How a Star Is Earned.
A Gallivant Africa Star Rating is the outcome of a disciplined, independent and repeatable process. Here is exactly how it works — and why it can be trusted.
The Four Principles Behind Every Rating
These principles are non-negotiable. They apply to every inspection, in every country, in every category.
We Arrive Unannounced
Inspectors book, arrive and experience every property as an ordinary paying guest. Management is never notified in advance, so what we assess is the experience every guest receives — not a performance staged for us.
We Pay Our Own Way
Inspectors pay full rate for every stay, meal, treatment and flight they assess. No complimentary stays, upgrades or hospitality are ever accepted. There is no debt to repay — and therefore no influence to answer to.
One Standard Everywhere
A 5-star hotel in Accra is held to the same standard as one in Cape Town, Marrakech or beyond. Our benchmark does not move by market — that consistency is the entire point of the rating.
Ratings Cannot Be Bought
Fees cover the cost of inspection only — never the outcome. No property, group or airline can purchase, influence or expedite a rating, and our advisory services have no bearing on the stars we award.
What We Assess
Every inspection evaluates hundreds of exacting standards, organised into five assessment areas. Service carries the greatest weight — because facilities can be built, but excellence must be delivered by people, consistently.
Service & HospitalityWeighted most heavily
Graciousness, efficiency, anticipation and personalisation. How staff greet, remember, recover from mistakes and make guests feel — from arrival to departure.
Facility & Product QualityDesign, comfort & condition
The quality, comfort and maintenance of the physical product: rooms, cabins, dining rooms, treatment spaces, amenities and technology.
Cleanliness & PresentationNon-negotiable baseline
Immaculate housekeeping and presentation across every space a guest touches. Deficiencies here cap the rating regardless of strengths elsewhere.
Food & BeverageWhere applicable
Quality of ingredients, execution, beverage programme, menu knowledge and the theatre of service — from in-room dining to fine dining and in-flight catering.
Consistency of ExperienceAcross every touchpoint
Excellence must hold across the whole journey: booking, arrival, the core experience, problem resolution and departure — not only in showcase moments.
The Annual Rating Cycle
A Star Rating is valid for one year. Every rated property is re-inspected before its rating is renewed — stars can rise, and stars can be lost.
Request an Assessment1. Selection
Properties enter the cycle by request or by our own identification of candidates worth assessing.
2. Anonymous Inspection
An inspector visits unannounced and evaluates hundreds of standards as an ordinary guest.
3. Independent Review
Scores are audited by a review panel that had no part in the visit, ensuring accuracy and consistency across markets.
4. Award & Renewal
Ratings are awarded annually, published openly, and defended through re-inspection every year.
The Firewall Between Ratings and Revenue
We are open about how Gallivant Africa earns its income, because independence that cannot be examined is not independence at all.
- Inspection fees buy inspection, not outcome Businesses pay for the cost of the assessment process. The result — one star or five, or no rating at all — is determined solely by performance.
- Advisory services are separated from rating decisions Training and consulting engagements are delivered by a separate team. Buying our services earns no favour; declining them costs none.
- Inspectors are rotated and anonymous No inspector assesses the same property in consecutive cycles, and inspector identities are never disclosed to the businesses they rate.
- Ratings are published — and can be lost Every award is public and every rating expires after twelve months. A property that slips is re-rated accordingly. No exceptions.
Ready to Be Measured Against the Best?
Request an independent assessment. Our inspectors visit anonymously — the rating is earned, never bought.
Get Rated