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5 of the very best uber-lux expeditions in Africa

By LLM Reporters   |  

No longer a fascination with Egyptian cotton sheets, expensive silverware and over-the-top décor, luxury travel has evolved into a means to escape our 9 to 5’s and seek out remote corners of the globe that few others will have the chance to see in their lifetime. Luxury adventure travel company Ker & Downey Africa pioneers exclusive expeditions throughout the African continent.

From exploring the mineral-rich seabed of South Africa on a diamond diving safari, to an expedition transporting guests from the tip of Africa to icy Antarctica via private jet, Ker & Downey Africa’s experiential trips invite you to relish in the raw thrill of Africa with no compromise on your modern day luxuries. To inspire your inner pioneer, we present Ker & Downey Africa’s top five epic expeditions in Africa.

Dive for diamonds in South Africa

Diving for diamonds in Port Nolloth. Image credit: Benguela Diamonds

For those chasing exclusive experiences in remote destinations, look no further than Ker & Downey Africa’s Diamond Diving Safari. This 11-day expedition starts in Cape Town, South Africa, and includes a private jet excursion to the mineral-rich seabed of South Africa’s West Coast. Here, you will have the opportunity to join a divemaster on a salvage dive in search of raw aquatic diamonds that are yours for the keeping. Your adventure continues as you embark on a traditional wildlife safari with an adventurous twist in the grassy plains of Limpopo, a wildlife-rich area in the Northern reaches of South Africa. Spend your days on horseback safaris, stargazing from your villa’s private observatory, tracking members of the Big 5 by game vehicle, soaring over the reserve on daily helicopter flights and sleeping out in a treehouse under the stars as hippos grunt from the water below.

Safari by Private Jet, South Africa and Seychelles

Ker & Downey Africa’s 10-day South Africa and Seychelles Private Jet Safari invites you to explore Africa’s remote destinations in sublime exclusivity

The pinnacle of luxury, the allure of private jet travel is undeniable. Ker & Downey Africa’s 10-day South Africa and Seychelles Private Jet Safari invites you to explore Africa’s remote destinations in sublime exclusivity. Expect prestigious lodges, bucket list experience, as well as an opportunity to connect and contribute to a local community in the Kruger National Park. Your journey begins in the lap of luxury at the iconic Silo Hotel in Cape Town. Next up, you will board your private jet and make your way to Singita Sweni Lodge, located in a private concession in the Kruger National Park. Spend your days on big game safaris, as well as connecting with the lodge’s flagship community partnership program, Singita Community Culinary School. Your last stop on your private jet safari takes you to an idyllic private island in the Seychelles archipelago. Soak up barefoot luxury on the shores of Desroches Island from your villa at Four Seasons Desroches.

Note: Book this expedition and Ker & Downey Africa will donate 1% of the trip’s booking value to the expansion of Singita Community Culinary School on your behalf, making an invaluable difference to their students’ lives and the local community.

A bucket list expedition – Africa to Antarctica

For the avid explorer, this 10-day epic expedition takes you from the tip of Africa to the white deserts of Antarctica – an exclusive experience which has lured travelers such as astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Bear Grylls and Prince Harry. Image credit: Whichaway Camp

For the avid explorer, this 10-day epic expedition takes you from the tip of Africa to the white deserts of Antarctica – an exclusive experience which has lured travelers such as astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Bear Grylls and Prince Harry. Starting in the vibrant city of Cape Town, guests will spend four days exploring the city’s top activities. Wave goodbye to Table Mountain as you board a Gulfstream Jet and soar 2,400 miles over the Southern Ocean to 24 hours of sunshine in Antarctica. Discover the incredible landscape of this icy wonderland exploring ice caves, crossing frozen lakes, summiting mountains, rock climbing and encountering a 6000 strong Emperor Penguin colony while being hosted in luxury igloo pods at WhichAway Camp. No trip to Africa would be complete without an African safari. Return to South Africa for a safari retreat at the prestigious Singita Lebombo Lodge, located in one of South Africa’s most sought after safari destinations, the Kruger National Park.

Track Mountain Gorillas, Safari in Botswana and Island Hop in Mozambique

Portrait of mountain gorilla taken in the mountain slopes in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

For a well-rounded, full-bodied, African adventure, Ker & Downey Africa’s 18-day Rwanda, Botswana and Mozambique premium expedition invites you to tick off all your African bucket list items in one foul swoop. Starting in the untamed forests of Volcanoes National Park, track the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda on guided expeditions before returning to your luxury bungalow on the crater rim at Bisate Lodge. Board your private jet and head south to the lush terrain of the Okavango Delta and Selinda Reserve in Botswana – a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Experience the thrill of big game safaris, exhilarating walking safaris, mokoro safaris through the Delta’s winding waterways and sunset boat cruises through the ancient Selinda Spillway. Your journey ends off on the pristine white-sand beaches of Benguerra Island, located off the coast of Mozambique. With your private beach villa as your base, explore the shore on a kayak, discover the islands marine life on a snorkeling or scuba excursion and end it all off with a dhow cruise at sunset.

Reboot your body, mind and soul in Kenya’s Masai Mara and the Seychelles

Enjoy yoga overlooking Chyulu Hills at Ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya

Crafted for travelers with a keen interest in the well-being of their body, mind and soul, Ker & Downey Africa’s Wellness Safari facilitates a trip of self-discovery, giving travelers a space to reflect and reboot while being surrounded by nature. This 10-day bush and beach wellness experience combine two of Kenya’s most sought-after safari destinations coupled with a retreat to Félicité Island in the Seychelles. Experience horseback safaris through the plains of Kenya, witness the Great Wildebeest Migration as they make their way through the Serengeti and practice yoga while overlooking Chyulu Hills before heading east to the Seychelles archipelago for the ultimate barefoot luxury retreat.

Get in touch with one of Ker & Downey Africa’s LuxVenture Designers to start planning your exclusive expedition to Africa today.