Private, tailor-made safaris at Africa’s finest lodges, planned by specialists who have stayed there.
From the Serengeti migration to a Singita suite and a barefoot Zanzibar finish, we design luxury African safaris for couples, honeymooners and families who want the very best guides, camps and moments, without the crowds.
Hand-picked lodges only
We only recommend camps we know well, from Singita to &Beyond, Asilia and Four Seasons.
Private guides and vehicles
Every trip is tailor-made around your dates, pace and budget, never a fixed group tour.
A reply within 24 hours
Tell us what you have in mind and a specialist sends ideas and a draft itinerary.
What makes a safari truly luxury
Luxury on safari is less about marble bathrooms and more about access. It means a private vehicle so you stay at a sighting as long as you like, a guide who has tracked the same leopard for years, a camp on a private concession where only a handful of guests share thousands of acres, and light-aircraft transfers that turn a long drive into a 40-minute flight.
- Private concessions such as the Grumeti Reserve, Sabi Sand and the Okavango Delta, with off-road driving, night drives and walking safaris.
- Small, exceptional camps of 6 to 15 suites, many with plunge pools, spas and exclusive-use villas for families.
- Seamless logistics: fly-in transfers, meet-and-greet at every airport and 24/7 support while you travel.
- The right timing: river crossings, calving season or green-season value, matched to what you want to see.
Sample luxury safari itineraries
Use these as a starting point. Every trip is built around your dates, lodges and budget.
Serengeti Migration in Style
Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and two camps that follow the herds across the Serengeti, with a private vehicle throughout.
From US$14,900 pp
Singita Grumeti and Mnemba Island
Six nights across Singita Sasakwa and Faru Faru, then four nights on &Beyond Mnemba’s private island.
From US$32,500 pp
Okavango Delta Fly-In
Three private-concession camps by light aircraft: water channels by mokoro, Linyanti predators and Chobe elephants.
From US$16,800 pp
Sabi Sand and Cape Town
Big Five game drives in the Sabi Sand followed by the Winelands and a suite overlooking Table Mountain.
From US$11,900 pp
Gorillas and the Serengeti
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, then fly to the Serengeti for big cats and the migration.
From US$24,500 pp
Family Serengeti and Zanzibar
Family suites, a private vehicle and kids’ programmes in the Serengeti, then a relaxed week by the Indian Ocean.
From US$13,500 pp
Guide prices are per person sharing, excluding international flights, and vary by season and availability. Every itinerary can be changed to suit you.
Where to go for a luxury safari
| Destination | Best for | Best months | Guide price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania and the Serengeti | The Great Migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, beach add-ons | Jun to Oct; Jan to Mar for calving | US$900 pp per night |
| Botswana | Exclusive private concessions, water safaris, wild dogs | Jun to Oct | US$1,200 pp per night |
| South Africa | Big Five sightings, malaria-free options, Cape Town | Year-round; May to Sep in Kruger | US$700 pp per night |
| Kenya | The Maasai Mara, conservancies, Laikipia | Jul to Oct; Jan to Feb | US$800 pp per night |
| Rwanda | Mountain gorillas, combined with East Africa | Jun to Sep; Dec to Feb | US$1,500 pp per night incl. permit |
Lodges we love
- Singita: Sasakwa, Faru Faru and Sabora in Tanzania’s Grumeti Reserve; Boulders and Ebony in the Sabi Sand.
- &Beyond: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge on the crater rim and Mnemba Island off Zanzibar.
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: family-friendly, with a waterhole view from the infinity pool.
- Asilia Namiri Plains: the Serengeti’s cheetah country, far from the crowds.
- Mombo and Vumbura Plains: two of the Okavango Delta’s most celebrated camps.
Choose your style
Honeymoon safaris
Private dinners, star beds and a beach finish. See our honeymoon safari ideas.
Safari and beach
Pair the bush with Zanzibar, the Seychelles or Mozambique. Explore safari and beach holidays.
Family safaris
Family suites, exclusive-use villas, kids’ programmes and private vehicles so everyone goes at their own pace.
How much does a luxury safari cost?
Most of our guests spend between US$900 and US$2,500 per person per night on safari, including accommodation, meals, drinks, game activities and park fees. Top-tier lodges such as Singita Sasakwa run from about US$3,430 per person per night. Light-aircraft transfers add around US$400 to US$900 per flight. A 10-night luxury safari with a beach extension typically totals US$15,000 to US$35,000 per person.
Luxury safari FAQs
When is the best time to go on a luxury safari?
For East Africa, June to October is the classic dry season and the time of the Mara River crossings, while January to March brings the Serengeti calving season. In Botswana, June to October is peak game viewing. South Africa’s private reserves are excellent all year.
Is a luxury safari suitable for children?
Yes. Many lodges welcome children from age 6 and offer family suites, exclusive-use villas and junior ranger programmes. A private vehicle is the best way to travel with young children.
How far ahead should I book?
Book 9 to 18 months ahead for July to October and for the most sought-after lodges such as Singita and Mombo, which often sell out a year in advance.
Do I need a private vehicle?
It is not essential, but it is the single biggest upgrade to a safari. You set the pace, stay at sightings longer and can include photography, walking or early starts.
Is it safe?
Yes. The lodges we recommend are in well-managed parks and private reserves with experienced guides, medical evacuation cover and 24/7 support.
Plan your safari with a specialist
Share a few details and we will reply within 24 hours with ideas, lodge availability and a draft itinerary. There is no cost and no obligation.