It’s called The Greatest Safari on Earth. And if you take a look at these candid photographs of guests on it – you’ll see why.
The trip is offered by ultra-luxe safari company Roar Africa – which is headquartered in New York – and costs $165,000 (£129,000). But for that not insignificant sum, guests enjoy a spectacular itinerary. And beyond-first-class treatment.
Across 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 the home of mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
What’s more, guests are flown from place to place on the Emirates Executive Private Jet – a sumptuous customised Airbus A319 with just 10 private cabins that features an ensuite ‘shower spa’ and lounge and dining areas.
The pictures we reveal here come courtesy of Roar Africa’s charismatic Zimbabwean CEO Deborah Calmeyer, who has done the ‘amazing’ trip, which begins in Dubai, seven times. Are the (inevitably rich) guests blasé about it all – or thrilled? Firmly the latter. Deborah reveals: ‘None of our guests are ever blasé. Everybody’s high the minute they walk on. They’re like, «Okay, I’m never travelling 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). Roar Africa’s CEO Deborah Calmeyer reveals the atmosphere as guests board for the first time, describing how there’s ‘chitter chatter, laughter and giggles’ as they sip Vintage Dom Perignon and nibble 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 one right now,’ says Deborah. Pictured is the hospitality on the private jet in full swing
Deborah (left) chats to 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 the executive dining on the private jet
A guest makes use of 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 ‘pyjama party’ on the private jet
The cabins on the private jet are even bigger than ‘regular’ first-class Emirates 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 force’ of the waterfall
Guests arrive at Victoria Falls Bond-style in four helicopters
Guests witness the Victoria Falls from various 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 imperative for the future of the continent and the wildlife’
Greatest Safari guests enjoy exclusive use of Matetsi Victoria Falls (above)
Deborah says: ‘To me going on safari is a homecoming, [returning to] the cradle of humanity. When our guests leave the continent, they say the most profound things, such as «you have changed my life»‘
Deborah, pictured left with the jet’s captain, says: ‘Africa’s pristine wild spaces and wildlife have the power to drop you back into your body, re-awakening dormant senses and renewing 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 trips 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.