, especially your emphasis on cultural respect, responsible tourism, and the importance of designing experiences that are both meaningful and lasting.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Gosheni Safaris. Discover the heart of Africa and start your journey today: https://goshenisafaris.com/.