The Most Exclusive Ultra-Luxury African Safari Experiences
Written by
Ker & Downey® Africa
In the world of high-end travel, luxury is defined by the rarest of commodities: space, time, and exclusive access. An ultra-luxury safari transcends the traditional notion of wildlife viewing, offering a meticulously curated experience designed for discerning travelers who demand absolute privacy, impeccable service, and deep, meaningful connections with nature.
At its core, a truly luxurious safari blends seamless personalized service with extraordinary settings. From private air transfers and exclusive-use lodges to bespoke game drives led by expert guides, every detail is tailored to the guest’s preferences.
What sets ultra-luxury safaris in Africa apart is their ability to offer seclusion without sacrifice. Guests retreat to remote, untouched corners of Africa where wild beauty remains unspoiled, yet find themselves surrounded by elegant design, world-class cuisine, and intuitive hospitality.
For those seeking comfort without compromise, and authenticity without crowds, the ultra-luxury safari experience delivers something exceptional: a journey where adventure and refinement coexist, where every encounter is intimate, and where the wild becomes not just a destination, but a privilege to behold.
As a leading luxury travel company in Africa, we have been curating incredible safaris, including unlocking rare access to exclusive experiences and Africa’s most luxurious lodges and private islands.
Discover some of the most exclusive experiences and destinations in Africa, handpicked by our luxury travel consultants.
The most exclusive private islands for a luxury safari
Alphonse Island Lodge
Alphonse Island Lodge is one of Africa’s most exclusive private islands, accessible only to the privileged few. This pristine tropical paradise, which is part of the Seychelles, is nestled in the Indian Ocean and offers untouched wilderness and unparalleled luxury. Accommodation includes 22 beachfront bungalows, five suites, and two family villas, each steps from powder‑white sands and brilliant turquoise sea. Guests can immerse themselves in exceptional services and amenities, including a spa, a pool, and a conservation program led by expert guides. Some of the many highlights include sailfish snorkeling, a carefully prepared lunch on the shallow flats surrounded by the Indian Ocean, informative nature hikes, and the opportunity to venture beyond the reef to explore marine life in the open ocean.
Thanda Island
Thanda Island is one of the world’s most exclusive private islands, located within Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve. Available on an exclusive-use basis, the island offers complete seclusion and bespoke luxury for families and groups seeking total privacy. Accommodation includes a lavish main villa and two traditional Tanzanian bandas, all designed in an elegant coastal style with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Guests enjoy a fully personalized stay with a dedicated team, private chef, and tailored activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, dhow cruises, and island picnics on untouched sandbanks. Conservation is at the heart of the experience, with opportunities to learn about marine protection initiatives while enjoying one of Africa’s most extraordinary island sanctuaries.
&Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge
&Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge is the epitome of barefoot luxury, set on its own private island just off the coast of Zanzibar. Encircled by a coral atoll and a protected marine reserve, this exclusive retreat offers an intimate escape where nature and refinement exist in perfect harmony. The lodge features just 12 beachside bandas, each thoughtfully positioned for privacy and uninterrupted ocean views. Days unfold at an unhurried pace, with experiences ranging from snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters to dhow sailing at sunset and indulgent beachfront dining beneath the stars. With its exceptional service, pristine beaches, and extraordinary marine life, Mnemba Island Lodge delivers one of East Africa’s most romantic and refined island experiences.
The most exclusive luxury lodges for an African safari
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Perched majestically on a sandstone ridge overlooking Zimbabwe’s Malilangwe Dam, Singita Pamushana Lodge offers an intimate, ultra-luxury safari escape in the 115,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. With just eight elegant cliff-side suites and a five-bedroom villa – all featuring private plunge pools and panoramic decks – the lodge blends striking architectural design with Shangaan-inspired art and décor. Guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives, bush walks, sundowner boat cruises, spa treatments, and expertly guided cultural visits. The lodge’s captivating views, bespoke experiences, and highly personalized service levels ensure a setting that offers an ultra-luxury African safari and the opportunity to reconnect with nature and the vast wilderness.
Angama Mara
Suspended high above the Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara is one of Africa’s most iconic safari lodges, offering breathtaking views over Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Perched on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, the lodge comprises a small number of glass-fronted tented suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive decks, and uninterrupted views across the plains below. Guests enjoy exceptional game viewing in the private Mara Triangle, guided walking safaris, visits to Maasai communities, and romantic picnics in cinematic locations. With its striking contemporary design, warm Kenyan hospitality, and a setting unlike any other, Angama Mara delivers an unforgettable luxury safari experience rooted in both adventure and artistry.
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Dramatically positioned along the cliffs of South Africa’s Lebombo Mountains, Singita Lebombo Lodge offers a bold, contemporary take on the classic African safari. Overlooking the vast plains of Kruger National Park, this ultra-exclusive lodge features 15 minimalist glass-and-steel suites designed to blur the boundaries between indoors and out. Each suite includes a private deck, outdoor shower, and sweeping views of one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich landscapes. Guests enjoy expertly guided game drives, immersive wilderness experiences, and exceptional farm-to-table cuisine paired with fine South African wines. With its cutting-edge architecture, outstanding conservation ethos, and access to unparalleled Big Five sightings, Singita Lebombo Lodge sets the benchmark for an ultra-luxury safari in Africa.
The most exclusive safari experiences
Kweene Trails in the Botswana Delta
The endless landscapes of the Botswana Delta offer one of the most thrilling safari adventures. We have access to some of the most remote parts of the delta, including Kweene, located in the southern section of the Abu Private Reserve and accessible only by helicopter. Experience the magic of this incredible destination on foot, in a game-drive vehicle, in a mokoro, and on a private helicopter charter. On this bespoke experience, guests explore one of the world’s greatest untouched areas of wilderness while enjoying the comfort of their own exclusive mobile safari camp.
The Great Migration in Kenya
Witnessing the Great Migration is one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on earth, and Ker & Downey® Africa offers privileged access to this ever-moving phenomenon through expertly guided, fully bespoke mobile safaris. Following the herds across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems, guests are positioned in the right place at the right time, whether for dramatic river crossings, calving season, or vast plains alive with predator activity. Accommodation is in an exclusive, elegantly appointed mobile camp, allowing complete flexibility while maintaining exceptional comfort and privacy. This immersive journey places guests at the heart of the action, delivering a front-row seat to one of nature’s most powerful and unforgettable events.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
A face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of Africa’s most moving and exclusive wildlife experiences. Guided by expert trackers, guests trek through mist-covered rainforest in search of these rare and majestic primates, spending a precious hour observing them in their natural habitat. Our team of luxury safari specialists seamlessly pairs this once-in-a-lifetime experience with exceptional accommodation and private guiding, ensuring a journey that is both deeply personal and impeccably curated. The combination of conservation, adventure, and emotional connection makes gorilla trekking one of the most profound safari experiences available anywhere in Africa.
What defines the ultra-luxury safari experience?
A luxury safari is defined not only by its setting in Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes but by the exclusivity, refinement, and personalized attention that shape every aspect of the journey.
Exclusive-use lodges or villas
At the heart of a luxury safari lies exclusivity. Guests often stay in private-use lodges or villas, offering total seclusion, personalized service, and the freedom to create their own bespoke itinerary. These intimate accommodations ensure complete privacy and the ability to tailor each day to individual desires, whether that’s an early morning game drive or a relaxed afternoon by the pool.
Private charter flights and personal guides
The luxury experience begins before arrival. Private charters whisk guests effortlessly between destinations, bypassing the constraints of commercial travel. On the ground, dedicated guides with expert knowledge lead fully customizable game drives, providing rare access to wildlife encounters few others will ever experience.
Ultra-premium accommodations
From striking architectural design that blends seamlessly with nature to indulgent touches like open-air baths, spa treatments, and infinity pools overlooking Africa’s vast wilderness, accommodation on a luxury safari is nothing short of extraordinary.
Gourmet dining and curated experiences
Dining is a highlight in itself on an ultra-luxury African safari. Guests enjoy chef-prepared gourmet meals with fine wines served in spectacular settings, from candlelit bush dinners under the stars to breakfasts on a private veranda. Beyond wildlife viewing, curated experiences such as heli-safaris, hot-air balloon rides, and conservation initiatives with leading researchers offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to connect deeply with Africa’s landscapes and heritage.
Seamless logistics and 24/7 service
From the moment of booking to the final farewell, luxury safaris are underpinned by seamless logistics and white-glove, concierge-style service. Every transfer, every activity, and every meal is arranged with meticulous precision. This behind-the-scenes orchestration allows guests to focus solely on savoring the moment and the majesty of the wilderness around them.
Book a private luxury safari in Africa
If you want to experience an ultra-luxury safari in Africa, we can help. We excel at curating once-in-a-lifetime safaris, unlocking rare access to the continent’s most exclusive destinations, private islands, and luxury lodges. Contact us today to learn more about planning a bespoke, private luxury safari in Africa.
Curated Packages
Signature journeys across Africa
Our expert team crafts journeys that transcend luxury. Each itinerary is shaped by the spirit of the land and the wisdom of its people — opening doors to experiences few can imagine, and even fewer will ever access.
Year Round
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15 DAYS
The Ultimate Southern Africa Bush & Beach
June-August
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12 DAYS
Rovos Rail and Zambezi River Escape
All Year Round
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14 DAYS
Luxury South Africa and Mozambique Honeymoon
All Year Round
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9 DAYS
‘Out of Africa’ Safari in Kenya
All Year Round
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17 DAYS
Southern Africa: Framed and Untamed
All Year Round
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10 DAYS
Tanzania & Zanzibar Family Holiday
June-October
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9 DAYS
Sub Saharan Kenya Safari Experience
June – October
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18 DAYS
Tanzania and Seychelles Luxury Safari
All Year Round
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17 DAYS
Luxury Mauritius & South Africa Experience
All Year Round
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6 DAYS
Luxury Morocco Vacation
May to October | November to April
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11 DAYS
Spirit of Zambia Safari
All Year Round
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Day Trip to Antarctica LuxVenture®
Feb – May, Sep – Dec
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10 DAYS
Luxury Journey Through Morocco
May to October
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8 DAYS
Mad Max Safari Adventure
Jan, Feb, Jun – Sept
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13 DAYS
Gorilla Trekking, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti
Year Round
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18 DAYS
Southern Africa Luxury Bush & Beach Escape
May-October
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10 DAYS
South Luangwa Walking Safari
All Year Round
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8 DAYS
Luxury Kenya Safari
Jan, Feb, Jun – Sept
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5 DAYS
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
June-October
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7 DAYS
African Wild Dog Safari
All year round
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9 DAYS
9-day Victoria Falls to Botswana Luxury Safari
All year round
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9 DAYS
Beaches of Seychelles Vacation
Year Round
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8 DAYS
African Wild Dog Safari in Zimbabwe
All Year Round
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13 DAYS
Amboseli, Lewa and Masai Mara Safari
June - Sept
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11 DAYS
Uganda Done Right
All Year Round
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7 DAYS
Chobe River Cruise & Okavango Delta Safari
15 June - 15 November
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7 DAYS
Luxury Tented Safari in Tanzania
All Year Round
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11 DAYS
Cape Town Safari & Whale Coast Adventure
Dec – Mar
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7 DAYS
Wildebeest Calving Season Safari
All Year Round
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14 DAYS
Southern Africa’s Finest: SA, Victoria Falls & Botswana
June-February
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13 DAYS
A Cultural Safari Tanzania Zanzibar
All Year Around
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12 DAYS
Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari
All Year Round
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10 DAYS
Cairo + Luxury Nile Cruise
All Year Round
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11 DAYS
Luxury Egypt Experience
July-September
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6 DAYS
Horseback Safari in Kenya
Year Round
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11 DAYS
Adventure and Exploration in the Seychelles
All year round
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12 DAYS
Luxury Family Safari: South Africa & Victoria Falls
All Year Round
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8 DAYS
Best of Egypt LuxVenture®
All Year Round
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10 DAYS
Luxury Tanzania Honeymoon LuxVenture®
June - Sept
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8 DAYS
Rivers & Rainforests: A Ugandan Safari
All Year Round
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16 DAYS
Ultimate East Africa Safari
All Year Round
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12 DAYS
Tanzania & Zanzibar Honeymoon Safari
May-October
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8 DAYS
Luxury Treehouse Safari to Botswana LuxVenture®
All Year Round
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12 DAYS
Stargazing Desert Safari in Namibia
March to June
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10 DAYS
Zimbabwe Victoria Falls & Safari LuxVenture®
All Year Round
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10 DAYS
Botswana & Victoria Falls Adventure
Year Round
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10 DAYS
Natural East Africa Wonders Safari
March-December
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10 DAYS
Luxury Private Safari in Zambia
Year Round
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11 DAYS
Luxury Seychelles Honeymoon and Couples Vacation
June-October
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10 DAYS
Electric Vehicle Safari in Kenya
All Year Round
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8 DAYS
Luxury Namibia Safari
All Year Round
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7 DAYS
Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
All Year Round
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9 DAYS
Luxury Safari in Kruger National Park & Cape Town
All Year Round
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9 DAYS
Luxury Adventure through Namibia
All Year Round
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9 DAYS
Botswana Okavango Honeymoon LuxVenture®
June - Sept
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15 DAYS
Gorillas & Big Five Safari Adventure
June-October
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8 DAYS
Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari
All Year Round
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11 DAYS
Luxury Safari in Zambia
June-October
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9 DAYS
The Great Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania
All Year Round
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12 DAYS
Culinary Journey to Morocco
April-October
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10 DAYS
Best of Botswana Safari
All Year Round
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