Bespoke African safaris
Bespoke African safaris
THE EXPERTS IN TAILOR-MADE AFRICAN SAFARIS
South Africa | Botswana | Zimbabwe | Zambia | Kenya | Tanzania | Rwanda | Malawi | Mozambique | Namibia | Madagascar | Mauritius | Maldives
Whether this is your first safari or you’ve been on many African Safari Trips, you have arrived at the right place. We will show you the Africa which inspired famous poets, writers, and explorers for centuries!
THE EXPERTS IN TAILOR-MADE AFRICAN SAFARIS
South Africa | Botswana | Zimbabwe | Zambia | Kenya | Tanzania | Rwanda | Malawi | Mozambique | Namibia | Madagascar | Mauritius | Maldives
Whether this is your first safari or you’ve been on many African Safari Trips, you have arrived at the right place. We will show you the Africa which inspired famous poets, writers, and explorers for centuries!
THE EXPERTS IN TAILOR-MADE AFRICAN SAFARIS
South Africa | Botswana | Zimbabwe | Zambia | Kenya | Tanzania | Rwanda | Malawi | Mozambique | Namibia | Madagascar | Mauritius | Maldives
Whether this is your first safari or you’ve been on many African Safari Trips, you have arrived at the right place. We will show you the Africa which inspired famous poets, writers, and explorers for centuries!
Our personalized itineraries create some of the best African safari trips. We will design the holiday of a lifetime, using our intimate knowledge of Southern Africa, combined with your expectations and preferences.
Start the journey by browsing through our products and sample itineraries below.
LUXURY FLY-IN SAFARI TRIPS
Our fly-in safaris combine private aircraft flights with stays at unique safari camps in handpicked destinations. Using a private aircraft for the duration of these trips allows for seamless, bespoke transitions between the destinations. This saves precious safari time otherwise wasted on commercial flight connections and multiple stop safari commuter flights. Additionally, a private aircraft allows us to adapt your itinerary in virtually real time should circumstances dictate.
LUXURY FLY-IN SAFARI TRIPS
Our fly-in safaris combine private aircraft flights with stays at unique safari camps in handpicked destinations. Using a private aircraft for the duration of these trips allows for seamless, bespoke transitions between the destinations. This saves precious safari time otherwise wasted on commercial flight connections and multiple stop safari commuter flights. Additionally, a private aircraft allows us to adapt your itinerary in virtually real time should circumstances dictate.
LUXURY FLY-IN SAFARI TRIPS
Our fly in safaris combines private aircraft flights with stays at unique safari camps in handpicked destinations. Using a private aircraft for the duration of these trips allows for seamless, bespoke transitions. This saves precious safari time otherwise wasted on commercial flight connections and multiple stop safari commuter flights. Additionally, a private aircraft allows us to adapt your itinerary in virtually real time should circumstances dictate.
Embark on an unforgettable African Safari trip to Rwanda, a land of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. Immerse yourself in luxury as you trek through lush rainforests to encounter majestic mountain gorillas, explore the untamed beauty of savannas teeming with wildlife, and connect with the warmth of local communities. Your extraordinary Rwandan adventure awaits – let us guide you through a world of unparalleled experiences.
VISIT RWANDA
Embark on an unforgettable African Safari trip to Rwanda, a land of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. Immerse yourself in luxury as you trek through lush rainforests to encounter majestic mountain gorillas, explore the untamed beauty of savannas teeming with wildlife, and connect with the warmth of local communities. Your extraordinary Rwandan adventure awaits – let us guide you through a world of unparalleled experiences.
VISIT RWANDA
Embark on an unforgettable African Safari trip to Rwanda, a land of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. Immerse yourself in luxury as you trek through lush rainforests to encounter majestic mountain gorillas, explore the untamed beauty of savannas teeming with wildlife, and connect with the warmth of local communities. Your extraordinary Rwandan adventure awaits – let us guide you through a world of unparalleled experiences.
AFRICAN SAFARI HOLIDAYS
Whether you are planning a family safari trip, luxury honeymoon, or yearly holiday, these itineraries explore the most iconic places in southern Africa. Whichever destination you choose, we source the most appropriate properties, best game viewing, top guides and unique experiences.
AFRICAN SAFARI HOLIDAYS
Whether you are planning a family safari trip, luxury honeymoon, or yearly holiday, these itineraries explore the most iconic places in southern Africa. Whichever destination you choose, we source the most appropriate properties, best game viewing, top guides and unique experiences.
AFRICAN SAFARI HOLIDAYS
Whether you are planning a family safari trip, luxury honeymoon, or yearly holiday, these itineraries explore the most iconic places in southern Africa. Whichever destination you choose, we source the most appropriate properties, best game viewing, top guides and unique experiences.
Luxury retreats were introduced with exclusivity in mind, completely removed from the heavy footfall of mass tourism. Best-suited to small groups and providing the comfort, space and amenities of a private residence, these villas are located in some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness locations. Your group will have access to round-the-clock services of a dedicated guide, game drive vehicle, butler, and chef, ensuring that your day is designed to your specifications. Add the ease of seamless luxury private aircraft connections between the villas, and the table is set for an unforgettable experience.
LUXURY AFRICAN RETREATS
Luxury retreats were introduced with exclusivity in mind, completely removed from the heavy footfall of mass tourism. Best-suited to small groups and providing the comfort, space and amenities of a private residence, these villas are located in some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness locations. Your group will have access to round-the-clock services of a dedicated guide, game drive vehicle, butler, and chef, ensuring that your day is designed to your specifications. Add the ease of seamless luxury private aircraft connections between the villas, and the table is set for an unforgettable experience.
LUXURY AFRICAN RETREATS
Luxury retreats were introduced with exclusivity in mind, completely removed from the heavy footfall of mass tourism. Best-suited to small groups and providing the comfort, space and amenities of a private residence, these villas are located in some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness locations. Your group will have access to round-the-clock services of a dedicated guide, game drive vehicle, butler, and chef, ensuring that your day is designed to your specifications. Add the ease of seamless luxury private aircraft connections between the villas, and the table is set for an unforgettable experience.
These trips explore the country’s otherworldly desert landscapes, goes wildlife spotting on safari, and add a few adventure activities for the fearless! We offer self-drive holidays, fly in safaris, and a combination of self-drive and fly in safaris. Using your preferences and expectations to guide us, we will expertly design your all inclusive African safari.
SAFARI HOLIDAYS NAMIBIA
These trips explore the country’s otherworldly desert landscapes, goes wildlife spotting on safari, and add a few adventure activities for the fearless! We offer self-drive holidays, fly in safaris, or a combination of these. Using your preferences and expectations to guide us, we will expertly design your all inclusive African safari.
SAFARI HOLIDAYS NAMIBIA
These trips explore the country’s otherworldly desert landscapes, goes wildlife spotting on safari, and add a few adventure activities for the fearless! We offer self-drive holidays, fly in safaris, or a combination of these. Using your preferences and expectations to guide us, we will expertly design your all inclusive African safari.
We arrange luxury train travel in the heart of Africa, combining magnificent scenery with the glamour of the golden age of leisure travel. In a series of journeys lasting from 3 – 15 days, Rovos Rail trains link some of the continent’s greatest destinations.
LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL IN AFRICA
We arrange luxury train travel in the heart of Africa, combining magnificent scenery with the glamour of the golden age of leisure travel. In a series of journeys lasting from 3 – 15 days, Rovos Rail trains link some of the continent’s greatest destinations.
LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL IN AFRICA
We arrange luxury train travel in the heart of Africa, combining magnificent scenery with the glamour of the golden age of leisure travel. In a series of journeys lasting from 3 – 15 days, Rovos Rail trains link some of the continent’s greatest destinations.
ZAMBEZI QUEEN & KIVU QUEEN UBURANGA
A few days on board the Zambezi Queen (Botswana) or Kivu Queen uBuranga (Rwanda) is one of the most tranquil and rewarding ways to experience Africa’s landscapes. It is the perfect addition to any African holiday, allowing guests to relax, unwind, and enjoy all that is on offer. Exchange the typical game drive vehicle for a mobile boat that will get you up close to the wildlife. Boating safaris are perfect for unique photography safari holidays or to catch the famous tigerfish, one of the world’s best freshwater fighting fish.
ZAMBEZI QUEEN & KIVU QUEEN uBURANGA
A few days on board the Zambezi Queen (Botswana) or Kivu Queen uBuranga (Rwanda) is one of the most tranquil and rewarding ways to experience Africa’s landscapes. It is the perfect addition to any African holiday, allowing guests to relax, unwind, and enjoy all that is on offer. Exchange the typical game drive vehicle for a mobile boat that will get you up close to the wildlife. Boating safaris are perfect for unique photography safari holidays or to catch the famous tigerfish, one of the world’s best freshwater fighting fish.
ZAMBEZI QUEEN & KIVU QUEEN uBURANGA
A few days on board the Zambezi Queen (Botswana) or Kivu Queen uBuranga (Rwanda) is one of the most tranquil and rewarding ways to experience Africa’s landscapes. It is the perfect addition to any African holiday, allowing guests to relax, unwind, and enjoy all that is on offer. Exchange the typical game drive vehicle for a mobile boat that will get you up close to the wildlife. Boating safaris are perfect for unique photography safari holidays or to catch the famous tigerfish, one of the world’s best freshwater fighting fish.
KENYA
Discover the wonders of Kenya, where every journey reveals more than just the iconic Great Migration. Beyond the famed Maasai Mara, explore Kenya’s rich tapestry of landscapes—from the towering peaks of Mount Kenya and the flamingo-filled lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the lush Amboseli plains with Mount Kilimanjaro as a breathtaking backdrop. Kenya’s safaris are a gateway to extraordinary wildlife encounters, vibrant cultural experiences, and pristine coastlines. Immerse yourself in a destination where adventure, culture, and nature combine to create a safari experience like no other.
KENYA
Discover the wonders of Kenya, where every journey reveals more than just the iconic Great Migration. Beyond the famed Maasai Mara, explore Kenya’s rich tapestry of landscapes—from the towering peaks of Mount Kenya and the flamingo-filled lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the lush Amboseli plains with Mount Kilimanjaro as a breathtaking backdrop. Kenya’s safaris are a gateway to extraordinary wildlife encounters, vibrant cultural experiences, and pristine coastlines. Immerse yourself in a destination where adventure, culture, and nature combine to create a safari experience like no other.
KENYA
Discover the wonders of Kenya, where every journey reveals more than just the iconic Great Migration. Beyond the famed Maasai Mara, explore Kenya’s rich tapestry of landscapes—from the towering peaks of Mount Kenya and the flamingo-filled lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the lush Amboseli plains with Mount Kilimanjaro as a breathtaking backdrop. Kenya’s safaris are a gateway to extraordinary wildlife encounters, vibrant cultural experiences, and pristine coastlines. Immerse yourself in a destination where adventure, culture, and nature combine to create a safari experience like no other.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Phenomenal lodges
Nothing beats the feeling of walking into a luxurious safari camp, from the steps of your own private plane. Fresh white linens and hot showers were abundant at every stop. Staff were all so warm and friendly, and the food surpassed all expectations.
Mike
/ Toronto, Canada
We couldn’t have been any happier during our time in the Bush orchestrated and executed perfectly by the African Aerial Safaris Team.
We do not use the term perfection lightly but based on the fact that during our honeymoon at Siviti- & Rock Fig Lodge, it felt like we didn’t have to do a single thing. Everything single detail was taken care of; this is a true testament to the planning and thorough follow-through of the AAS Team. It felt like we were King & Queen of the Bush.
Engaging with Riaan Beekman was effortless, and we knew he wanted the best value package for the newlyweds.
Our recommendation of AAS, together with Siviti- & Rock Fig Lodge, could not be any higher. It will indeed be a holiday, honeymoon, or celebration you will never forget.
Faf/ Cape Town
Riaan and Willem at African Aerial Safaris have become like family since they organized our 9 person safari 8 months ago during all the COVID uncertainties and new variants. They have been thoughtful, incredibly responsive and caring. They picked camps that had amazing guides that were focused on conservation and its environmental impact. Weeks leading up to the safari he sent us reminders and to do lists ahead of the trip.
During our 2 week safari Riaan was in constant communication including changes in our charter flights. We truly had a blast at this safari adventure and every detail was taken care of for us, most of which we probably weren’t even aware of! The test of an excellent safari operator is being able to seamlessly manage bumps, changes and details in itinerary without impacting your client’s experience. Thanks Riaan and Willem for organizing an unforgettable vacation that my family will remember for a lifetime.
Debra
/ NYC, USA
Words are not enough to give justice to the holiday organised by African Aerial Safaris.
Life is shaped by experiences and our time with Riaan and team in Namibia was extraordinary.Riaan’s knowledge of Africa and his ability to anticipate your needs and make suggestions were excellent. Riaan was always one step ahead of us, it meant he had already thought through, planned and booked whatever was up next. It meant I could properly switch off and enjoy my holiday.
He has strong local relationships which meant we got special treatment and made to feel very welcome everywhere we went.
If you want to see and enjoy Africa in a way that exceeds your wildest dreams – then this is the company to do it with.
Anne-Marie
/ London, UK
Cannot recommend it highly enough.
We booked a tour around Namibia and the careful, thoughtful and personalised service of Riaan and the team made it a genuine trip of a lifetime. We can’t have been an easy group to arrange things for – 18 people across 4 families all with slightly different requirements, but we had everything arranged to perfection including an unexpected free upgrade to the Presidential suite at a hotel in the Strand Hotel at Swakopmund. Lots of wonderful surprise touches in places, and our tour covered everything from river kayaking to safari to desert luxury. We’re already talking to them about another trip!
Mark
/ London, UK
Once in a lifetime adventure!
Our plane flew as low as possible in order to optimize the passenger experience. We could see animals, vegetation, and geologic formations from an angle never seen before. The flight routing was expertly planned to incorporate a number of amazing scenic opportunities
Hashita
/ San Francisco
Aerial safari advantages
“You can access resorts and lodges that are not able to be reached in a vehicle. You get to cover an incredible amount of ground, we saw tropical delta landscapes, dusty deserts, the crisp blue Atlantic Ocean and the large city of Johannesburg all in a single trip.”
Berenice
/ New York
Greatest travel experience thus far!
“I don’t think I can adequately describe just how incredible my trip with African Aerial Safaris was. I am an avid traveler and I have travelled across the world. Hands down, my experience with African Aerial Safaris was the greatest travel experience, in my life, thus far. I cannot wait to book round two!”
Jennifer
/ USA
Riaan and the African Aerial Safari (‘AAS’) team helped us organise our honeymoon. Everything was perfectly accurate and precisely organized, and we did not have to worry about a thing!
The AAS team went the extra mile in organizing special experiences at our lodge, ensured we were staying in the best room with the best view, and above all, made sure we received an unbelievable discount!
Organising a trip with African Aerial Safari’s was one of the easiest things I have ever done. The team has an amazing understanding of Africa and the ‘hidden gems’ lodges/locations that no one else knows about. Thank you to Riaan and the team for really going the extra mile!
Daniel
/ Cape Town, South Africa
Fulfilling our dream of a memorable wildlife and family experience
“It was my 60th birthday trip, just for the close family. We hoped African Aerial Safaris could give us some pointers. Before we knew it, we had options. After Zoom meetings with a patient and enthusiastic Riaan, we chose Madikwe Kopano Lodge. From eating preferences, baby foods to family birthday celebrations and a birthday cake never heard of (a combination of the birthday girl’s favourite cake recipes that Riaan secretly organized with my family), no detail was overlooked. Riaan was ever ready with information and kept the excitement going in the time leading up to our trip. He seamlessly put together a trip that thrilled and satisfied our needs for family time while fulfilling our dream of a memorable wildlife experience. Thank you, Riaan and may African Aerial Safaris bring incredible value to many lives!”
Helene
/ Cape Town, South Africa
We highly recommend African Aerial Safaris for your next holiday! We recently finished a fantastic trip to South Africa organized by Riaan. The attention to detail, personalized planning, and intimate knowledge of lodges and experiences in Africa is unparalleled. His personalized trip itinerary was intuitive and invaluable, containing everything we needed to safely and efficiently travel to each destination.
Our trip involved three families with separate arrival/departure dates and separate and overlapping destinations. Riaan navigated this easily, setting up a trip that exceeded everyone’s desires.
Each trip component was exceptional, and moving between locations seemed perfectly planned. No detail was left unturned. African Aerial Safaris kept in touch throughout our trip to check in and let us know what to expect at our next spot. This made our trip stress-free, and we cannot wait to book another trip with them!
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Monique & Michael/ Edmonton CA
I cannot say enough about African Aerial Safaris. We celebrated our two sons’ graduation and my sister and her husband’s birthday with a large family safari trip. Riaan and Willem provided us with more than a vacation. They gave us a memory and experience that will last a lifetime.
First, Riaan is incredibly detailed oriented and a logistic mastermind, so we never have to worry about the travel, flights, and getting to each camp. Even when the charter company changed our flights, he proactively ensured that our planes were of the same or better quality so that we never worried about how we got from one location to another. On the contrary, he made the travel days fun and enjoyable! He was also incredibly patient with all of our questions and never failed to update us or remind us of what we needed to prepare for the trip. He also picked out the perfect safari camps and adventures to match the interest of our large group. Their knowledge of the area, the various countries and different safari experiences, and the lodges were impeccable. Our large group is a logistic nightmare just by our sheer size. Yet, we never had to think about anything else except what cocktails we wanted and what safari adventure we wanted to do that day.
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Michelle/ NYC, USA
Words cannot adequately express how amazing my family’s trip to Zambia was or how it just would not have been possible without the experience, knowledge, support, responsiveness, and planning from Riaan, Willem, and the African Aerial Safaris team. They were there for every step of the 8-month planning process and also throughout our trip.
They made sure we had up-to-date information and any arrangements that needed to be taken care of were managed. Every aspect of the trip was curated with my family’s interests, goals, and preferences are taken into account, as well as little surprise personal touches that show they are as invested in our experience as we are. Riaan and Willem have a keen ability to understand each and every individual they are working with so that the end result is a truly unique and customized travel experience that left incredible, everlasting memories from a trip that was more than we could have ever imagined. Already in the early stages of planning my second trip, with many more to follow!
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Joie M/ New Hampshire, USA
We have just returned to Canada from a two week tour of South Africa set up by Riaan, from African Aerial Safaris. We spent time in the cities, toured along the coast, and went on safari. It was the perfect blend to give us the feeling we got a true sense of the country. We have met Riaan previously, and he is the kind of person that I find invaluable in that you can trust him, he will look after you.
Riaan has spent his life in Africa and has extensive experience as a pilot so he is knowledgeable about all the big and little details. His pride in aviation and his country shines through. I would not hesitate for a second to recommend that he sets up your African experience, you will not be disappointed.
Craig & Judie / B.C. Canada
PLANNING YOUR AFRICAN SAFARI TRIP: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
African Aerial Safaris Booking Process
STEP 1
EXPLORE
Browse our sample itineraries and explore destinations, activities and experiences.
STEP 2
STEP 3
PLAN
Together we create your personalised holiday, subject to availability and mindful of your preferences. You will then receive a link to your personal itinerary.
STEP 4
BOOK
Pay your deposit and start counting the days. Make sure to visit our FAQ page for tips on what to pack, as well as the useful links page for more in-depth information.
why choose us?
CONSERVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND PRESERVATION
African Aerial Safaris believes in making a positive, participative contribution to wildlife conservation, protection of Africa’s wildernesses, and the indigenous communities associated with these remarkable places. Therefore, we only use third-party providers who are aligned with these values. A portion of every safari’s proceeds is allocated to various philanthropic projects.
By booking a trip with African Aerial Safaris, you are joining us in making a significant difference.
PERSONAL SERVICE
What makes us unique is the personal touch that characterizes each of our itineraries. The owners, Willem & Riaan, are directly involved in the planning of each safari, making us a truly boutique company. We take the time to get to know our clients, understanding their expectations and preferences to guide us in creating the safari of a lifetime. We believe in quality over quantity.planning
FOUND NOWHERE ELSE
Our signature product – Fly in Safaris. Our privately guided fly in safaris is the flagship product of our company. Each itinerary is individually tailored by Riaan & Willem, creating some of Africa’s best luxury safari holidays. They showcase spectacular aerial scenery combined with wildlife safaris on the ground. Their passion for wildlife and photography and vast aviation experience of over 25 000 flying hours make each safari unique. You will find this unique product nowhere else.
WE’VE BEEN THERE!
With a shared passion for nature and wildlife, photography and flying, Willem and Riaan have traveled extensively through and over Southern Africa. They’ve seen it, experienced it, explored it – and they treasure it.
mEET THE OWNERS - RIAAN & WILLEM
NEWS AND TRAVEL TIPS
Blog Newsletter Travel Tips
Our Properties Featured in Travel + Leisure’s Top 100 New Hotels
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OUR AFRICAN SAFARI PARTNERS
For all US & Canadian Based Travelers: We strongly recommend contacting Travel Defend. They will assist you with your Travel Insurance needs.
1-800-578-2871 or [email protected] http://www.traveldefend.com
OUR AFRICAN SAFARI PARTNERS
For all US & Canadian Based Travelers: We strongly recommend contacting Travel Defend. They will assist you with your Travel Insurance needs.
1-800-578-2871 or [email protected] http://www.traveldefend.com
OUR AFRICAN SAFARI PARTNERS
For all US & Canadian Based Travelers: We strongly recommend contacting Travel Defend. They will assist you with your Travel Insurance needs.
1-800-578-2871 or [email protected] http://www.traveldefend.com