Luxury African Safaris, Expertly Crafted | Your Private Africa

Crafting adventures in Africa’s most spectacular destinations

Start dreaming with us now

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

WHERE WE'RE DREAMING OF IN 2026

We're returning to some of the classics and looking ahead at wide open spaces.

6 DIFFERENT SAFARIS, ONE THOUGHTFUL APPROACH

There are so many ways to experience this continent and it all starts with you.

RETHINKING HOW WE TRAVEL IN AFRICA

At Your Private Africa, we believe that responsible travel isn’t about doing less, but about doing better.

BEYOND THE GAME DRIVE

If you're looking for variety, here's some inspiration

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF YPA

It's been the best journey, and we're just getting started.

5 UNCOMPROMISING PILLARS OF EVERY YPA SAFARI

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

GORILLA TREKKING 101

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

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

This Month’s Pick: The Map of Love

A beautifully atmospheric novel that brings Egypt vividly to life through two intertwined love stories set a century apart. From Cairo’s vibrant streets to the timeless landscapes of the Nile, Ahdaf Soueif captures the country’s rich history, culture, and sense of place with remarkable warmth. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Egypt beyond its ancient monuments, The Map of Love is a wonderful reminder that the country’s greatest stories are found just as much in its people as its past.

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

Explore our reading list

EXPLORE OUR ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM

#travelthatconnects

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Jun 25

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Namibia is for those seeking space.
Vast desert landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and wildlife shaped by some of the planet’s toughest conditions, it’s a destination that slows you down without even trying.

📸 @chrisjoubert

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #Namibia #Landscapes #NamibiaWildlife

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Jun 22

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A lion’s roar is far louder than most people expect. It carries for kilometres, rumbling through the bush and straight through your chest. Hearing it in the wild is one of those safari moments you never forget.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #MaleLion #LionRoar #BigCats

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Jun 19

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One of the reasons families connect so easily on safari is because life becomes wonderfully simple.

🦁 You spend your days together, sharing every game drive and meal, creating memories from sunrise to sunset.
🐘 You bond over the incredible sightings and unforgettable experiences that become stories you’ll tell for years to come.
✨ The usual responsibilities of daily life are left behind, with the camp taking care of all the details you normally would.
🌿 Between activities, there’s time to slow down, relax, and enjoy each other’s company without distractions.

It’s a rare chance to be fully present together.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects

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Jun 15

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A big part of traveling through Africa is connecting with the people and culture in each region. With so many different languages spoken, learning a simple greeting is a great way to start.

A few you might hear along the way:
• Botswana: Dumela
• Kenya & Tanzania: Jambo
• Zimbabwe: Sawubona
• Zambia: Muli bwanji
• Rwanda: Muraho

Hello is just the beginning... who knows what conversations it may start!

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #AfricanCommunity #AfricanPeople

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Jun 11

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Some sightings lose their novelty over time. An elephant up close isn’t one of them. No matter how much time you spend in the bush, there’s something about being next to an animal that size that gets your heart racing. 🐘

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #AfricanElephant #IntimateSighting #WildlifeEncounter

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Jun 8

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We say it all the time, Africa is incredible year-round. Every season has its own magic, and at YPA, we’re all about debunking the idea of a “right” time to visit. Instead, we focus on what works for you.

If you have the luxury of traveling outside of peak travel periods, there are some serious perks, for example...

✈️ Smoother travel with less traffic; no rush, more ease
✔️ Greater value means longer stays, giving you more time and leeway for different experiences, like a private charter or Treehouse Experience.
🦁 Fewer guests inevitably means more personal attention and exclusive moments. This could be that wildlife sightings are more intimate or that dining experiences are more private.
❤️ Deeper connections with lodge staff, local culture, and the wildlife
☀️ Incredible weather outside the usual peak months

Let’s travel smart this year!

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #ExploreAfrica #SeasonalTravel #WildlifeNeverStops

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Jun 5

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Selfies on sightings! 🦁

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #SafariSelfie #WildlifeSightings #AnimalSightings

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Jun 1

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Quiet moments in Namibia // @chrisjoubert ⛰️
Whenever we look back on videos from past trips, we’re reminded just how breathtaking it is. There’s something incredibly liberating about a place that makes you feel so free.⁠
⁠
#YourPrivateAfrica #NamibiaTravel #AfricanTravel #DesertLandscapes #TravelMoments

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May 29

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Who knew culture could be this much fun?
For us, education looks a little different—camel rides through the Pyramids of Giza, history you can actually feel.

Proof that the best kind of learning doesn’t happen in a classroom… it happens by being out in the world!

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #ExploreEgypt #PyramidsExperience #EgyptPyramids

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May 24

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Ever wondered what a week in South Africa’s Sabi Sands can bring?

This was our experience from a trip last year. Beyond the incredible sightings, it was the birdlife, changing landscapes, blue skies and sunsets that stayed with us.
⁠
#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #SafariExperience #AfricanBush #LuxurySafari

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May 20

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Shane & Jason’s journey through Kenya and Rwanda was everything a YPA trip aims to be—immersive, adventurous, and seamless—and it means the world to hear them say, “We had a spectacular vacation… it was almost magical.”

Hearing the excitement of our YPA clients is what gets us up in the morning. It’s a feeling you fully understand when you’re there: “We expected to see animals, but we had no idea how close we would get… witnessing dynamic, almost cinematic animal behavior…”

“It was truly the trip of a lifetime… we have never felt so well taken care of.” ... This is exactly what we strive for!

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #ClientTestimonial #RwandaGorilla #KenyaMara

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May 16

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Pro tips for prioritizing health and wellness on safari:

🧘‍♀️ Start the day with a stretch on your deck as the sun comes up.

👐🏼 Book a massage after safari — the perfect way to unwind after dusty game drives.

🥗 Eat well and enjoy the fresh, nourishing meals many lodges now offer.

🌅 Put your phone away and spend the afternoon by the pool, soaking it all in.

🌿 If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the vehicle for a guided walk and experience the bush at a slower pace.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #SafariWellness #WellnessTravel #ReconnectWithNature

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May 13

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Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest green canyons in the world, stretching over 26 km long and up to 800 meters deep, it’s lush and verdant. Its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls make it feel like a hidden safari in the sky! Who new it was on the doorstep of Kruger National Park...

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #HiddenSafari #HelicopterScenes #ScenicHelicopters

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May 10

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There’s so much we can learn from nature and in this case, it’s that even the majestic cheetah has moments where she feels just a little touched out.

Despite it all, she remained patient, protective, and completely calm amongst the chaos.

Happy Mother’s Day to the ones doing it all, whether on safari or at home 🤍

#travelthatconnects #yourprivateafrica

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May 8

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On our trip to Botswana, nothing felt quite as calming as drifting through the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional dugout mokoro. Local polers gently guide you through the channels they know like the back of their hand. It’s a slower, softer way to experience the bush and really connect with this the delta.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #MokoroBoating #OkavangoChannels #TraditionalBoating

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May 4

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You don’t want to mess with this guy in the bush… Black rhinos are known for being a little more fiery than white rhinos. With their poor eyesight and incredibly territorial nature, it’s not uncommon to be mock charged if you find yourself in their space. An exhilarating sighting no doubt!

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #BlackRhino #RihnoCharge #WildAnimals

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Apr 30

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Sometimes it takes seeing things from above to truly comprehend the wildness of the destinations we visit.

#YourPrivateAfrica #OffTheBeatenPath #ExploreAfrica #WildAfrica #TravelDeeper

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Apr 27

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Is Africa on your bucket list? Here are 5 ideas to get the sparks flying…

🕌 Head north to Morocco for a blend of culture, history, and sweeping desert landscapes.
🐘 Escape the crowds in Tanzania—from the wildlife-rich Serengeti to chimp trekking in remote Mahale, it’s safari on your terms.
🌿 Take the road less travelled to Madagascar, where the island is alive with unique wildlife on land and beneath the sea.
🏡 Enjoy a safari all to yourself with exclusive-use villas across East Africa—completely tailored, completely private.
🦁 Experience Botswana’s iconic desert and delta, home to some of Africa’s best lion and elephant sightings.

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #TravelAfrica #FamilyTrips #LuxuryExperiences

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Apr 23

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Nothing can quite compete with being in the African wilderness with your loved ones. In 2023, The Ram Family visited South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana together, and their feedback says it all:

“We cannot express enough in words how much this meant to us; even my mom and dad (the most demanding critics) said it was PERFECT. Honestly, you all did such a fantastic job.You are all truly exceptional. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

To understand it, you need to experience it. Drop us a message and let’s chat 💭

#YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #AfricanAdventure #AmazingAfrica #TanzaniaSafari

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Apr 18

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Fun fact: the palm trees you see in the distance aren’t indigenous to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, but over time they’ve spread through the movement of animals, dung, and water flow. Today, you’ll find thousands of them dotted around the Delta making it a defining aspect of this lush landscape. Elephants especially love feeding on their center — the soft, nutritious palm heart.

# YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects #OkavangoDelta #Botswana #AfricanElephants

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