Ahnasa Safaris is redefining luxury safari travel with its bespoke experiences, curated by the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Phera and Pana. Their deep passion for Africa’s wilderness, conservation, and exceptional hospitality sets them apart. We explore their journey, inspirations, and vision:

What motivated you both to create Ahnasa Safaris and how did your journey in luxury travel begin?

Ahnasa was born from a love story—one written by the land itself. Our journey wasn’t shaped by business plans or market trends but by an unyielding passion for Africa—its breathtaking landscapes, its deep-rooted cultures, and the undeniable magic that binds them together.

For us, travel is more than an escape; it’s a bridge to connection, discovery, and purpose. Growing up and living in Kenya, we’ve been shaped by Africa’s untamed beauty and the profound relationship between people and nature. It is this deep connection that we cherish and wish to share with you, our guests. We invite our guests to experience the wonder, the reverence, and the transformation that only Africa can offer.

Africa is more than a destination; it’s a journey into something greater. It has given us moments of awe and purpose, and with that, a responsibility—to protect, preserve, and share its stories. Ahnasa was created not just to curate safaris, but to invite you into Africa’s soul.
Our mission is to craft journeys that are as enriching as they are exhilarating—experiences that honour the wilderness, celebrate its people, and leave every guest forever changed. Through transformative travel, we strive to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that Africa’s wild places continue to inspire for generations to come.

How does your mother-daughter dynamic influence the way you run the business and create experiences?

Our dynamic is rooted in shared values, deep trust, and a complementary vision. Pana brings decades of expertise in luxury hospitality and an intimate knowledge of Africa’s most extraordinary destinations, while Phera infuses Ahnasa with fresh perspectives, innovation, and a keen sense of what modern travellers seek. Together, we love to create experiences that are both timeless and contemporary—elegant, adventurous and always deeply immersive. We approach every journey as if we were planning it for family, ensuring every detail is crafted with warmth, authenticity, and a personal touch.

What does the name Ahnasa represent, and how does it reflect in your safari experiences?

Ahnasa is more than just a name; it embodies what we strive to create—moments that take your breath away. A safari with Ahnasa is about reconnecting with nature, breathing in the vastness of Africa’s untouched landscapes, and experiencing a sense of profound stillness and wonder. It’s about slowing down, immersing in the rhythm of the wild, and rediscovering a deep, almost spiritual connection with the earth. Our guests often tell us they leave with a renewed sense of clarity and appreciation for the natural world—that is Ahnasa.

What sets the Ahnasa safari experience apart from other safari offerings?

Ahnasa is more than a safari company—it is a deeply personal endeavour, co-founded by a mother and daughter duo whose lives have been shaped by Africa’s untamed beauty. Now a proudly women-led travel design house, we craft journeys that go beyond luxury to create something truly rare: an experience that is both profoundly personal and deeply connected to the land.

Unlike conventional safaris, every Ahnasa journey is a reflection of our unwavering passion for Africa. Living on this continent allows us to intimately understand its rhythms, its breathtaking contrasts, and the extraordinary people who call it home. This first-hand knowledge translates into safaris that are as immersive as they are luxurious—meticulously designed to honour both the traveller’s dreams and the soul of Africa itself.

For us, curating a safari isn’t just about indulgence; it’s about transformation. From private encounters with wildlife in remote, untouched landscapes to moments of quiet reflection in the heart of the wilderness, we ensure that every journey is a story waiting to be told. Our safaris are immersive, responsible, and deeply intentional—crafted with the belief that travel should leave a lasting impact, not just on the traveller, but on the places and people that make each experience extraordinary.
With Ahnasa, you are not just a guest. You are part of a journey that lingers long after the last sunset, woven into the fabric of Africa’s timeless magic.

How do you ensure exclusivity and personalisation in the experiences you arrange for your clients?

It all begins with getting to know you—our Guest. Understanding your travel dreams, your vision for your travels in Africa, and the moments you long to experience. With our deep expertise, first-hand knowledge, and passion for this extraordinary continent, we craft journeys that bring those dreams to life.

Our carefully curated portfolio of exceptional destinations, stunning properties, immersive experiences, and trusted network of experts allows us to design seamless, one-of-a-kind safaris that are as inspiring as they are unforgettable. Every journey is thoughtfully tailored, ensuring that your time in Africa is nothing short of extraordinary.

Conservation and sustainability are a major point now in luxury travel, how does Ahnasa ensure responsible tourism?

At Ahnasa, sustainability is at the heart of every journey we design. We believe that true luxury lies in the ability to explore Africa’s breathtaking landscapes while actively protecting them for future generations.

We thoughtfully partner with companies that share our deep commitment to conservation, community empowerment, and low-impact tourism. From solar-powered retreats and sustainable architecture to responsible waste management and ethical wildlife encounters, we ensure that every aspect of our safaris upholds the highest environmental and ethical standards.

A portion of every guest’s safari directly supports vital initiatives, including wildlife protection, reforestation efforts, and community-driven projects—contributions that Ahnasa proudly matches. We also champion farm-to-table dining experiences that celebrate fresh, locally grown and sourced ingredients, further reducing our footprint while supporting local farmers and artisans.

For us, luxury and sustainability are not opposing ideals; they are seamlessly intertwined. Ahnasa offers transformative journeys that immerse guests in Africa’s beauty while ensuring their presence leaves a lasting, positive impact. When you travel with us, you are not just experiencing Africa—you are actively preserving its future.

What are some of the most unique or memorable bespoke safaris you have arranged?

Where do we even begin? Every journey we curate holds a special place in our hearts, each one an unforgettable story woven with wonder, adventure, and a touch of magic.

One particularly memorable safari is a month-long honeymoon we designed in Kenya and Rwanda, back when Ahnasa was still in its early days. We crafted an experience that blended immersive wildlife encounters with secluded moments of romance—sunrise game drives, private candlelit dinners in the wild, and the breathtaking intimacy of gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s misty mountains. It was a love story written by Africa itself, and our guests felt it deeply:

“Thank you, Ahnasa Destinations, for everything. It’s difficult not to cry happy tears when thinking about this journey—so grateful. I think my wife will agree that it’s been a life-changing trip!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

This is why we do what we do. We don’t just design safaris; we create experiences that touch the soul.

This year, we had the privilege of designing an exciting safari which took guests deep into Southern Tanzania, where they explored the wild, untamed beauty of Ruaha and Selous before retreating to an intimate private island—a sanctuary of barefoot luxury. Another unforgettable journey saw travellers trekking across the Great Rift Valley, from the emerald depths of Empakaai Crater to the remote, otherworldly shores of Lake Natron, where flamingos wade in endless pink swirls beneath towering volcanic peaks.
And truthfully? We could go on forever. Each safari is a labour of love, a chance to share the Africa we hold so dear. Every journey we curate is not just a trip—it’s a story waiting to be told, and we are honoured to be part of it.

Luxury travel is evolving, what trends are you seeing, and how is Ahnasa meeting these changes?

Luxury travel has evolved beyond opulence—it is now defined by exclusivity, authenticity, and experiences that leave an indelible mark on the soul. Today’s travellers seek more than just a journey; they long for immersive adventures, private escapes, and moments that forge profound connections with the world around them. At Ahnasa, this has been our passion from the very beginning.

We are a small, dedicated team of women, intentionally keeping our circle close so that every guest receives our full attention. For us, curating safaris isn’t about itineraries—it’s about crafting journeys that awaken the senses and spark a connection, whether with oneself, loved ones, or the extraordinary people of Africa. With a handpicked collection of the most exclusive destinations, properties, and experience makers, we don’t just recommend places—we explore them, ensuring that each safari is as authentic as it is extraordinary.

And now, we’re taking it even further! We are thrilled to soon introduce the Ahnasa App—a game-changer in personalized travel.

Do you have a personal favourite safari destination, and what makes it special to you?

KALPANA: While every destination has its magic, Northern Kenya holds a special place in my heart. It’s a land of raw, untouched, stunning beauty where time slows, and nature speaks in whispers. There’s something truly profound about the deep connection between the land, the people, and the wildlife here. Walking with the Samburu, listening to their ancient wisdom, and experiencing the vast wilderness without another soul in sight—it’s the kind of experience that changes you.

And if there’s one more experience I could share with you, it would be mountain gorilla trekking. Nothing prepares you for that moment when you lock eyes with a gorilla in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park. It’s humbling, awe-inspiring, and so deeply moving that even now, my heart skips a beat just thinking about it. These are the moments that make travel unforgettable—the ones that stay with you long after you return home. And if you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Africa in this way, I can promise you, it’s even more incredible than you imagine.

PHERA: Oh, this is a tough one! It’s a toss-up between Ruaha National Park and Zambia (yes, I know—I just named an entire country!). For me, it’s all about the moments and connections I’ve experienced in these places. I celebrated my 30th birthday in Ruaha, and it was pure magic—from the fiery colours of the sunset to spotting my first leopard cubs! But what made it even more special was seeing my guide’s sheer excitement in finding them—it turned an unforgettable sighting into an emotional, shared experience.

And Zambia… where do I even begin? Zambia was my very first solo trip (which, by the way, I highly recommend to everyone!). That journey changed me, both personally and professionally. It was a chance to push my boundaries, meet incredible people, and dive into new adventures. That’s one of the things I love most about what I do—this job constantly pushes me out of my comfort zone and challenges me to try everything at least once. After all, how can I recommend an experience to our guests if I haven’t lived it myself?

What’s next for Ahnasa? Are there any exciting new projects or expansions on the horizon?

At Ahnasa, we are always evolving, driven by a deep passion for crafting the most extraordinary African journeys. Luxury travel, for us, is about connection, meaning, and the kind of moments that stay with you forever. That’s why we’re expanding into new destinations, curating private island retreats, and unveiling one-of-a-kind experiential safaris that redefine what it means to explore Africa. More than ever, we are deepening our commitment to conservation and community-driven initiatives, offering opportunities for guests to actively participate in wildlife protection and cultural preservation. Because true luxury is not just about experiencing beauty—it’s about making a lasting impact.

One of the most exciting news we want to share is the addition of Botswana to Ahnasa’s Destinations Portfolio! In April, Pana and I will embark on an incredible, exciting 12-day adventure through the breathtaking Okavango Delta, exploring its diverse landscapes, staying at six incredible properties, and immersing ourselves in the experiences that make this place so magical. First-hand knowledge is at the heart of what we do, and this journey will ensure that when we craft an itinerary, we do so with true expertise and passion.

And there’s more—our dream of a seamless, interactive, and deeply personalized safari experience is about to become a reality with the upcoming launch of the Ahnasa App—a game-changer in personalised travel! This has been a vision of ours from the very beginning, and seeing it come to life is beyond exciting. Our App will seamlessly elevate every guest’s experience, from the very first inquiry to the final golden sunset, ensuring that the journey doesn’t begin upon arrival—but from the instant you say yes to Africa!

The journey ahead is as thrilling as the wild landscapes we explore, and we can’t wait to share it with travellers who seek the extraordinary. If Africa is calling, trust us—it’s even more incredible than you imagine.

Company Contacts

Phera Jai (Co-Founder | Travel Designer)
E: Phera
T: +254 782 060 166 / +254 799 402 868
W: Ahnasa

Kalpana Jai (Co-Founder | Sales & Marketing)
E: Pana
T: +254 731 995 506

Sara Jamal (Travel Designer )
E: Sara
T: +1 724 984 7026

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