March 17, 2021
Africa’s most extravagant experiences – and why they’re perfect for a post-lockdown escape
When you think of extravagance, private jets and traditional decadence inevitably come to mind. However, true luxury has evolved into a means of escaping our 9 to 5’s and gaining exclusive access to some of the world’s most off-the-beaten-track destinations that few others will have a chance to see in their lifetime.
Africa has long occupied the luxury traveler’s bucket list and is jam-packed with unique destinations, each offering their own set of bucket list worthy experiences. From tracking South Africa’s legendary wildlife on foot to traversing the Victoria Falls bridge by train, award-winning luxury travel company Ker & Downey® Africa takes us through their sought-after experiential sample itineraries that relish in the thrill of Africa with no compromise on modern day luxuries.
Explore Namibia by private charter
Take in the sheer beauty of Namibia’s vast desert plains and captivating coastline by air on a private fly-in safari, where getting from A to B is as much a part of the experience as exploring the country’s top sights. Taking off in Windhoek, you’ll journey over the central highlands and ancient desert realms to Sossusvlei where you can explore the world’s oldest desert on specialist-led scenic 4×4 drives, guided desert walks, as well as quad-bike tours and, at night, feast your eyes on the star-strewn night skies alongside a resident astronomer. Next, you’ll catch a birds eye view of Namibia’s captivating Atlantic coastline dotted with the haunting shipwrecks, crowded seal colonies, abandoned diamond camps and the glittering lagoons of Walvis Bay before your final stop in Etosha National Park for a safari experience beyond comparison.
Private Fly-in Luxury Namibia Safari from $8,880 per person
Celebrate your ‘I do’s’ in paradise
The creme-de-la-creme of honeymoon destinations, the Seychelles archipelago combines out-of-this-world beauty with an element of adventure that is sure to sweep you and your partner off your feet. For a deeply romantic honeymoon itinerary with a glamorous twist, Ker & Downey® Africa factor in some of the most luxurious exclusive-use villas on private islands and add a plethora of tailor-made experiences to ensure your trip is unforgettable – think private sunset cruises, island-hopping snorkeling excursions and private movie screenings under the stars.
11 day Luxury Seychelles Honeymoon and Couples Vacation from $10,663 per person
Journey from South Africa to Victoria Falls by train
Destinations are important, but so is the journey. This serene and sustainable journey from South Africa to Victoria Falls invites travelers to immerse in the rhythm of slow travel aboard an iconic luxury passenger liner – the Rovos Rail. Starting in South Africa, guests can disconnect from the outside world and settle into the pace of a bygone era as the train meanders north through ever-changing landscapes towards one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls. To make the experience even more enchanting, Ker & Downey® Africa completes the itinerary with time on board the Zambezi Queen, a luxurious floating hotel on the Chobe River in Botswana. Here, you can settle into the gentle pace of a river cruise and encounter wildlife from a new angle as you glide amongst wallowing hippos and elephants drinking from the shores.
12 day Slow Travel Safari starts from $4,895 per person
Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration with your family
Widely known as ‘The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth’, the Great Wildebeest Migration is the world’s quintessential wildlife experience that sees millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope make the treacherous journey across Tanzania and Kenya each year. This bucket list experience is perfect for families and creates the perfect opportunity to disconnect from those pesky digital devices and reconnect in a spectacular and special way. For multigenerational families, Ker & Downey® Africa has designed a 10 day Tanzania Family Safari that invites you and your loved ones to explore Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Selous Reserve from the comfort of exclusive-use luxury camps and safari villas. Each property has been carefully selected to offer professional staff, child-minding services, dedicated guides and private safari vehicles, so you can design your schedule to meet your family’s unique routine.
10 day Private Family Safari in Tanzania from $8,340 per person
Track South Africa’s wildlife on foot
Get up close and personal with South Africa’s legendary wildlife on foot alongside expert safari guides and trackers. This experience will attune you to the sights and sounds of the bush and give you a new found appreciation for the role trackers play in wildlife conservation. Ker & Downey® Africa elevates this experience with a Conservation Safari in collaboration with the Tracker Academy – a non-profit organization that serves to restore the ancient art form of tracking by offering a formal qualification to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds in South Africa. Join trackers as they head out for the day to fulfil conservation-management tasks at Tswalu Kalahari and Londolozi Private Game Reserve. Not only will you play an important role in conserving South Africa’s wild space, but you can also enjoy the perks of private safari vehicles, dedicated safari guides, direct charter flights, and accommodation at the most exclusive lodges and hotels in the country.
12 day Conservation Safari in collaboration with the Tracker Academy from $11,450 per person
See something you like? The luxury itineraries showcased here are just a taste of what your unique African experience could look like. Tell the team at Ker & Downey® Africa what you like and they will craft a one-of-a-kind luxury safari, just for you!
About Ker and Downey Africa:
Award-winning luxury travel company Ker & Downey® Africa crafts pioneering sustainable safaris with Africa’s best interest at heart. Their carefully crafted LuxVenture® trips bring together luxurious nights and bucket list worthy days and are designed to connect you to the people of your chosen destination and allow you to leave your own positive legacy in Africa.
To find out more about Ker & Downey please visit Ker & Downey® Africa
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