Our 7 Best Luxury African Safari Tours

A safari is a significant investment of time and resources. A "luxury" trip is not just about a high price point; it's about the value you receive in experience, access, and peace of mind.

The Power of Personalization and Expertise

• Your Vision, Realized: A pre-packaged tour can’t account for your specific interests. A curated journey does. Whether you wish to focus on photography, follow the Great Migration, or introduce your family to conservation, our specialists build the itinerary around your personal goals, matching you with the right lodges and private guides.
• Insider Access: Our partners on the ground have long-standing relationships that open doors. This translates to securing a room in a sought-after, remote camp during peak season, arranging private bush dinners, or organizing visits to conservation centers that are not open to the general public.

Quality Over Quantity through Connection

• Time and Presence: A luxury itinerary is not a checklist. It's about slowing down. We build in time for you to truly absorb your surroundings, whether that means spending an entire morning observing a leopard or enjoying a quiet afternoon at your lodge’s waterhole, letting the wildlife come to you.
• Expert Interpretation: The difference between seeing wildlife and understanding it is a world-class private guide. We partner with guides who are masters of the ecosystem: naturalists, storytellers, and trackers who provide deep context, transforming a simple game drive into a rich educational experience.

Conservation as a Core Value

• Investing in Wilderness: True luxury is intrinsically linked to sustainability. We prioritize partnerships with lodges and reserves that actively protect the landscapes you’ve come to see. Your visit directly funds critical anti-poaching units, habitat preservation, and wildlife research.
• Community Partnership: We believe that lasting conservation must involve people. The properties we select are often deeply integrated with their neighboring communities, providing stable employment, funding schools, and empowering residents to be the stewards of their natural heritage.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This grand journey across Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda is an epic immersion into the best of East Africa. It balances classic Big Five game viewing on the iconic plains of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara with the life-changing experience of tracking mountain gorillas in the misty highlands of Volcanoes National Park. If you want to witness the entire spectrum of Africa’s natural wonders in complete comfort, this itinerary is for you.

• Gorilla Encounter: Experience the profound, once-in-a-lifetime thrill of tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
• The Great Migration: Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration across the vast plains of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
• Wildlife Conservation: Visit the Lewa Conservancy, a world-renowned rhino sanctuary and successful conservation story.
• Iconic Landscapes: From the Ngorongoro Crater to the golden savannas, immerse yourself in Africa’s most legendary scenery.
• Seamless Luxury: Travel in style across three countries, staying in premier lodges and camps that offer exceptional service.

Length: 16 Days

Places Visited

• Volcanoes National Park
• Lewa Conservancy
• Nairobi
• Maasai Mara
• Northern Serengeti
• Kigali
• Ngorongoro Crater

Embark on an epic journey with our Best Southern Africa Vacation: Evocative Safari Experiences.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

Offering the ideal combination of wilderness and paradise, this itinerary pairs an opulent Kenyan safari with a lavish Seychelles island escape. The journey is perfectly paced, beginning with adventures in Kenya’s diverse landscapes before whisking you away to a pristine private island in the Seychelles for relaxation and marine discovery.

• Bush and Beach: Experience the perfect pairing of exhilarating safari action followed by serene island relaxation.
• Remote Wilderness: Discover the untamed beauty and rich wildlife of Meru National Park, a hidden gem.
• Rhino Sanctuary: Explore the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a pioneering force in the conservation of black rhinos.
• Private Island Bliss: Unwind on the white-sand beaches of Denis Island, a secluded paradise in the Seychelles.
• Barefoot Luxury: Indulge in a flawless journey that combines the rustic elegance of safari lodges with a chic beach resort.

Length: 15 Days

Places Visited:

• Nairobi
• Meru National Park
• Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
• Maasai Mara
• Denis Island

Discover the perfect blend of adventure and paradise on our Luxury Kenya and Seychelles: Safari and Beach Vacation.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This 14-day journey is a masterclass in safari opulence. It showcases South Africa's premier wildlife havens before culminating at one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Your adventure unfolds across exclusive five-star lodges and lavish camps in Marakele, Lion Sands, and MalaMala, guaranteeing spectacular Big Five encounters. The grand finale is an awe-inspiring visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

• Mighty Falls: Feel the awe-inspiring spray of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
• Premier Leopard Sightings: Experience some of the world’s best leopard viewing in the exclusive Lion Sands and MalaMala game reserves.
• Waterberg Wilderness: Explore the rugged, mountainous landscapes and diverse wildlife of Marakele National Park.
• Guaranteed Big Five: Enjoy exceptional game viewing in world-renowned private reserves known for their quality sightings.
• Opulent Sanctuaries: Indulge in the height of luxury, from lavish tented camps to exclusive five-star lodges.

Length: 14 Days

Places Visited

• Johannesburg
• Marakele National Park
• Lion Sands Game Reserve
• MalaMala Game Reserve
• Victoria Falls

Experience true opulence in the wild on the Spectacular 5-Star Safari: South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This premium safari is designed for the active traveler. Go beyond the traditional game drive to explore Botswana’s wilderness on horseback and on foot, cast a line for the formidable tiger fish, and witness incredible wildlife from a river cruise. This itinerary offers a hands-on connection to the untamed landscapes of the Okavango Delta and Chobe.

• Horseback Safari: Ride through the pristine floodplains of the Okavango Delta for a uniquely intimate wildlife experience.
• Tiger Fishing: Test your angling skills against the legendary tiger fish in the mighty Zambezi River.
• Chobe River Cruise: Witness the world’s largest concentration of elephants on a spectacular river safari in Chobe National Park.
• Walking Safaris: Uncover the subtle intricacies of the bush ecosystem on immersive guided walking treks.
• Victoria Falls Wonder: Explore the magnificent Victoria Falls and the vibrant town that borders this natural marvel.

Length: 16 Days

Places Visited

• Victoria Falls
• Chobe National Park
• Okavango Delta

Embark on a uniquely active journey with Zicasso’s Adventure in Botswana and Zimbabwe: Horseback Safari, Tiger Fish Excursion, and More.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This nine-day expedition will have you exploring two of South Africa's most alluring yet starkly different safari destinations. The journey offers a study in contrasts, from the vast, arid landscapes and unique desert-adapted species of the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve to the classic lush bushveld and prolific Big Five of the Thornybush Game Reserve in Greater Kruger. It is a focused immersion into the wild heart of the nation’s premier private reserves.

• A Study in Contrasts: Experience the dramatic shift from the red sands of the Kalahari to the lush savanna of Greater Kruger.
• Desert-Adapted Wildlife: Track unique species like the black-maned Kalahari lion, meerkats, and elusive pangolins at Tswalu.
• Classic Big Five: Enjoy thrilling game drives in Thornybush, a world-class private reserve renowned for its predator sightings.
• Ultimate Exclusivity: Indulge in the privacy and luxury of two of South Africa’s finest and most exclusive reserves.
• Refined Comfort: Enjoy a seamless blend of sophisticated luxury and authentic wilderness immersion.

Length: 9 Days

Places Visited

• Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
• Thornybush Game Reserve

Exclusive Safari to the Kalahari and Greater Kruger will demonstrate South Africa's stunning contrasts.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This luxury Botswana safari spoils you with three diverse locations that showcase the country's pristine wilderness. The adventure is as varied as the landscapes, with wildlife viewed from river cruises in Chobe, guided walks in the Selinda Reserve, and traditional canoe excursions in the Duba Plains. This is the quintessential Botswana experience, one that highlights the nation’s incredible waterways and prolific wildlife.

• River Safari: Witness the world’s largest concentration of elephants on a wondrous river safari in Chobe.
• Okavango by Mokoro: Glide silently through the pristine channels of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro dugout canoe.
• Exclusive Concessions: Explore the private and remote Duba Plains and Selinda Reserve for an uncrowded experience.
• Predator Action: Discover the famed Duba Plains, known for dramatic interactions between lions and buffalo.
• Diverse Activities: Enjoy a mix of classic game drives, walking safaris, and water-based activities.

Length: 10 Days

Places Visited

• Chobe
• Selinda Reserve
• Duba Plains Private Concession

Discover the waterways and wonder of Botswana on the Luxury Botswana Classic: Waterways and Landscapes.

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This tour truly lives up to its name. It provides you with a classic and comfortable private safari through Tanzania’s most outstanding game parks. Your luxury journey takes you from the bustling town of Arusha into three distinct wilderness areas. From the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire and the wildlife-filled Ngorongoro Crater to the endless plains of the Northern Serengeti, you will experience the very best of this iconic East African destination.

• Elephant Paradise: Witness enormous herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.
• Wildlife Caldera: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a self-contained Eden teeming with Africa’s most famous animals.
• The Great Migration: Explore the vast savannas of the Northern Serengeti, a prime location for witnessing the Great Migration.
• Exclusive Lodges: Stay in luxurious and beautifully situated lodges that offer comfort and style in the heart of the wilderness.
• Classic Safari Circuit: Experience the quintessential Tanzanian safari by visiting the three most famous parks of the Northern Circuit.

Length: 9 Days

Places Visited

• Arusha
• Tarangire National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Northern Serengeti

For a journey of a lifetime, embark on Zicasso’s Ultimate Tanzania Luxury Safari.

Best Time to Go

While every country and park has its specific peak season, the best time for a classic luxury African safari generally falls during the dry seasons.

• East Africa (Tanzania and Kenya): The long dry season from June to October is ideal. This is when the Great Migration is in full swing and wildlife congregates around water sources, making for superb viewing.
• Southern Africa (Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa): The dry winter season from May to October is prime. Vegetation is thin and animals are easy to spot near rivers and waterholes. The weather is cool and pleasant.

Indicative Costs and Value

A luxury African safari is an all-inclusive investment. For 2025-2026, costs per person, per day can range broadly:

• Luxury: $800 to $1,400 per person/day. This includes premier lodges, all meals, drinks, park fees, and guided activities.
• Ultra-Luxury: $1,500 to $3,000-plus per person/day. This secures your place at exclusive-use properties, private-access reserves, and includes private guides and vehicles.

The Value: This pricing model covers every detail, from the moment you land on the airstrip to your final departure. It includes conservation levies, all internal flights, expert guides, and fine dining, ensuring a seamless experience with no hidden costs.

Safety

For travelers on a well-planned, guided safari, Africa is a very safe destination. Your security and well-being are the highest priority. You will be in the care of professional guides and lodge staff who are highly trained in managing wildlife and wilderness logistics. The primary "risk" comes from wildlife and following your guide's safety briefings is essential, especially in unfenced camps.

Health: Most safari destinations in Southern and East Africa are in malaria-risk zones. We strongly advise consulting your physician four to six months before your trip to discuss required vaccinations and antimalarial prophylaxis.

Zicasso’s luxury African safaris are the perfect fusion of adventure and comfort. Each offers breathtaking landscapes, intimate wildlife encounters, and opulent accommodations. Whether you're drawn to the sweeping savannas of East Africa or the lush deltas of Southern Africa, these carefully curated experiences promise to fulfill your safari dreams.

Speak to a Zicasso safari travel expert today to start the planning process after discovering our top African safaris and vacations. Find more information on how you can experience your preferred safari with our African safari travel guide.