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
What happens on a ROAR AFRICA Safari
ROAR AFRICA designs private journeys across Africa with precision, care and deep personal connection to the continent, ensuring your presence contributes positively to the people, wildlife and landscapes we share. These journeys create space to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones and the natural world. Through these experiences, you will return home with renewed perspective, and the knowledge that your time here has helped sustain Africa’s extraordinary wild places and those who protect them.
“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.”
“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 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.”
“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”
To share the beauty of Africa’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultures is a privilege that carries deep responsibility. As a female-founded and led company, we are committed to empowering African women in tourism, supporting leadership and long-term impact.
Our work across the continent is guided by an urgency to conserve and protect the wild places and communities that make these journeys possible. These values inform every journey we design.
Each private luxury safari is curated with ultimate care for complete comfort, allowing you the freedom to immerse yourself fully in your journey.
“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.”
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!
Designed for families and private groups to explore Africa’s most iconic landscapes aboard the one-of-a-kind Emirates Executive A319 jet, every journey is entirely yours from where you go and when you go, to how long you stay. With privileged access and flawless delivery, we reveal Africa on your terms with the freedom, intimacy and ease only ROAR AFRICA can provide.
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.
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.
Join ROAR AFRICA for this unique Kilimanjaro climb, led by experts in Tanzania. Tanzania's iconic peak is the largest freestanding mountain in the world but also one of the more accessible mountain climbs. We will ascend slowly and thoughtfully to the summit with every luxury imaginable via the spectacularly beautiful Machame Route. This trip will be unlike anything you have ever done. Children aged 14+ welcome to join.
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 about ROAR AFRICA in our press section, from glowing reviews to distinguished features in premier publications.
By subscribing you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
