It’s called The Greatest Safari on Earth. And when you look at these candid photos of guests on it – you’ll see why.
The trip is offered by ultra-luxury safari company Roar Africa – which is headquartered in New York – and costs $165,000 (£129,000). But for that not insignificant amount, guests enjoy a spectacular itinerary. And beyond first class treatment.
Over 12 days, guests experience Africa’s four most iconic destinations – Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Great Migration in Kenya and home to mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
What’s more, guests are flown from venue to venue on the Emirates Executive Private Jet – a lavish bespoke Airbus A319 with just 10 private cabins featuring an ensuite ‘shower spa’ and lounge and dining areas.
The photos we reveal here come courtesy of Roar Africa’s charismatic Zimbabwean CEO Deborah Calmeyerwho has done the ‘incredible’ journey, which starts in Dubai, seven times. Are the (inevitably rich) guests blasé about it all – or excited? Firmly the latter. Deborah reveals: ‘None of our guests is ever blasé. Everyone is high the minute they walk on. They are like: “Okay, I never travel any other way. This is ridiculous.”
Scroll down for a peek behind the veil of one of the planet’s most extraordinary holidays.
On Roar Africa’s Greatest Safari on Earth, guests are flown from place to place in an Emirates Executive Private Jet (pictured here in Rwanda). Deborah Calmeyer, CEO of Roar Africa, reveals the atmosphere as guests board for the first time, describing how there is ‘chat, laughter and giggles’ as they sip Vintage Dom Perignon and nibble on caviar bellinis. “Fast friendships form,” she adds
Deborah says ‘crisp white linen, fluffy pillows and duvets’ help guests sleep
The dining area on board the Emirates Executive Private Jet
“There isn’t another trip in the world like this right now,” says Deborah. In the photo, the hospitality on the private jet is in full swing
Deborah (left) chats with guests on the Greatest Safari private jet
Yum’s the word: Top wines and caviar are laid out for Greatest Safari private jet guests
Smiling crew are on standby as guests relax in the private jet’s lounge area
The Emirates Executive Private Jet features 10 private cabins
The level of service on the Greatest Safari is described as ‘beyond first class’
Guests on the Greatest Safari enjoy executive dining on the private jet
A guest uses the hairdryer in the private jet’s ‘shower spa’
Deborah (centre) and two guests have fun pretending to be Emirates cabin crew
On the Greatest Safari, guests experience Africa’s four most iconic destinations – Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Great Migration in Kenya and the home of mountain gorillas in Rwanda
Deborah and guests having a ‘pajama party’ on the private jet
The cabins on the private jet are even bigger than ‘regular’ Emirates first class suites
A 2005 Vintage Dom Perignon bottle of Champagne – ready for deployment
Deborah reveals that guests get ‘very bubbly and very excited and very emotional’ on the trip
Victoria Falls is the first stop. Deborah says guests’ jaws ‘literally drop’ when they see the ‘glory and visual power’ of the waterfall
Guests arrive at Victoria Falls Bond-style in four helicopters
Guests view Victoria Falls from several observation points
Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, notes Deborah
Roar Africa guests pose in front of Victoria Falls’ epic cliff faces
Deborah says: ‘Responsible, sustainable travel to Africa is essential for the future of the continent and wildlife’
Dear Safari guests enjoy exclusive use of Matetsi Victoria Falls (above)
Deborah says: ‘Going on safari is a homecoming for me, (returning to) the cradle of humanity. When our guests leave the mainland, they say the most profound things, like “you changed my life”‘
Deborah, pictured left with the jet’s captain, says: ‘Africa’s unspoilt wild spaces and wildlife have the power to drop you back into your body, reawaken dormant senses and renew one’s appreciation for what really matters in this journey called life.
Deborah Calmeyer, the charismatic CEO of Roar Africa
Roar Africa offers three specialist journeys aboard the Emirates Executive Private Jet: The Greatest Safari on Earth ($165,000/£129,000 per person); Sand, Sea, City & Safari ($175,000/£137,000) and The Journey Beyond ($185,000/£145,000).
For more visit www.roarafrica.com and www.instagram.com/roarafrica.
