More Than Software: What We Learned at Our First Zafari Breakfast

“The best technology doesn’t start with code, it starts with conversation.”

☕ A Morning of Insight & Intention

On a cool Nairobi morning, we hosted our very first Zafari Breakfast Session…a casual gathering of lodge owners, property managers, and industry partners who came together to share openly about what’s working, what’s not, and what the African hospitality space really needs.

This wasn’t a pitch. It was a listening session. And what we heard is already shaping how we build, support, and grow alongside our partners.

💡 Key Takeaways From the Room
1. Hospitality Needs a Partner, Not Just a Platform

Too many tools. Not enough support. That was a recurring theme.

Properties want a growth partner who helps them boost revenue, not just manage rooms. We’re answering this call by building not only smarter software, but support that moves the needle…marketing, visibility, and advisory services made for African lodges.

2. Simplicity Sells. Complexity Kills.

From bookings to payments to websites, simplicity wins.

“Guests just want to click and book. Owners want to collect and track.”

We’re doubling down on intuitive booking flows, local integrations like M-Pesa, and seamless calendar management.

3. Additional Software Costs Are Hurting Properties

 

Lodges are already paying top dollar for global systems like Opera, then having to stack more tools on top to do the job, and still, things don't connect.

Zafari’s goal: One system. One workflow. Built for Africa.

 

4. Marketing Is the Missing Piece

 

“How will you help me get more bookings?”

 

The most asked question of the day, and one we’re now actively answering. Owners want visibility, content, and help converting guests. Our current software and future roadmap include tools and partnerships that drive more direct bookings and visibility to agents.

 

📌 Coming soon: Agent portal, localised marketing support, and more.

 

5. The Community Is Ready

 

Beyond tech, this breakfast revealed something deeper: a real desire for community in the industry.

 

Attendees shared generously. Collaborations were sparked. And Zafari’s role as a connector, as well as a product…came to life.

 What We’re Already Building
  • All-in-one Booking + PMS with M-Pesa, card, calendar, rates & invoicesStability & support designed to weather tourism’s toughest moments
  • A roadmap of AI, automation & growth tools

 

Zafari is more than just software - it’s a promise.

To listen. To evolve. To grow together.

 

What’s Next?

 This breakfast was just the beginning.

 

We’re planning more sessions like this, smaller, smarter gatherings where real issues are surfaced and real solutions are co-created. Because hospitality in Africa deserves better. And we’re building it…with you.

 

Want to join the next Zafari Breakfast or share your story?

Drop us a message, zafari.africa, or follow us on LinkedIn - Zafari Africa for the next invite.

 

🧡 Thank You to the Community

 

Special thanks to the incredible minds who joined us!

 

#BuiltForAfrica #ZafariCommunity #HospitalityTech #BookingSoftware #EastAfricaLodges