Africa Private Guided Safaris: Luxury East & Southern African Tours
Which countries offer the best private guided safaris in Africa?
Experience the ultimate in luxury and adventure travel with our private guided safaris across East Africa. Our bespoke East African safaris are crafted for honeymooners, adventure seekers, and aspirational travelers who demand exclusive, high-end experiences. You’ll explore Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, each offering iconic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class lodges. Imagine encountering Africa’s legendary Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros) on a private game drive. Watch in awe as herds of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the plains during the Great Migration. Trek through misty rainforest to meet mountain gorillas face-to-face in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. After each exciting day, retreat to ultra-luxury tented camps and lodges for gourmet dining under the stars and five-star personalized service.
Safari Destinations in East Africa
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Kenya: Discover the world-famous Maasai Mara Reserve, “famous for its extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five.” The Mara offers unforgettable safari experiences, from thrilling game drives to sunrise hot-air balloon rides over the savannah. In Amboseli National Park, see huge elephant herds with Mt. Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Stay in luxury camps like Angama Mara, “the flagship lodge sitting 1,000 feet in the air overlooking the Maasai Mara.” Angama’s cliff-edge tented suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls for unparalleled views. Other high-end properties include Singita Mara River Camp and &Beyond Bateleur, as well as private conservancy lodges, all offering intimate accommodations and personalised service.
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Tanzania: Experience the Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Park teeming with wildlife. The Serengeti is aptly called “the home of the Great Migration,” where over two million wildebeest and zebra circle the plains annually. Scan the horizon from game drives or drift above the endless grasslands on a dawn hot-air balloon safari. Visit Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This ancient caldera shelters an “extraordinary concentration of wildlife” including black rhino and vast herds of elephant and buffalo. Our Tanzania itineraries include stays at ultra-luxury camps such as Singita’s Serengeti lodges (with complete privacy and 5-star comfort) and the exclusive &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (perched on the crater rim for panoramic views).
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Rwanda: Head into Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes NP is “among the limited locations globally where tourists can partake in gorilla trekking,” offering a rare and intimate wildlife encounter. After trekking, unwind at luxury retreats like Singita Kwitonda Lodge or One&Only Nyungwe House. Forbes notes that guests “will quickly feel at home surrounded by the rainforest” at Nyungwe. This 22-room resort is set within a tea plantation beside Nyungwe Forest (one of Africa’s oldest rainforests). Each suite boasts an open fireplace, private terrace, and deep soaking tub, perfect for relaxing after a day.
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Uganda: Explore Uganda’s rich safari landscapes. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, trek to see mountain gorilla families. Bwindi protects about 459 gorillas, “almost half of the world’s remaining population.” Uganda also offers classic safari parks: in Queen Elizabeth National Park, encounter tree-climbing lions, elephants, and hippos; in Murchison Falls, witness the Nile’s mighty cataracts and abundant wildlife. Stay in upscale lodges like Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge or Buhoma Lodge, where each itinerary is tailored for comfort and exclusivity.
Southern Africa Highlights: Africa Private Guided Safaris
Southern Africa offers some of the most breathtaking and exclusive safari experiences in the world. From the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the wide, open plains of Kruger and the fiery red dunes of the Namib Desert, this region is perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and refined comfort. Our Africa Private Guided Safaris in Southern Africa are designed to give you full access to iconic wildlife, luxurious lodges, and deeply authentic moments, with your expert guide every step of the way.
Botswana_Okavango Delta & Moremi Magic: Venture into Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its serene beauty and rich biodiversity. Glide silently in a mokoro (dugout canoe) past hippos and herons, or explore Moremi Game Reserve on private game drives. Luxury travelers are drawn to exclusive camps like Vumbura Plains and Chief’s Camp, where your suite opens to floodplain views and your butler ensures every detail is seamless. This is Africa in its purest form, remote, untouched, and utterly unforgettable.
South Africa_Big Five in Style: South Africa combines world-class wildlife with elegant hospitality. In Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, private safaris deliver front-row encounters with leopards, lions, and rhinos. Lodges like Royal Malewane, Londolozi, and Singita Boulders redefine safari luxury, think private plunge pools, gourmet tasting menus, and wellness spas set in the bush. This destination is ideal for honeymooners, family groups, and anyone craving top-tier comfort alongside extraordinary wildlife.
Zambia_Wild and Intimate: Zambia is where the concept of the walking safari was born. In South Luangwa National Park, your private guide will lead you on foot through wild landscapes, where each track and scent tells a story. At Time + Tide Chinzombo or Shawa Luangwa Camp, the service is discreet but impeccable, and the wildlife viewing, especially leopard sightings, is second to none. A visit to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, completes the experience with jaw-dropping beauty and adventure options like helicopter rides or sunset Zambezi cruises.
Zimbabwe_Untamed Elegance: Zimbabwe is a rising star in luxury safaris, offering unspoiled wilderness and fewer crowds. Hwange National Park is home to enormous elephant herds and predator-rich plains. Explore with seasoned naturalists on private drives, then unwind at elite lodges like Linkwasha Camp or Matetsi Victoria Falls, which pair world-class design with riverside serenity. Combine Hwange with a stay at Victoria Falls River Lodge, where you’ll sleep under canvas with views of the mighty Zambezi.
Namibia_Desert Luxury and Dreamlike Landscapes: Namibia stuns with its surreal beauty. From the rolling dunes of Sossusvlei to the skeletal coastline and star-studded night skies of NamibRand Nature Reserve, this country is ideal for those seeking solitude and scenery. Stay at Wolwedans Dunes Lodge or Little Kulala, where sustainable luxury meets otherworldly views. Guided nature drives, bush walks, and hot-air ballooning offer a fresh take on the safari experience.
Iconic Wildlife & Exclusive Experiences

- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Rise with the sun and drift above the savanna in a hot-air balloon. This peaceful aerial view reveals herds and predators across the landscape. Champagne breakfasts on the plains make it a truly romantic highlight.

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Big Five & Great Migration: Encounter Africa’s most iconic species on private game drives. The Maasai Mara and Serengeti teem with lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Witness millions of wildebeest and zebra crossing the plains, a spectacle of nature.

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Gorilla Trekking: Trek through the misty jungles of Uganda and Rwanda to meet mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Permits are secured, and our expert guides make the journey as seamless as possible, ensuring this life-changing experience is both safe and unforgettable.

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Bush Dining & Night Drives: Dine under starry skies with gourmet, locally inspired cuisine cooked in the bush. Enjoy private candlelit dinners near your safari camp or lodge. By night, take exclusive drives or guided walks with an expert naturalist to spot nocturnal wildlife, creating magical safari memories.

- Personalized Service & Curated Luxury: Every safari is private and tailored to you. Enjoy flexible itineraries, expert English-speaking guides, and private 4×4 vehicles. Our focus on high-touch, individualised service means VIP treatment at every turn, from customized game routes to surprise sundowner cocktails at sunset.

- Cultural Experiences: Complement your safari with immersive cultural visits. Meet Maasai or Samburu communities in Kenya, learn about coffee farming in Rwanda, or encounter local artisans in Uganda. These authentic, private encounters enrich your journey and are arranged with respect and exclusivity.
Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps
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Angama Mara (Kenya): Modern luxury overlooking the Mara Triangle. Angama means “suspended in mid-air,” reflecting its cliff-top setting. Its tented suites have glass fronts for endless views, and warm Kenyan service makes it ideal for honeymooners and families alike.
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Singita Lodges (Tanzania & Rwanda): Singita’s collection of 10 lodges and villas spans Africa’s most exclusive wildlife areas. With limited guest numbers, each stay promises complete privacy and intuitive hospitality. Guests forge deep connections with nature (and loved ones) amid five-star comforts, from gourmet dining to spa services.
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&Beyond Tented Camps: &Beyond operates award-winning safari camps in Kenya and Tanzania. Their properties, like the legendary Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (opening 2027) and intimate Masai Mara camps, feature opulent design and panoramic settings. Expect outstanding cuisine, private game vehicles, and highly trained guides at each lodge.
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One&Only Nyungwe House (Rwanda): A five-star jungle haven. According to Forbes Travel, this 22-room retreat “stands out immediately for its location” near Nyungwe Forest. Enjoy an all-inclusive experience with refined Rwandan cuisine, spa treatments inspired by the forest, daily chimpanzee treks, and canopy walks right outside your door.
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Other Exclusive Retreats: We also offer stays at top resorts like Singita Kwitonda (Rwanda), Sanctuary Olonana (Kenya), Four Seasons Serengeti (Tanzania), and Mihingo Lodge (Uganda). Each was handpicked for elegance, privacy, and service, from plush bedding to 24/7 staff, ensuring your safari is truly stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions: Africa Private Guided Safaris
1. What is an African private guided safari?
An African private guided safari is a personalized, high-end safari experience led by your own expert guide. It offers exclusive access to top wildlife areas, luxurious accommodations, and a flexible itinerary designed entirely around your interests, whether that’s photography, conservation, cultural immersion, or pure relaxation.
2. Which countries offer the best private guided safaris in Africa?
The top destinations for luxury private safaris include
South Africa (Kruger, Sabi Sands)
Botswana (Okavango Delta, Moremi)
Namibia (Sossusvlei, NamibRand)
Zambia (South Luangwa, Victoria Falls)
Zimbabwe (Hwange, Zambezi River lodges)
Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro)
Kenya (Masai Mara, Laikipia)
Each destination offers something unique, from desert landscapes to dense wildlife concentrations.
3. How much does a luxury private safari in Africa cost?
Private guided safaris typically start at $800 to $2,500+ per person, per day, depending on location, season, and accommodation level. This includes top-tier lodges, private transportation, gourmet meals, and your personal guide. Flights and extras may be additional.
4. Is a private safari suitable for families or just couples?
While many associate private safaris with honeymoons or romantic escapes, they’re ideal for families, multi-generational groups, or friends traveling together. Some lodges even offer private villas with dedicated staff and guides, perfect for luxury family adventures.
5. What kind of accommodations can I expect on a luxury safari?
Expect five-star amenities in the wild: open-air suites, private plunge pools, butler service, gourmet cuisine, and spa treatments, all set in stunning wilderness locations. Properties like Londolozi, Royal Malewane, Vumbura Plains, and Singita redefine comfort in nature.
6. What’s the best time of year to book a luxury safari?
The best time depends on your destination and interests:
June–October: Peak wildlife viewing across Southern and East Africa.
November–March: Great for birding, fewer crowds, and lush green landscapes.
Private safaris operate year-round, with top-tier guides and logistics available in every season.
7. Can I combine multiple destinations in one trip?
Absolutely. We specialize in creating seamless, multi-country itineraries that blend Southern and East Africa. You might track gorillas in Uganda, then fly to Botswana for water safaris, and finish with wine tasting in Cape Town, all privately guided and impeccably arranged.