For discerning travellers who seek both luxury and adventure, small-group luxury safari tours offer an unparalleled experience.
These carefully curated journeys immerse you in the heart of Africa’s wilderness while ensuring every detail is taken care of.
Whether you’re travelling to see the majestic wildlife of the Serengeti or capturing unforgettable moments with a camera in hand, these exceptional luxury safari tours offer more than just a holiday – they offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
However, with limited departures and exclusive access, securing your spot on one of these extraordinary luxury safari tours requires careful planning.
How to choose the right small group luxury safari tour for you
Choosing the ideal safari depends on your personal preferences, travel style, and the kind of experiences you’re seeking. Here are a few tips to guide you toward the perfect fit.
Identify your luxury safari style
Luxury safaris come in various forms, so it’s essential to understand the type of experience you’re after.
Do you want to travel by private aircraft, skipping long transfers, and making the most of your time in the wild?
Or would you prefer the adventure of sleeping under canvas so you’re close to the action and immersed in nature?
If you’re passionate about photography, consider a safari led by expert wildlife photographers in some of Africa’s most remote, breathtaking locations.
Each journey offers something unique, so narrowing down your interests will help determine which safari best aligns with your vision.
Consider group size and exclusivity
Smaller groups often result in more personalised experiences, whether it’s exclusive access to game reserves or intimate wildlife encounters.
These intimate groups also allow for greater flexibility in planning.
Smaller group sizes mean less crowding, more opportunities for special access, and a more profound connection to your destination.
It’s also important to note that small-group safaris tend to sell out quickly, so don’t delay if you have a specific safari in mind.
Book early
The most sought-after luxury tours – whether it’s a private air safari or a photographic expedition – have limited spots, which fill up far in advance.
Most of our favourite safaris are booked well before the year begins, often with guests returning year after year.
To avoid disappointment and ensure you can experience your dream safari, it’s recommended to plan at least 12-18 months ahead of your desired departure date.
Not only will this guarantee your spot, but it also gives you ample time to prepare for this exceptional experience.
Now that you know how to plan, let’s explore some of the most coveted luxury safari experiences that will take you off the beaten path in style in 2025/2026.
Wings Over Africa
Luxury flying safari tour
If you want to make the most of your time in the wild, Wings Over Africa is for you. Travel by private aircraft with 10 guests, pilot and tour leader, minimising long transfers and maximising your time in the wilderness.
Wings Over Tanzania Trip 1 for 2025 sold out in 48 hours.
Trip 2 is now live with 5 seats remaining!
Plus we’re finalising dates for 2026 and there may well be another trip in 2026 to the Okavango Delta and Namibian desert!
This is a fully immersive safari experience where you’ll stay in exclusive camps, encounter incredible wildlife, and experience the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and other iconic locations in absolute luxury. These exclusive safaris fill up quickly, so make sure to book well in advance.
Wings over Tanzania 2025Through the Lens – Photographic Safari Tour
Okavango Delta + Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas
Join Michael Snedic on an extraordinary photographic adventure to Botswana and Rwanda! Whether you choose to embark on one of these journeys (you can choose just Botswana or just Rwanda) or combine them into the ultimate African photography experience, this is a chance to capture breathtaking African wildlife, stunning landscapes, and authentic local life through your lens.
Step into the heart of one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a paradise for photographers, offering diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife. From the golden light of sunrise game drives to the tranquility of exploring the waterways by boat or mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), every moment presents a new photographic opportunity. Walking safaris bring you even closer to the intricate details of the bush, while a visit to Maun provides insight into local culture. We’ll also visit Elephant Haven, a vital conservation project dedicated to the protection of these gentle giants.
For those seeking to extend their adventure, Rwanda offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience: photographing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Trek through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, where these incredible primates share their world with golden monkeys and other fascinating wildlife. Visit the Dian Fossey Centre, honouring the legendary conservationist, and gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history with a tour of Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial.
Through the Lens 2026Shutter Safari, Botswana
Explore the Okavango Delta and beyond, on our Shutter Photographic Safari with the legendary Letaka Brothers and their team of talented guides. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just beginning your journey into wildlife photography, this safari will allow you to capture the incredible wildlife of the Okavango Delta and beyond, under the guidance of some top guides who are also photographers.
2025 safari is almost sold out.
2026 is selling fast, so if this is on your bucket list, it’s time to act!
Shutter Safari itineraryGiraffe Conservation Safari Tour
Namibia
For those with a passion for conservation, you won’t want to miss this awesome small group safari tour.
Travelling for 8 nights through Namibia, you’ll gain a deeper insight into the desert adapted giraffe with hands on conservation experiences. You’ll be guided by two expert giraffe guides throughout the trip and spend time with the best giraffe conservationists on the continent.
Assist the team fitting PGS tags to giraffes, game drive, explore breathtaking landscapes in Etosha, Hoanib Valley and the eerie Skeleton Coast.
Discover other desert adapted animals living alongside the giraffe like elephant, rhino and endangered black rhino.
This is how you can make a meaningful difference and get the first hand experience yourself!
Giraffe ConservationZen in Zimbabwe
7 night Yoga Safari
27 October- 3 November 2025
This is no ordinary safari. Our Zen in Zimbabwe Yoga Safari is ah holistic retreat that blends the thrill of exploring Zimbabwe’s national parks with the restorative power of yoga and mindfulness.
Over seven unforgettable nights you’ll stay in two breathtaking safari lodges, each offering a sanctuary where you can unwind in luxury while staying immersed in the natural world.
The yoga sessions are led by a passionate and experienced instructor, Marcel and held outdoors, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bush.
The safaris are led by local highly qualified and passionate guides, the ultimate storytellers who share their part of the world with us. We get close to wildlife, learn about their ways of life and challenges.
Check out the blog and itinerary!
Yoga SafariSecuring your spot
On one of our small group luxury safari tours!
The demand for luxury, small-group safaris is higher than ever, and the limited number of departures and spots available means these journeys often sell out well in advance. If you have your heart set on any of these exceptional experiences, it’s crucial to plan early. Encompass Africa can guide you in choosing the perfect luxury safari and help with the booking process, ensuring that every detail is handled with care.
Whether you choose Wings Over Africa, embark on a Photographic Safari with Michael Snedic, or explore unique adventures like the Desert Giraffes or Yoga Retreats, your safari is bound to be unforgettable.
Don’t miss the opportunity to travel with like-minded adventurers in the lap of luxury – plan your safari today and take the first step toward the ultimate African adventure.
Remember these are just a handful of our signature luxury safari tour collection. So get in touch today.