THE RATING SYSTEM
The Tim Score
A single number. Twelve criteria. Assigned only after a paid, first-hand stay. Because a press trip tells you nothing about what a lodge is actually like.
The Short Answer
The Tim Score is a 0–100 rating assigned to luxury lodges after Tim Hennig's personal, paid stay. It weights 12 criteria including wilderness position (15%), wildlife access (12%), conservation impact (8%), and value for money (8%). Scores of 90+ are exceptional. Below 80 means Beyond Paradise Adventures does not recommend the lodge.
What the numbers mean
The 12 criteria
Each criterion is scored 0–100, then multiplied by its weight. The weighted scores sum to the final Tim Score.
Wilderness position
15% of total score
Isolation from other camps, habitat quality, zero light and noise pollution, protected land status.
Accommodation quality
12% of total score
Construction quality, materials, room size, maintenance standards, attention to detail.
Wildlife access
12% of total score
Animal density and diversity, proximity of sightings, guide expertise, vehicle quality, off-road access.
Food & beverage
10% of total score
Cooking quality, ingredient sourcing, creativity, wine list, beverage programme.
Service
10% of total score
Staff warmth, proactivity, personalisation, ability to anticipate needs without being intrusive.
Activities
8% of total score
Range of experiences offered, exclusivity of access, guide expertise beyond standard game drives.
Conservation impact
8% of total score
Verifiable, documented conservation contributions — land protection, anti-poaching, community programmes.
Value for money
8% of total score
At €6,000+ price points, value is relative. The question is: does the experience justify the premium over alternatives?
Sustainability
7% of total score
Observable, documented practices in energy, water, waste, and supply chain. Never marketing claims.
Sense of place
5% of total score
Architecture, materials, and design choices that root the lodge in its specific landscape and culture.
Exclusivity
3% of total score
Total guest numbers, privacy between guests, ability to feel truly alone in the wilderness.
Repeat visit intention
2% of total score
Would I personally book this lodge again? The ultimate test of a genuine recommendation.
The non-negotiables
Paid stays only
I pay for every lodge I review. No complimentary stays, no hosted press trips, no invited visits. I have stayed in every lodge at Beyond Paradise Adventures standard rates.
First-hand experience required
No Tim Score is assigned from secondary research, online reviews, or someone else's account. Every score is based on what I observed personally.
Matlai is never reviewed
I own Hotel Matlai, Zanzibar. An undisclosable conflict of interest. Matlai will never appear in Beyond Paradise Adventures — positive or negative.
Sub-80 scores are not published with names
If a lodge scores below 80, Beyond Paradise Adventures does not recommend it. We may reference the threshold without naming the lodge, to avoid harm to staff and operators from a public verdict.