Free Safari Lodge Website Scorecard

Scorecard with a happy face, neutral face, and sad face. Hand ticking the neutral face with a black marker.

Safari travellers often spend weeks researching before they book.

Your website should answer their biggest questions clearly and confidently.

Use this free scorecard to see how well your website supports potential guests planning a safari in Namibia or SouthAfrica.

This should take you 5 to 8 minutes to complete.

Instruction: Give yourself 1 point for every “Yes.”

When someone lands on your homepage, can they quickly understand:

✔ Where your lodge is located.
✔ What makes your safari experience unique (think out of the box).
✔ Who your lodge is ideal for (couples, families, photographers).
✔ How to enquire or book.

Score: ___ / 4

Does your website clearly explain:

✔ How guests can travel to your lodge.
✔ Which airport they should fly into.
✔ Transfer options or driving directions.
✔ Best time of year to visit.

Score: ___ / 4

Many guests travel from the United States, United Kingdom, or Germany and may have concerns before booking.

Does your website address:

✔ Travel safety information.
✔ Distance from global conflict regions.
✔ Current travel conditions.
✔ Frequently asked questions.

This is especially important during periods of global uncertainty, such as the ongoing wars, pandemics, and natural disasters.

Score: ___ / 4

Does your website include content that helps travellers plan their safari?

✔ Blog articles about safari travel.
✔ Guides for first-time safari guests.
✔ Wildlife or seasonal safari tips.
✔ Packing advice for visitors.

Score: ___ / 4

Before booking a safari, guests want reassurance.

Does your website include:

✔ Guest reviews or testimonials.
✔ High-quality lodge and wildlife photos.
✔ Information about guides or staff.
✔ Sustainability or conservation initiatives.

Score: ___ / 4

16 – 20 points
Excellent. Your website is doing a great job supporting safari travellers.

10 – 15 points
Good foundation, but there are opportunities to improve the guest experience and increase enquiries.

Below 10 points
Your website may be missing important information that international guests need before booking a safari.

Congratulations! You took the first step to improve your website.

For more audit options or copywriting, please send an email to evdscopy@gmail.com with your request.

Author: Erika van der Schyff

Erika vd Schyff is a tourism-focused site content audit specialist and copywriter. With more than 20 years of experience in HR, training, and H&S - and a solid grounding in psychology, she understands how people think, feel, and make decisions. Based in South Africa, she works with a small, select group of clients to write honest messaging that builds trust.