Every year, Roar Africa hosts the journey of a lifetime in Africa. And it’s the very definition of haute voyage.
An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime dream for many, and for good reason. However, the journey is often far from straightforward—or luxurious. Roar Africa turns this notion on its head with what’s known as “The Greatest Safari on Earth”, offering an exclusive experience for just 10 guests. This deeply considered adventure takes travellers on a seamless exploration to four of Africa’s most iconic destinations: Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe—one of the seven natural Wonders of the World—the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Kenya to view the Great Migration, and Rwanda to get close up to the mountain gorillas.
This extraordinary journey is the brainchild of Deborah Calmeyer, founder of Roar Africa, the ultra-luxe African travel specialist that creates life-changing experiences. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Calmeyer was frequently asked, “I want to go to Africa, but I only want to go once —where should I go?” With so many incredible places to explore, it wasn’t an easy question to answer.
The idea for the safari came to her when an Emirates captain introduced her to the Emirates Executive Private Jet. The custom-designed A319 aircraft has been transformed into a luxurious flying experience, with 10 private suites, communal dining and living spaces, and spa-like bathrooms. “When I saw it, it was like a bolt of lightning,” she says. “It’s the only aircraft of its kind.”
“Other private jet trips usually carry 60 people in business class seats. On The Greatest Safari on Earth, every guest has their own private cabin, twice the size of a first-class cabin, and there’s a spacious lounge, dining area and two spa bathrooms with shower, robes, hairdryer and Hermès amenities. You have the flexibility to be as private or as social as you like—it’s a big advantage.”
Every moment onboard has Calmeyer’s fingerprint stamped on it—including a specially designed gourmet menu, a curated wine list, free-flowing vintage Dom Pérignon and caviar.
At each destination, guests stay in the best available accommodations, with trips timed to coincide with optimal weather and wildlife. In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, guests will visit Matetsi River Lodge, a stunning family-owned property combining the beauty of the falls with the abundant wildlife along the Zambezi River. “Waking up to the source of such immense power and watching herds of playful elephants drinking and splashing on the riverbanks is an experience you’ll never forget,” says Calmeyer.
In Botswana, guests will explore the Okavango Delta and stay at Xigera, an exclusive and eco-conscious camp celebrated for its distinctive architecture and unique interior design. “It’s like a living art gallery, with over 70 works throughout the lodge by some of Africa’s most renowned artists, artisans and craftspeople,” she says. “It’s a tranquil sanctuary with a deep connection to its surroundings.”
In Kenya, one stays at Angama Mara, a stunning and luxurious camp suspended 150 m above the Great Rift Valley, one of the world’s oldest geographical features. “It’s an exceptional vantage point for observing the migration,” says Calmeyer.
A core part of Roar Africa’s mission is to partner with lodges that reflect its values. One such property is Singita Kwitonda in Rwanda. “This lodge is very close to my heart,” she says. “Set on 72 hectares of breathtaking land on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, surrounded by magnificent volcanoes, it’s a place of exceptional beauty. The suites are designed to provide intimate engagement with the landscape and a sense of solitude within nature. It’s the perfect place to connect with the transformative experience of meeting the mountain gorillas.”
Guests can also choose to stay at the One&Only Gorillas Nest, a stunning camp nestled in a eucalyptus forest surrounded by roses and hydrangeas. “This property is exceptional, offering every imaginable amenity,” says Calmeyer. “It provides a level of hospitality rarely seen in Africa and truly reflects the One & Only brand.”
For Calmeyer, creating The Greatest Safari on Earth wasn’t about filling a market gap, but responding to a real client need. While travellers could technically follow the same itinerary and use their own jet, Calmeyer emphasises that local contacts and knowledge are key, especially in Africa. For example, she arranged for Victoria Falls airport to open an hour early so their plane would be the only one there on arrival.
“Travel today is often challenging, unreliable and full of headaches,” she says. “Africa can be overwhelming for many people, with so much conflicting information. With us, you can be confident that every transfer, flight and detail will be flawless… Flying your own jet would cost 10 times as much, and your pilots wouldn’t have the local knowledge or the logistical expertise that Roar Africa offers.”
“Our team is carefully selected for their insider knowledge, passion and access,” she adds. “They are all African and share my lifelong relationships and resources. We share Africa with authenticity and love. And I have to say, Zimbabweans are some of the best storytellers on earth! You’ll experience Africa on a much deeper, more immersive level and experience travel in a way like no other.”
Calmeyer and her team host the trips, which are scheduled for August 10th-22nd and August 25th-September 6th 2025 and 2026, departing from Dubai, with each trip costing $165,000 per person (around €150,000) for 2025 and $195,000 (€180,000) for 2026. For Calmeyer, it’s a deeply personal experience. “Africa is in my blood,” she says. “My family arrived in Cape Town in 1688. Eleven generations later, I’m not just selling a destination, I’m sharing my home. Every detail of The Greatest Safari on Earth reflects my heritage, passion, craftsmanship and innovation. This is a haute voyage, and I truly believe it’s the best trip in the world right now.”
