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Crafting adventures in Africa’s most spectacular destinations

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Immerse yourself in the
Wildest spaces

Explore all experiences

Lions, leopards and cheetahs – oh meow!

Walking with the gorillas

Discover Rwanda, Uganda and Congo in different ways

Captivating aerial safaris

Make memories to last a lifetime on a family safari

Unwind as you experience some of the best of Africa

Ideal destinations for the luxury traveler

The Great Migration

Plan to see one of the most exhilarating spectacles in the animal kingdom

What we
Love

Explore the hideaways we’ve found, meet the people we’ve met and run through our round-ups. We’ve tried and tested Africa, and now it’s your turn.

Explore our blog

5 UNCOMPROMISING PILLARS OF EVERY YPA SAFARI

The foundation of your experience lies in the details...and that’s where we come in.

EAST AFRICA ALL TO YOURSELF

Our favorite exclusive use villas of 2024

GORILLA TREKKING 101

A quick and easy round up to help you decide which location will work best for you

THREE WAYS TO ENJOY THE WESTERN CAPE

You'd kick yourself for not including the cape in your next trip to South Africa

DREAMY HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA

Best lodges, ideal seasons, most romantic spots

A TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI

Our top tips for what you need to prep and pack

Featured
Destinations

We spend almost half of the year on the African continent. We stay connected and informed to ensure your trip is guaranteed to be seamless and fun.

Straddling the equator on the East Coast of Africa…

South Africa is one of the most beautiful and diverse…

Zimbabwe is a small and vibrant country situated…

Botswana is situated in the heart of Southern Africa…

View all destinations

Why us?

We strive to connect people with nature, offer freedom outside of life’s routine and make travel to Africa less intimidating

WE’VE GOT HISTORY

2 decades of living and working in, and traveling around Africa

WE GIVE BACK

When and wherever possible, we support sustainability, environmentally conscious causes, and social upliftment

WE’VE EXPERIENCED AFRICA FROM ALL ANGLES

Our years of experience in Africa, acting as a safari guide, working in marketing and operations for lodges give us an edge

TOP AFRICA TRAVEL SPECIALIST

We’ve been voted Condé Nast Traveller Top Africa Specialist 2020, 2021, 2022,2023 & 2024

WE HIT THE MARK

We follow up on the details, so you can focus on the fun

WE KNOW AFRICA

Having spent years in the travel business, with a strong focus on Africa, we’ve built great relationships

Our booking process

Your Private Africa

We plan safaris – fully inclusive itineraries end-to-end. We make sure all the dots connect from the minute you take off to touch down. We take care of all the details.

Whatever you envision, we can make it happen.

ABOUT US

Beyond your wildest dreams. See what our other travelers had to say...

Stories

An awesome adventure

The multi-gen Barsotti family in Kenya

An unforgettable honeymoon

Angelique & Fernando spent 2 weeks in Kenya and South Africa

We experienced pure magic

Cristin and Corey experienced a safari in Kenya

YPA made our honeymoon in Africa unforgettable

Kelle & Conner had an adventure in South Africa & Mozambique

A beautiful, detailed and seamless itinerary

Dave & Sylvia experienced an iconic South Africa & Uganda gorilla safari

A trip crafted with precise care for our needs

The Terry Family in Kenya

We'll never forget this truly exceptional adventure!

The Ballantine family discovered Tanzania

Thanks for all your help arranging the trip of a lifetime!

Phil & Molly's honeymoon in South Africa & Seychelles

What a fantastic trip we had to Africa!

The Lee Family explored South Africa, Zambia & Kenya

Scott and I can’t wipe the smiles off our faces

Deb and Scott trailed through South Africa and Zimbabwe

An absolutely amazing trip

Roger and Linda in Rwanda & Tanzania

A truly private exceptional trip

Trish, Seamas and Keely's trip to South Africa, Kenya & Rwanda

Nick planned a truly magical trip for our family

The Urquardt family in Kenya & Uganda

View testimonials

July Pick: A Forest in the Clouds

Explore the captivating world of Dr. Dian Fossey’s mountain gorilla camp in our next book club pick.

You’ll love this armchair adventure…
Love, Ashley xx

Explore our reading list

EXPLORE OUR ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM

#travelthatconnects

Nov 5

Safaris are the perfect way to celebrate with family. Whatever the occasion, it’s always a good enough reason to head to Africa.

Cheers to that! 🥂

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #FamilyTravel #SafarisForCelebration #AdventureTravel #WildlifeSafari #FamilyTime #AfricanAdventure #VisitAfrica #AdventureTours #NatureEnthusiast #SafariExperience #UniqueDestinations

Nov 3

At YPA, we craft journeys that bring you closer to nature and wildlife. By choosing conservation-focused travel, your stay directly impacts the longevity of ecosystems like these.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #WildDogDay #AfricanWildlife #WildlifeSafari #ExploreAfrica #WildlifePhotography #Conservation #SustainableTravel #DiscoverWildlife #AfricaWildlife #WildAfrica #WildlifeTourism #WildlifeOfAfrica

Oct 31

Seeking an active safari adventure? Here are a few ideas to keep you moving on safari!

🏞️ Explore Rwanda’s lush forests on a gorilla trek.
⛰️ Consider a private climb up Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
🌄 Hike the iconic Big Daddy Dune in Namibia.

For those seeking less intense options:

🚶 Enjoy a guided nature walk through Botswana’s reserves.
🚴‍♂️ Mountain bike or horseback ride through Kenya’s expansive bush landscapes.
🧘‍♀️ Prefer a workout closer to home? We love using apps like Yoga Glo and EVLO while traveling.

Ashley, our co-founder, is a dedicated yogi and so health and wellness are central to YPA. If staying active is a priority, let us know and we’ll integrate movement into your holiday.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #LuxuryTravel #ThisIsAfrica #HolidayDestination #TravelAndExplore #BeautifulAfrica #TravelWithPurpose #NatureTourism #PlanYourTrip #WellnessRetreat #ActiveSafari #WholesomeHoliday

Oct 29

After the early morning wake-ups, we strongly suggest rewarding yourself with some quiet moments throughout the day.

#YourPrivateAfrica #LuxuryTravel #AfricaTravel #ExploreAfrica #AfricanSafari #LuxurySafari #RelaxAndUnwind
#LuxuryAccommodation #SafariLodge #RejuvenateYourself #LuxuryEscapes #SpaRetreat #TravelToAfrica #LuxuryExperience #HolidayDestination #AmazingAfrica #LuxTravel #AfricaSafari #SafariLife #WildlifeWatching #TripInAfrica #WellnessSafari

Oct 27

Taking kids to the Kalahari is like stepping into nature’s largest sandpit where the red sand becomes an endless playground. The Kalahari’s unique ecosystem was both fun and educational with the help of knowledgeable ranger, Luke Botha, an expert with the kids.

Get the whole family’s excitement levels through the roof with these fun ideas with your little ones.

📖 Dive into safari storytelling with some African wildlife children books, like “Giraffes Can’t Dance” or “The Lion Who Wanted to Love.”
🎵Get into the safari spirit with our YPA’s Africa playlist full of rhythms to get the family excited - linked in bio.
🍿Watch children-friendly shows or documentaries like “Wings Of Life”, “Dolphin Reef” or “The Elephant Queen” - all on Disney+
🎲 Make a game out of learning with animal cards featuring fun facts about African animals.
✂️ Let their creativity flow with DIY safari-themed crafts, like toilet paper roll binoculars or animal masks to spark their curiosity before the trip.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #KalahariDesert #AfricanAdventure #FamilyTravel #SandDunes #NaturesClassroom #Bookclub #ExploreAfrica #ChildrenIdeas

Oct 24

We’re always exploring new ways to experience each destination.

Africa’s rivers and lakes, for instance, offer opportunities to fish, kayak, or enjoy a sunset cruise. These peaceful waterways are the perfect complement to your safari adventure.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TailoredAdventures #PersonalizedTravel #AfricanLuxuryTravel #RiverAdventures #TravelThatConnects #Waterways #RiverActivities #BotswanaRivers #WaterSafari #

Oct 22

Golden hour working wonders as a giraffe strolls peacefully through the plains in Kenya.

📍Sanctuary Tambarare, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #WildlifeTourism #WildlifeExperience #WildlifeOfAfrica #NatureTourism #TripInAfrica #NatureEnthusiast #ExploreTheUnknown #WildAfrica #WildlifeTour #LoveWildlife #AfricaSafari #BeautifulAfrica #AmazingAfrica #AfricaWildlife #AfricanAnimals #WildlifeLover #WildlifeSafari #NaturalWonder #AfricanGiraffe #KenyanSafari #DiscoverWildlife #DreamDestination #WildlifeLovers

Oct 18

Reading the Robb Report article on “The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth” was a proud moment for us. Since our recent trip to Africa, we’ve now visited every hotel featured in the “Greatest Luxury Hotels in Africa” section.
By staying at these hotels, we can better match-make you to the properties that fit your vision.

• Angama Mara - Masai Mara, Kenya
• Loapi Tented Camp - Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
• Miavana - Nosy Ankao, Madagascar
• North Island Okavango - Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Selinda - Selinda Reserve, Botswana
• Singita Pamushana - Malilangwe Reserve, Zimbabwe

Each of these destinations provided a unique experience, swipe to see our journey over the years 💫🌍 Read the Robb Report - linked in bio.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #PlanYourTrip #UniqueDestinations #CustomTrips #CommunityBasedTourism #AuthenticTravel #ExploreTheUnknown #LuxuryServices #LuxuryTours #TravelWithMeaning #TripPlanning #BeautifulAfrica #DiscoverAfrica #DiscoverNewPlaces #AfricaWildlife #LuxurySafari #TravelWithPurpose #TravelIdeas #TravelAndExplore #RobbReport #HolidayDestination #LuxuryTravels #LuxuryExperience #DreamDestination #TravelExperience #DreamDestination #CNTTravel #CondeNast #50GreatestLuxuryHotels

Oct 15

We’ve been eagerly anticipating the opening of this hidden gem - Collection in the Wild’s newest villa, Wild Hill, is now open.

The villa is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its surroundings, with access through a secret door, walls inspired by the textured skin of elephants, and living grass roofs that seamlessly blend into the natural landscape.

We can’t wait to experience this extraordinary property firsthand. Discover more about this villa and our other East Africa favorites in our latest article - linked in bio.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #ExploreAfrica #HiddenGem #LuxuryTravel #PrivateVilla #WildAfrica #LuxurySafari #Wildlife #AfricanAdventure

Oct 13

Safaris are best when shared with the whole family. We know traveling with toddlers can be tough, but the joy of having little ones along is unmatched. Exploring Africa with our daughter, Savvy, has given us some of our most cherished family moments—not to mention the priceless experiences she’s gaining in nature.

To make your life easier, we’ve put together a list of must-haves for traveling with kids. Head to the link in bio for our top tips.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #Safari #TravelTips #TravelGuide #FamilyTravel #TopTips #AfricanAdventure #ExploreAfrica #WildlifeSafari

Oct 10

One of our goals is to make travel to Africa less intimidating, so receiving feedback like this from Josh and Kiera after their beautiful Kenya, Tanzania, and Seychelles honeymoon is exactly what we strive for.

‘We have never experienced that level of service. It was amazing having your team available for all of our questions throughout the trip, totally putting our minds at ease.’

But what’s even more important is how much they loved Africa—and that they’ll be back!

‘We thought this would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us, but we’ve already agreed that we’ll be returning to Africa in the future!’ - Josh and Kiera

#YourPrivateAfrica #HoneymoonPlanning #TravelThatConnects #TravelAfrica #Adventure #LuxuryTravel #AfricanSafari #WildlifeSafari #Honeymoon

Oct 8

Now that we’re back from exploring Morocco and South Africa, we’re already asking ourselves—what’s next?

With 2025 just around the corner, have you thought about your next adventure? The best time to start planning is always now. The more time we have, the more we can tailor your trip to perfection!

Here’s a little inspiration for what your 2025 could look like...

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #LuxurySafari #TravelAfrica #Adventure #WildlifeSafari #AnimalSighting #NatureLover #CNTTraveler #SafariPhotography #LuxuryTravel #WildAnimals

Oct 6

In a fast-paced world, embrace the stillness on safari.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #LazyLife #RelaxingGetaway #LionCub #DiscoverAfrica #AfricanWildlife #SafariDreams #WildlifeSafari #CalmYourMind

Oct 4

Looking to plan the perfect honeymoon with your significant other?

Besides saving you many hours of planning and guesswork, here’s why choosing YPA for this special experience is a great idea:

📍 We’re experts in pinpointing the best safaris, camps, and lodges for your needs.
📅 We have insights on the ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and that romantic ambiance.
🦁 Dream of getting close to wildlife? We know the best spots.
✈️ Rely on us for seamless logistics, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #HoneymoonPlanning #LuxurySafari #LuxuryTravel #AfricanSafariMag #AfricaWildlife #RomanticGetaway

Oct 1

Welcome to our new YPA followers! Here’s a little about who we are. Our founders, Nick and Ashley, are passionate about Africa, spending roughly three months of each year exploring this incredible continent. Drawing on our unique perspective of living between North America and Africa, we strive to make travel to Africa less intimidating and bridge the gap between these two worlds for our YPA clients.

Africa has profoundly touched our hearts, and we’re dedicated to introducing YPA clients to its many magnificent destinations.

We dig deeper, connecting the dots to create meaningful interactions that leave a positive impact on the places we visit. Feeling inspired? Reach out to start planning!

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #ExploreAfrica #MeaningfulConnections #ImpactfulTravel #African #CulturalExperience #YPATeam

Sep 28

Fun fact: Namibia is home to the Sossusvlei Red Dunes, some of the tallest sand dunes in the world.

Whether you’re hiking through rugged terrain, soaring above in a plane, or cruising along the coastline, Namibia is pure adventure. With its wide-open spaces, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible wildlife, it’s the perfect destination for anyone seeking a unique African safari experience.

#YourPrivateAfrica #Namibia #SafariAdventure #FamilyTravel #CouplesGetaway #ExploreAfrica

Sep 26

Set sail along Egypt’s iconic Nile River on the Kazazian luxury yacht cruiser, Arax. Offering the ultimate luxury experience; whether it’s soaking up the sun, enjoying sunset drinks, or stargazing under the night sky.

#YourPrivateAfrica #NileCruise #EgyptianAdventure #NileRiver
#DiscoverEgypt #LuxuryTravel #TailoredTrips #TravelGoals
#LuxuryVacation #YachtLife

Sep 25

Trip recap: Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa.

We just spent an unforgettable 4 days exploring the vast Southern Kalahari @tswalu, staying at the newly opened Loapi. From the thrill of a cheetah on the hunt and great lion sightings, to spotting a highly elusive pangolin and enjoying nights around the fire under the full moon, we couldn’t have asked for more. Savvy was in her element, spending time with habituated meerkats and playing on the red sand dunes!

We can’t wait to share this incredible experience with more YPA guests! Thank you, @tswalu 🧡 hope to see you again soon!

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #AfricanSafari #Kalahari #AfricanWildlife #WildlifePhotography #SouthAfricaTravel #DessertSafari

Sep 22

Our love for Africa is what fuels our mission to inspire others to experience its beauty too. There’s nothing we love more than hearing from our happy honeymooners, Angelique and Fernando, who traveled to Cape Town and Kenya.

“If you’re thinking about traveling to Africa (DO IT!) don’t hesitate to reach out to YPA! It’s your trip, in their safe and caring hands, and they will help you meet all of your dreams when traveling to this incredible continent!”
- Angelique and Fernando

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #ExploreAfrica #HappyClients #TravelTips #LuxurySafari #TravelExpert #CondeNastTraveler #Wildlife #AfricanAdventure #TestimonialTuesday

Sep 20

🌍🐾 Babies are everywhere in the wild and SOON, there’ll be one more joining the YPA family! 🎉 As we always say, safaris are perfect for celebrations, and with Savvy’s little sister on the way, we’re loving celebrating new life while exploring Africa.

For this safari, we’ve combined two of our favorite malaria-free destinations: Tswalu Kalahari Reserve and Molori in Madikwe Game Reserve and we’re loving every minute.

Let us help craft the perfect adventure for your next celebration!

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #BabyAnimals #WildlifeSafari #WildlifePhotography #AfricanAdventure

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