High-End Safaris Blend Luxury, Adventure, and Conservation into Unforgettable Experiences
by ELLIMAN INSIDER TEAM
February 2025
By Alexis Stein
Luxury travel and African safaris have long been synonymous. For me, however, the true joy of the experience is less about opulent lodges with lavish suites, private lap pools, and Michelin-star chefs than it is about the opportunity to forge a profound connection to the land and its wildlife. The world’s best safari lodges set the stage for travel adventures that are more than simply elegant and exotic—they are deeply meaningful. Many are at the forefront of conservation, investing in local communities and protecting the wildlife and ecosystems that make their surroundings so precious and worth visiting. When I go on safari, knowing that I’m directly contributing to conservation efforts makes each experience richer and more special.
What drew me to Africa? It was something innate, something that has stirred my soul since my first safari. Feeling the pulse of this ancient land, seeing its vastness and mystery up close, is a gift. It awakens a unique energy, one that envelops you and lingers long after you’ve left.
When I reflect on my many safaris—35 and counting—the magic of the Makgadikgadi Pan stands out. Walking out onto the Botswanan salt pan, knowing there are no towns or cities for many miles, redefines luxury for me. Here, the word takes on new significance. It is the luxury of seemingly boundless space and a sky free of light pollution, the luxury of profound quiet that sets the stage for deep, restorative sleep. As the sun sets, I listen intently, sundowner in hand, while my guide describes her most heart-pounding encounters with the majestic beasts of the bush.
I recall a beautiful night on the Kenyan savanna, beneath a canopy of stars, the distant roar of lions serenading me. Nestled in bed, I marvel that the lodge at Segera, my home for the night, is also home to the largest collection of African art in the world.
Courtesy of Alexis Stein.
In my mind’s eye, I travel back to Tanzania to admire the grace of a black rhino, one of the most endangered species on the planet. The majesty of this animal enthralls me. And knowing that my visit to the conservation-minded Singita Lodge will help protect these beautiful creatures and preserve their habitat brings me unparalleled happiness.
Moments like these highlight the magic of the African safari, a magic that cannot be fully explained. It must be experienced. It is the early-morning bird calls, the feel of a cool breeze as you drive through the savanna, the remarkable discoveries made in the middle of nowhere. On safari, I’ve found that creature comforts and nature can coexist in perfect harmony. I return from each adventure with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our world and a deeper understanding of what luxury truly means.
For more about Alexis Stein, luxury travel designer, go to alexis-stein.com
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