“We cannot put into words how fantastic our first time in South Africa and Botswana was. ROAR AFRICA’s curation, access, seamless execution and handheld service led us to never have to worry about a thing, as well as the ROAR AFRICA guides and their entire Africa-based team that made this the most amazing and outstanding trip in our lives.”
Luxury African Safaris
Luxury safari travel to Africa that rewilds souls and enhances lives while saving wildlife and wild spaces.
My roots run deep. Africa is ingrained in my DNA thanks to my Huguenot ancestors who arrived in 1688. This is the only explanation I can muster for the irrational and all-consuming passion I have felt all my life for the continent of my birth. From its primordial landscapes, ancient wilderness areas and abundant wildlife to the indigenous knowledge and ingenuity of its peoples, Africa has been my biggest inspiration and a source of profound comfort.
Zimbabwe is where I was born and grew up. A staggeringly beautiful and heart-breaking place where my father was an animal scientist and my mother one of the first female pilots. My parents raised me with reverence for nature, curiosity for the provenance of the land and an appetite for adventure. Having lived between two continents for two decades, I know that my love was as much in awe of Africa's splendor as it was in recognizing its vulnerabilities.
My need to share Africa with others is a passion that has defined me personally and professionally. I've always believed that the opportunity to travel is a precious gift; one that provides a roadmap for spiritual discovery, a compass for compassion and a bridge to humanity. When we travel, we gain a better perspective as to the enormity and meaning of our own lives and others. With that depth of thinking comes clarity to the daunting questions of what it means to be human.
I know the real Africa is not found in the most luxurious hotels and lavish experiences, nor in ticking off the famed 'Big 5'. Africa's potency lies in the sum of its wildlife and wild spaces, the stories of its people, places, traditions, cultures and ancient landscapes, and the many small, seemingly invisible moments that catch you unaware: the wax and wane of an African moon; the privilege of being witness to the first vulnerable steps of a new-born giraffe; or the cry of an African fish eagle.
It would be me and my teams privilege to help you shape what may well become one of the most meaningful journeys of your life.
Warmly,
Founder and CEO, ROAR AFRICA
“My intimate knowledge of Africa gives our guests unique access to those people, places and resources I have known my entire life.” - Deborah Calmeyer, Founder & CEO ROAR AFRICA
What happens on a ROAR AFRICA Safari
Travel’s ability to transform you is as important as its
power to help others – the wildlife, the local
communities and the land.
ROAR AFRICA is a luxury African specialist that designs and delivers potentially life changing experiences, whilst creating a positive impact on the people, places, and wildlife we share. We create a safe and comfortable space for you to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Through the simple and powerful act of traveling with us, you will return home a different person, knowing that you have helped support and sustain the fragile communities and extraordinary wild spaces that feed the soul.
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“We almost feel it was a dream.”
Robert Redford
“Most incredible trip ever!”
Tommy Hilfiger
“The Hilfiger family trip to Zimbabwe was the absolute best most incredible trip our family has ever experienced! The service, the guides, the amount of animals we saw was amazing! Your organization of it was flawless. We thank Deborah Calmeyer and team for making everything seamless!!!”
“I am at a loss for words”
Brian Kelly―The Points Guy
“I am at a loss for words trying to describe how incredible this past week has been. Every single day was filled with pure joy and memories to last a lifetime. I’m confident even little Dean will remember his time by the pool watching “Suzy the Crocodile” splash about.”
“You created a journey that opened the door for me to find my way back to myself”
Guest
“I have said it before but it must be repeated: you created a journey that opened the door for me to find my way back to myself. I will never forget the impact you have had in my journeys of rediscovery. Thank you, truly, for being such a force and operating at the highest level to be able to provide and provoke so much in a person”
Our Impact
“If African women rise, wildlife will thrive”
To share Africa's wild beauty and wonder with intrepid explorers is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. As a female-founded and led company, our commitment is to empower African women in tourism, ensuring they are given the wings to soar. Whilst we specialize in executing extraordinarily epic adventures across our home continent, our prime motivation is a breathless urgency to conserve uplift and protect the source of our greatest joy – the wild. These beliefs inform every itinerary we create.
Responsible & sustainable tourism
By traveling with us, you will become a custodian of the wild, directly helping to solve some of our planet's most critical social, economic and environmental problems.
By traveling with us, you will become a custodian of the wild, directly helping to solve some of our planet's most critical social, economic and environmental problems.
Committed to conservation
We have long been committed to conservation, humanitarian work, economic education and development in Africa.
We have long been committed to conservation, humanitarian work, economic education and development in Africa.
Meet our philanthropic partners
We choose to partner exclusively with people and properties that echo our values.
We choose to partner exclusively with people and properties that echo our values.
Explore our Africa
Embark on a deeply transformative experience with a ROAR AFRICA safari
Embarking on a luxury African safari with us is a fusion of ultra-luxe comfort and adventure, delivered with meticulous precision.
Journey into the heart of untamed African landscapes with on-the-ground safari travel experts and experience our Africa.
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Authentic heritageWith a deep-rooted lineage going back to 1688 and eleven generations of knowledge, we are sharing our home and not simply selling a destination.
All-African teamOur all-African team on the ground is dedicated to sharing authentic experiences and deeply enriched knowledge from a life lived on the continent.
A dedication to women’s empowerment
Our vision, “If African women rise, wildlife will thrive,” is threaded into every trip by an 85% female team infused with sensitivity and natural nurture.
Our vision, “If African women rise, wildlife will thrive,” is threaded into every trip by an 85% female team infused with sensitivity and natural nurture.
Travel "beyond first class"Our Emirates Executive Private Jet journeys offer travel "beyond first class" and the opportunity to stay in exclusive, secluded lodges across the continent.
Personalized experienceThroughout your entire journey, the same dedicated and reliable team will be looking after you. Your journey is handcrafted and curated entirely for you.
“I encourage travelers to take the leap that many Americans typically do not give themselves permission to do; to rest and restore on an incredible journey on a higher level that only ROAR AFRICA knows how to provide, making them all the better upon their return to their renewed selves.”
Guest―2024
Haute Voyage
Specialist Trip
The Greatest Safari on Earth℠
This epic journey explores four of Africa’s iconic wildlife destinations - Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya and Rwanda - across 12 days in unbridled luxury aboard the Emirates Executive Private Jet. Led by our hand-picked guides, there is no trip in the world like this one!
Destinations
Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya and Rwanda
Trip Date
August 25 - September 6, 2026
Starting from
$195,000 per person sharing
Specialist Trip
A Journey to Awe with Professor Dacher Keltner
Co-hosted by ROAR AFRICA Founder and CEO Deborah Calmeyer and UC Berkeley psychologist and best-selling author Professor Dacher Keltner, this singular journey invites you to explore awe not only as an emotion, but as a path to transformation, healing and connection.
Destination
Kenya
Trip Date
May 28 – June 1, 2026
Starting from
$24,000 per person sharing
Specialist Trip
Women's Empowerment Retreat
Forge deep connections with the female powerhouses at the forefront of women’s empowerment, education and entrepreneurship on ROAR AFRICA’s Women’s Empowerment Retreats. In 2027, we will journey to Tanzania and the exclusive Grumeti Reserve for our sixth retreat, led by Founder & CEO, Deborah Calmeyer.
Destination
Tanzania
Trip Date
January 10 – 15, 2027
Starting from
$23,850 per person sharing
Specialist Trip
Within the Wild with David Whyte
This immersive safari retreat, co-hosted by ROAR AFRICA Founder and CEO Deborah Calmeyer and world-renowned philosopher and zoologist David Whyte immerses you in Africa’s sacred, wild landscapes. The extraordinary journey is imbued with wildlife, wellbeing and the wisdom of a poet with the unique ability to translate the wonder of the wild into words.
Destination
Kenya
Trip Date
June 3 - 7, 2027
Starting from
$27,750 per person sharing
Luxury African Safari Destinations
Our philosophy is simple: we only promote luxury safari destinations that we know and love, where our guests can be assured of a seamless experience in the wildest of terrains.
Discover what the world is saying
Discover what the world is saying about ROAR AFRICA in our press section, from glowing reviews to distinguished features in premier publications.
