Vainess Laizer is the person behind the seamless experiences guests remember long after they’ve left. As Guest Experience Supervisor at Good Earth Tours, she ensures every traveler feels looked after at every stage. Before their safari begins, while they’re out in the wild, and even after they’ve headed home.

For Vainess, exceptional hospitality isn’t a department. It’s a standard that runs through every touchpoint of the journey.

What’s your favorite safari animal and why?
My favorite safari animal is the hyena because they are incredibly intelligent, resilient, and often misunderstood. Many people see them only as scavengers, but they are actually skilled hunters with complex social structures and strong
teamwork within their clans. What makes them even more fascinating is that females lead the pack, which is quite rare in the animal kingdom. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, and watching their behavior on
safari is always captivating

What’s your favorite safari memory or moment?
Witnessing the Births of Wildeebest in the Ndutu Plains during the calving season. Seeing new life arrive across the plains often within minutes of each other is truly unforgettable. The energy is incredible: newborn calves taking their first steps,
herds gathering in huge numbers, and predators closely observing from a distance, creating a raw but beautiful balance of life in motion. It’s a powerful reminder of how nature works in cycles, and Ndutu during calving season is one of those rare places where you feel completely immersed in it.

What do you love most about helping people plan safaris?
What I love most about helping people plan safaris is being able to shape each journey into something personal and seamless from start to finish. It’s not just about building an itinerary, it’s about understanding what each guest truly hopes to feel and experience in the wild, then making sure every detail supports that. Whether it’s positioning them in the right place for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife moment, arranging special touches for a celebration, or ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, I enjoy knowing we’ve created a stress-free experience for them.

What’s one local phrase or word you think every safari-goer should know?
Asante which means Thank you. I feel like during safari there is so much going on behind the scenes and sometimes a simple gesture of thanks goes a long way to put a smile on your service provider.

What’s the best part about being part of the Good Earth Tours team?
There’s a strong sense of teamwork behind the scenes. Everyone from planners, guides, the operation team works closely together to make sure every detail runs smoothly. That shared commitment to quality and guest experience is what makes the work so fulfilling. The Good Earth Team is a great family to work with.