The Ultimate Safari: Africa's Greatest Experiences

Itinerary information

Begin your journey in Nairobi, Kenya where you'll enjoy a scenic flight by helicopter to the Masai Mara Nature Reserve. This reserve, a sprawling savannah paradise, teems with iconic wildlife against a backdrop of endless golden grasslands.

You'll land at Mara Plains Camp, a small and private luxury tented camp in the Olare Motorgori Conservancy. The intimate camp will be booked out exclusively for your party, giving free rein to the range of luxury suites on offer. The head of the party will stay in the Jahazi Suite, an intimate, two-bedroom tented luxury Kenya safari suite. It comes complete with an extensive outdoor verandah offering incredible views of the steady stream of wildlife parading past, and a private swimming pool.

On the second day, you'll take to the skies in a sunrise hot air balloon excursion, where there’s plenty of chance to spot all the incredible African animals from your basket. The balloon travels with the wind, so you might float over forests, plains or rivers as you take in the extensive landscape. Once you land, breakfast will be ready and waiting for you in the middle of the park before you climb into your safari vehicle and enjoy a game drive back to camp.

Day three will see you take a private helicopter flight to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, one of the first community-run organisations in Kenya. This is a profoundly moving experience that will transport you to the very heart of compassion and hope in Africa. You will be welcomed by a symphony of trumpets and rumbles, a testament to the resilience of these majestic creatures. Surrounded by the nurturing care of dedicated keepers, you witness not only the physical healing of these gentle giants, but also the mending of their wounded spirits. . You’ll then fly back to Mara Plains Camp by helicopter before the sun goes down.

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Paradise beckons on the next part of your journey as you're transferred to Alfajiri Beach Villa at Diani Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Kenya.

Renowned as one of the best luxury villas in the world, Alfajiri Cliff Villa boasts unparalleled privacy and exclusivity right on the edge of the white sand beach. The shoreline stretches over 10 miles with glistening azure waters and a large barrier reef that keeps the ocean calm and clear – perfect for boating and kite surfing. The villa stretches over three levels, giving way to elevated views over the Indian Ocean, an expansive lawn and a sun-soaked swimming pool.

Alfajiri Villas are owned by the Alfajiri Foundation who strive to promote sustainable travel practices and safeguard the wildlife, landscapes and community of Diani

Take the next few days slow and soak into your holiday after the past few day's adventures. A dedicated team of staff consisting of a masseuse, chef and butler are on hand to cater to your every wish, with all meals tailored to your preferences.

Feeling more energetic? There’s kite surfing, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, diving and excursions to Kisite Marine National Park in traditional dhow sailing boats. On land, you can search for forest elephants in the Shimba Hills, go quad-biking, or enjoy the nearby 18-hole course.

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After breakfast, travel via light aircraft to the Zambezi River in Zambia, the fourth-longest river in Africa. You'll stay at Tongabezi Lodge, a stone’s throw upstream from the world-renowned Victoria Falls. Tongabezi is on the banks of the river under shady trees making for a secluded and romantic camp.

Your home will be the Dog House, a private villa on the edge of the Tongabezi garden with three separate decks and two small islands connected by wooden walkways. The lodge guarantees spectacular views of the mighty Zambezi River from each window, sofa, bed and bath.

Known as the adventure capital of Africa, Victoria Falls comes with plenty to enjoy. You can head out into nature with bird-watching walks, 4X4 game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, or sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi in search of elephants and hippos. The surrounding markets of Mukuni, Maramba or Dambwa offer a local shopping experience or take it slow with a picnic lunch on a private island.

On your second day on the Zambezi River, you'll take a scenic helicopter flight known locally as ‘The Flight of the Angels'. Armed with your camera at the ready, you'll fly over Victoria Falls and its surrounding landscapes. The flight will start at the cascading waterfalls of Victoria Falls and then continue downstream to the colossal Batoka Gorge. Return over the Falls to the upper Zambezi and keep an eye out for wildlife in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

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Wake up, stretch and find yourself on a business-class flight to Cape Town. You’ll spend the next two nights at the world-famous Ellerman House, an original Cape Edwardian mansion that is a favourite of celebrities from all corners of the globe. Ellerman House has all the best bits of South Africa from its mountainside location, sprawling sea views and the best of South African wine, cuisine and art. The Herbert Baker-styled mansion has been lavishly decorated with South African art to create an opulent retreat.

After you've settled into your private ocean retreat, you can immerse yourself in the culture, history, wilderness and food authentic to Cape Town. Meet your local guide who will guide you on a full-day road trip in a Land Rover Discovery and travel from sea to mountain. In the evening, enjoy a helicopter tour of the Cape Peninsula over stunning beaches, city views and endless ocean vistas.

Included in your stay is a private ocean safari, where you will experience the beauty of the Cape Town coastline on a luxury catamaran, looking out for a variety of marine creatures that frequent the area.

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After almost two weeks on the road, it's time to wind down and experience a slower pace of life. In the afternoon, you'll take a short drive to Hout Bay to stay at the Future Found Sanctuary, the embodiment of a natural retreat.

The mountain sanctuary is a seven-acre private estate located at the tip of Africa. It rests on the foothill of Table Mountain, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Here, guests are encouraged to spend time enjoying the many facilities scattered throughout the estate. Foraging and feasting, art-and-music journeys aligned to the seasons, yoga, breathwork, and Tai Chi practices, and connecting to your inner creative spirit are some of the invigorating experiences to be had at the sanctuary.

There's also a spa with a small hammam, two treatment rooms, a space for relaxing and a gym, as well as two pools, one heated and one filled with mountain spring water for invigorating cold plunges.

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From Cape Town, you'll fly by helicopter to Singita Kwitonda Lodge on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, where more than a third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas find refuge.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge's unrivalled position puts life-changing gorilla trekking experiences within reach. The lodge is set in a remote 72 hectares of forest that acts as a haven for rare and endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, and is the only lodge with such proximity to the park. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to join a Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund researcher on a sustainable gorilla trek to encounter these endangered animals.

The lodge features luxurious suites with a private heated plunge pool, wellness treatment area, in-and outdoor fireplaces and large timber-framed windows that welcome breathtaking scenery and volcano views inside. Meals include fresh produce from their farm-to-table garden and you can take in the surrounding views with some local hikes. This is the place to contemplate encounters with the remarkable ‘gentle giants of the forest' and envelop you in a sanctuary of warmth, stillness and solitude.

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Transfer by helicopter and small aircraft to Grumeti Reserves in the Serengeti. You'll spend three nights in Singita Serengeti House, where you'll have exclusive use of the entire estate for a truly special experience.

Singita Serengeti House acts as your own private retreat in the heart of the bush. Sweeping decks stretch into the natural surroundings allowing for unparalleled views of the Serengeti. A 25-metre rim-flow pool helps you cool down after a long day of safari, while comfortable interiors and a fire pit will lead you seamlessly into the evening. Everything about the house can be tailor-made to your interests and needs, and a private vehicle and guide will take you for game drives when it suits you.

On the second day, wake up early to start your Balloon Safari adventure. You'll see the Serengeti from a unique perspective that others rarely get to see, spotting wildlife trails made by generations of animals. After landing, you'll celebrate with a special ‘Out of Africa' breakfast before filling up the rest of your day with the area’s endless array of activities.

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Onto your last leg of the trip, you'll fly in a Cessna Caravan light aircraft to spend your final days in the Seychelles on the private island of Cousine. Except for the staff who are there to tend to your every need, you'll not see another soul for miles.

Cousine Island Resort is a lavish and exclusive getaway on Cousine Island, in the spectacular Seychelles. Cousine Island is not only a tropical destination but an island 100% dedicated to nature conservation. The resort hotel is the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, offering many relaxing and exciting activities.

Guided nature walks and snorkelling are available, and the island’s conservation officer can tell you about the interesting history of Cousine Island’s past. For the more adventurous at heart, a range of diving, fishing, snorkelling and day excursions are also offered.

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After your time spent in East Africa, it's time to head home. You will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward arrangements but, before you put your seat back and your shutter down, be sure to look out the window for one last look at Africa…