ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS'
2026 CURATED LUXURY AFRICAN SAFARI
September 10, 2025
looking for a customizable luxury safari but feel overwhelmed and don't know what to choose? We have made it easy for you!
In my opinion this is the best luxury special out there for 2026 - hands down.
Each year we curate a special bucketlist itinerary based on our decades of personal experiences in Africa. We collaborate with Africa's top conservationists and industry leaders. We include our favorite luxury properties - each packed with personality. Then we throw in loads of fun activities and lots of special extras... lots!
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?
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Completely customizeable high-touch itinerary
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Africa's Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo)
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Intimate & luxurious safari camps / lodges handpicked by Ian
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Exclusive areas far from crowds
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Lots of perks: free nights, free flights, private vehicles and so much more
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No visas (well 1 super easy one on arrival), no shots, safe, and stable
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - THE WORLD'S BEST CITY
The trip starts with 4 nights in Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town has been voted the world's best city again and I would agree. I just love it! In fact we are opening a new office there!
From the Cape Peninsula where the Indian and Atantic oceans meet, to the penguins at Boulders Beach, Table Mountain and the historic winelands every day is special.
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is a must visit and if you like chocolate we can hook you up with my good friend Anthony for a morning of making bean to bar organic chocolate at their small factory!
OUR CAPE TOWN GUIDES
While in Cape Town, from being met at the airport to your final goodbye, your private guide is your host... your well connected friend who knows everyone everywhere, knows how to beat traffic, and who can suggest the best places for a coffee, some cake, or a glass of wine! Unlike most guides our guides are actually former safari guides who not only know Cape Town intimately but know the flora and fauna as well.
We arrange a special welcome with flowers the way Ian's mom used to greet him when he returned home from one of his many international adventures.
Our vehicles include drinks and snacks, umbrellas, and always have towels in case guests want to go for a swim with the penguins - or otherwise!
BOTSWANA - AFRICA'S LAST TRUE WILDERNESS
Guests then continue to Botswana for 8 nights on safari in 2 locations.
Botswana is the size of France however with 96% percent fewer people... much of the country is pure, wildlife filled, wilderness. Botswana is so remote international airlines from Europe and the USA don't even fly there... it is so wild that the dirt airstrips at each safari camp have to be cleared of wildlife before you can land.
Botswana is an immersion... a spine tingling, hair raising, mind blowing wilderness. This is one of the few Botswana trips where you can see Big 5.
Did you know Botswana is considered one of Africa's most safe and stable countrys where everyone gets free healthcare and education? It also has Africa's highest credit rating.
We love supporting a country doing things the right way.
THE JOUBERT'S - THE TIP OF THE CONSERVATION SPEAR IN AFRICA
Dereck and Beverly Joubert are icons in the safari and conservation game. Award-winning filmmakers, National Geographic "Explorers at Large" and wildlife conservationists, who have been researching and exploring in Africa for over 40 years.
The Joubert's are founders of Rhinos Without Borders an initiative that has moved 87 rhinos from high poaching areas to safety. They also co-founded the Big Cats Initiative with National Geographic, which currently funds 150 projects in 28 countries.
The Joubert's have made over 40 films for National Geographic, published 14 books, half a dozen scientific papers, and have written many articles for the National Geographic Magazine.
Beverly Joubert is also an acclaimed photographer and her international exhibitions have further helped to raise awareness for the plight of big cats across the world.
Dereck is the CEO of Great Plains Conservation, and together with their business partners, they have found a way to bring together conservation, communities and conservation tourism to fund large tracts of land that can be protected for the local wildlife and the surrounding communities. Today that land totals about 1.2 million acres in Africa.
VICTORIA FALLS - THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS
The trips ends with 2 nights at Victoria Falls: The cherry on top of this trip is the world's largest waterfall - Victoria Falls. We have suggested my favorite Falls' property, Mpala Jena, set far enough from the hustle and bustle of the Falls so you can relax, yet close enough so you can easily visit!
BRING ON THE GOOD STUFF!
- 4 nights for the price of 3 at One and Only in Cape Town (year round except a handful of dates)
- Flowers welcome on arrival in Cape Town (Just like Ian's mom used to do)
- Private Cape Peninsula helicopter excursion with picnic lunch, a visit to the Penguins at Boulder's Beach and the stunning Chapman's Peak Drive
- Table Mountain cable car with Fast Track tickets followed by a private afternoon exploring the historic winelands including tastings and lunch
- Private Cape food walk followed by a visit to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
- Private Blending the Rules wine experience with the One & Only Hotel's head sommelier Luvo Ntezo
- 8 nights for the price of 6 in Botswana (November through mid June)
- Free light aircraft transfers in Botswana including an upgrade to a helicopter transfer between Duba and Zarafa
- Complimentary private safari vehicle in Botswana 2 weeks prior to arrival if available
- Suite upgrade for 2 guests at 2 weeks prior to arrival if available
- Guaranteed suite for 4 guests at per person standard room rate (November through mid June)
- 1 set binos / camera in each room in Botswana
- Open access to the wine cellar - any bottle any time (and cigars) in Botswana
- No single supplement cost for solo travelers in Botswana (November through mid June)
- Join the chef for an interactive 6 course dinner with locally inspired cuisine and wine pairing at Duba Plains
- Partake in a Zibadianja Lagoon dhow excursion followed by a bonfire bush dinner with singing by the Zarafa choir
- 30 minute scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta ending with champagne bush breakfast
- Sail the Zambezi River by dhow with an island picnic lunch from Mpala Jena
- Enjoy a candlelit riverside dinner with your feet in the sand at Mpala Jena - now that's a date night!
- Complimentary access to the Great Plains Conservation lounge in Maun with food and drink included
- Complimentary concierge service / Whatsapp group 24/7 when traveling
- Tipping (except in Cape Town)
- $1,000 per person paid towards conservation fees
EXCLUDES
- 3 dinners in Cape Town - we have left your evenings in Cape Town free as there are an incredible number of great restaurants you might want to try. We are happy to suggest our favorites and assist with reservations
- Cape town guide tipping (we suggest US $100 per traveler)
- Zimbabwe entry visa (simple cash payment on arrival)
- Commercial flights (1 flight from Cape Town to Maun and 1 flight Victoria Falls to Johannesburg at the end of the trip. All other light aircraft and helicopter transfers are included in the land cost)
- Travel insurance
- Spa treatments
WHERE YOU STAY
The One and Only Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa - When it opened in 2009 we jokingly referred to the One & Only as the "One & Lonely" as cliquey Capetonians gave it the cold shoulder. More than a decade later this 5 star hotel is one of the cool kids.
Located in the heart of the ever popular Victoria and Alfred Waterfront the hotel boasts some of the largest rooms in Cape Town (the smallest of which is 680 square feet). It also offers one of my favorite breakfasts in Africa. Our included wine experience is led by their head sommelier who has the most wonderful life story.
BOAB: If you are a baller on a budget we suggest the nearby 4 star Victoria and Alfred Hotel for some savings. Built in an old shipping warhouse it is filled with character, has a superb wharfside location, and they offer a fantastic breakfast buffet as well.
WHERE YOU STAY
Duba Plains Camp , Okavango Delta, Botswana - Set within the 82,000 acre Duba Concession this intimate 6 roomed luxury camp is the height of safari chic.
Rooms feature cooling systems and private plunge pools.
This is the only property in Botswana that pretty much guarantees rhino and the openness of the landscape makes for easy Big 5 game viewing.
Activities at Duba Plains include day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided walks, boating and mekoro (canoe) excursions.
BOAB: If you want to save some monies we can highly recommend Duba Explorers for the same nights. Please note rhino are not normally sean from Duba Explorers.
WHERE YOU STAY
Zarafa Camp, Selinda Private Reserve, Botswana - This luxury safari camp is set within the 320,000 acre private Selinda Reserve - in my opinion one of the most beautiful areas of Botswana.
The 4 rooms and 1 two roomed suite (which is 2,260 square feet in size) feature cooling systems and private plunge pools.
The Selinda Reserve provides all of Chobe's wildlife without the crowds and restrictions (Chobe is crowded with daytrippers from Victoria Falls, you can't drive off road or at night, and you can't do walking safaris).
Activities at Zarafa include day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided walks and boating.
ALTERNATIVE CAMP / BOAB: If you prefer the styling of nearby Selinda Camp we can swap Zarafa out. If you are a BOAB we highly recommend Selinda Explorers Camp.
WHERE YOU STAY
Mpala Jena, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - If you want to visit the world's largest waterfall this is the safari way to do it... more like a luxury safari camp in the bush than a hotel it offers easy access to the Falls.
The 4 rooms are set along a quiet stretch of the Zambezi River. There are also 2 exclusive use villas nearby.
The design, in my opinion, is simply perfection. The spacious en suite rooms each feature a cooling system and an additional outside shower and bath.
Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with the Zambezi National Park, guided bush walks, fishing, boating, sailing in an authentic Zanzibar dhow on the Zambezi River, and private tours of Victoria Falls.
BOAB: From the historic Victoria Falls Hotel to Batonka Guest House there are a handful of Victoria Falls properties we can suggest for savings.
WHAT DOES ALL THIS "WONDERFULNESS" COST
Seasons:
November through March - Green Season
April through mid June - Mid Season
Mid June through October - Peak Season
From US $23,800 + US $1,000 in direct conservation fees per person in 2026
WHEN SHOULD I TRAVEL?
Mid June through October is peak season for wildlife viewing. Prices are at their highest.
If you wish to travel during peak season at a lower cost we can swap out the two safari properties, Duba Plains and Zarafa, for two alternate properties, Duba Explorers and Selinda Explorers Camp. Please note by removing Duba Plains from the itinerary you will not have the opportunity to see rhino.
Additional savings may be garnered by adjusting the tours - removing the Cape Town helicopter excursion as an example.
Unlike most safari destinations, which are highly seasonal, Botswana is great outside of peak season (it gets far less rain then the other big name safari countries) and provides some incredible savings. Wildlife wise you should expect to see the same animals (lion, leopard, rhino, wild dog, elephant, giraffe, etc) with the major difference being smaller herds of elephant and buffalo.
November through March is hot while April / May strike the perfect balance for many travelers in terms of savings and overall experience.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?
As these camps are small, with 4 to 6 rooms, we suggest booking 12+ months in advance - especially if you are traveling as a family (and need a family room) or need multiple rooms.
For parties of 6+ guests availability may necessitate booking 2 years in advance.
For clients seeking maximum wildlife, TOP SAFARI guides, luxurious yet unique accomodations & A great variety of activities - you can't do much better.
Interested in learning more? Let's schedule a time to talk about your bucket list safari adventure to Africa!
