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Privately Guided African Safaris
More Than Luxury: Knowledge, Access and Perspective
Privately Guided Small-Group Safaris in Africa
Africa is extraordinary. Planning a safari through it, can be slightly less so.
Our privately guided small-group safaris combine the expertise and continuity of private guiding with the shared cost and companionship of a carefully sized group. Each journey is thoughtfully designed, personally supported and led by people who understand Africa beyond the lodge brochure.
You travel with an experienced specialist guide, follow a carefully planned itinerary and share the experience with a small group of like-minded travellers. There are no enormous coaches, no raised umbrellas and considerably less chance of spending your safari waiting for 36 people to find their hats.
Africa, personally guided.
Answering the Questions around Privately Guided Safaris
What Is a Privately Guided Small-Group Safari?
Why Choose a Privately Guided Safari Instead of a Standard Group Tour?
The Guide Beside You Changes Everything
What Makes Our Small-Group African Safaris Different?
How Small Are Our Small-Group Safaris?
Who Are These Privately Guided Journeys Designed For?
Are These Safaris Suitable for Solo Travellers?
Which African Destinations Can You Explore With Us?
What Is Included in a Privately Guided Small-Group Safari?
Are Small-Group Safaris Flexible?
Explore Our Upcoming Small-Group Safaris
Privately Guided Tanzania Group Safari
September 2027
Tap into your inner explorer with this Privately Guided Tanzania Safari. Join Martin & Antje Meyer on an epic safari through Tanzania on this Small Group departure.
Privately Guided Botswana Group Safari
March 2027
Go from the Desert to the Delta on this 10 night Botswana Privately Guided Safari. Co-Guided by the founders of Martin Meyer Safaris, this journey promises exceptional wildlife and spectacular scenery.
What Is a Privately Guided Small-Group Safari?
A privately guided small-group safari is an African journey shared by a limited number of guests and led by a dedicated specialist guide.
Unlike a conventional group tour, where different guides may handle separate parts of the itinerary, our journeys are designed around guiding continuity wherever local regulations allow. Your guide travels with the group, gets to know your interests and helps connect the landscapes, wildlife, history and people encountered along the way.
The itinerary and departure dates are planned in advance, allowing guests to share many of the costs associated with private guiding, vehicles and logistics. The experience, however, remains personal, flexible and far removed from mass-market touring.
It is private guiding in a small-group format: more expertise and personal attention, without requiring you to arrange an entirely private departure.
Read our definitive guide to choosing the perfect private safari guide.
Discover what makes a great guide truly unforgettable and how the right one can transform your entire safari experience.
Why Choose a Privately Guided Safari Instead of a Standard Group Tour ?
A privately guided safari offers greater continuity, personal attention and specialist interpretation than a conventional escorted group tour.
On a standard tour, the person managing the logistics may not be a safari specialist, while guiding is often divided among different camps and destinations. This can create a fragmented experience, with each new guide starting from the beginning and asking the same questions about what you have already seen.
A dedicated safari guide understands the journey as a whole. They know whether you have spent three days searching unsuccessfully for wild dogs, whether you would happily abandon breakfast for a leopard sighting and whether birds genuinely fascinate you or are simply what everyone looks at while waiting for a lion to wake up.
That continuity creates a more considered experience. Sightings are not treated as isolated events, daily plans can reflect the group’s interests and each destination becomes part of a larger African story.
Don't just take our word for it...find out what people say about us...
Testimonials
Having one specialist guide with us throughout completely changed the rhythm of the safari. Martin quickly understood what interested us, never rushed a sighting and somehow knew when to explain and when to let Africa speak for itself. It felt deeply personal rather than packages.
Ken & Jennifer
Antje's attention to detail was extraordinary. Every lodge, transfer and experience had clearly been chosen around us, and once we arrived, everything simply worked. We felt supported without ever feeling managed - the entire Journey felt like ours from beginning to end.
Jessica & Annie
We have travelled to Africa before, but this was the first time we truly understood the difference a private guide makes. The sightings became richer, the pace felt natural and we saw far more than animals—we understood the landscapes, behaviour and conservation stories behind them. We are already planning our next journey.
Tom & Bev
Private African Safari Packages & Tours
If you can dream it up, we can make it happen. Not only that - we can make it happen seamlessly. Our Privately Guided African Safari Packages & Tours are perfectly curated to match you - the below tours are simply inspiration to start the planning process. A Privately Guided Safari Tour is an incredible investment in your experiences and your time. A Private Safari Guide adds immense value to any safari but is often overlooked.
Privately Guided Southern African Safari Experience
12 Nights
From US$ 11,450.00
per person sharing
A journey through Southern Africa from Cape Town’s coast and winelands to Big Five safaris in Klaserie, the wonder of Victoria Falls, and the wildlife-rich Chobe Rive
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
- Victoria Falls
- Chobe National Park, Botswana
Privately Guided Botswana Explorer Safari
10 Nights
From US$ 28,187.00
per person sharing
An exclusive privately guided journey through Botswana’s pristine Okavango Delta, combining luxury, adventure, and legendary wildlife encounters.
- Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Duba Plains Explorer Camp
- Private Safari Vehicle & Specialist Guide
Privately Guided Conservation Experience
7 Nights
From US$ 12,025.00
per person sharing
An immersive Greater Kruger safari that blends hands-on conservation experiences with classic safari comfort and expert-guided exploration. Participate in rhino dehorning, telemetry tracking, and K9 anti-poaching demonstrations
- Manyeleti Private Nature Reserve
- Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
- Greater Kruger, South Africa
The Guide Beside You Changes Everything
A specialist safari guide helps you see, understand and experience far more than you would from simply moving between beautiful lodges.
Wildlife rarely performs according to an itinerary. A good guide reads tracks, weather, alarm calls, animal behaviour and subtle changes in the landscape. They understand when to stay, when to move and when that apparently empty patch of grass is worth watching for another ten minutes.
Your guide also provides context. A lion sighting becomes a lesson in territory and survival. An elephant feeding quietly beside the road reveals an entire story about nutrition, family structure and seasonal movement. A journey through a rural community becomes more than scenery viewed through a vehicle window.
The result is not simply more information. It is a deeper, more connected understanding of Africa.
What Makes Our Small-Group African Safaris Different?
Martin Meyer Safaris’ small-group journeys are designed around real guiding experience, direct knowledge of Africa and a belief that personal attention matters.
We are an Africa-based, owner-run safari company. Our itineraries are not assembled from whichever properties happen to be fashionable this month. They are shaped by years of travelling, guiding and working across the continent, as well as honest knowledge of how destinations connect in the real world.
We consider the season, wildlife movements, travel time, guiding quality, vehicle arrangements and the overall rhythm of the journey. A lodge may be beautiful, but if reaching it requires a logistical expedition worthy of a minor military campaign, we will tell you.
Our journeys focus on:
- Small, carefully considered groups
- Experienced specialist guides
- Thoughtfully paced itineraries
- Personal support before and during travel
- Meaningful wildlife interpretation
- Responsible conservation and community awareness
- Honest destination and accommodation advice
This is not about adding more stops to make an itinerary look impressive. It is about choosing the right places and giving you enough time to experience them properly.
How Small Are Our Small-Group Safaris?
Our group sizes are intentionally limited to protect the quality, comfort and personal nature of the journey.
The exact maximum varies according to the itinerary, destination, vehicle configuration and accommodation available. You will always find the confirmed group size clearly stated on the individual journey page before you book.
A genuinely small group means fewer delays, easier conversation with your guide and more time spent experiencing Africa rather than managing group logistics. It also creates a warmer, more relaxed atmosphere in which people can share the journey without feeling anonymous.
Small groups do not guarantee that everyone will agree on whether 05:00 is an acceptable time to be awake. They do, however, make those early starts much easier to manage.
Who Are These Privately Guided Journeys Designed For?
Our privately guided small-group safaris are designed for travellers who want expert guidance and a personal experience without arranging a completely private safari.
They are particularly well suited to:
- Couples who enjoy meeting a few like-minded travellers
- Solo travellers who want companionship without joining a large tour
- First-time safari guests who value guidance and reassurance
- Returning safari travellers looking for greater depth
- Wildlife enthusiasts who want more than a checklist of species
- Photographers who appreciate time, positioning and behavioural insight
- Travellers who prefer substance, warmth and expertise over ceremony
You do not need to be a wildlife expert, professional photographer or rugged explorer. Curiosity, patience and a reasonable relationship with early mornings are generally sufficient.
Are These Safaris Suitable for Solo Travellers?
Yes. Privately guided small-group safaris are particularly well suited to solo travellers who want independence alongside the reassurance and companionship of a group.
Travelling alone in Africa can feel daunting, especially when an itinerary involves multiple camps, flights, transfers and border crossings. Joining a guided departure removes much of that uncertainty while still allowing you to travel as an individual.
You arrive with your own room arrangements and personal interests, but share game drives, meals and experiences with a small group. There is no need to find a travel companion before booking and no expectation that you spend every waking moment attached to the group.
Single supplements and rooming arrangements differ between journeys. These will always be explained clearly on the individual itinerary so that nobody receives an unpleasant mathematical surprise halfway through the booking process.
Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Costs
Start Planning your Safari Today!
We include all conservation fees, park levies, and gate charges upfront so there are no surprises when you check out, only incredible memories.
- Competitive Pricing
- Private Guided throughout your journey
- Private Photographer to document your safari
- Remote Locations
- Exceptional Wildlife
Fill in the convenient enquiry form and an agent will respond to you within one business day
Which African Destinations Can You Explore With Us?
Our privately guided journeys explore carefully selected wildlife regions across Southern and East Africa.
Depending on the departure, this may include the savannahs of Tanzania and Kenya, the waterways of Botswana, the wilderness areas of Zambia and Zimbabwe, or the diverse landscapes and private reserves of South Africa.
Each destination offers something different. Tanzania delivers enormous landscapes and seasonal wildlife movement. Botswana combines water, wilderness and remarkable predator viewing. Zimbabwe and Zambia are known for exceptional guiding and a strong sense of adventure. South Africa offers tremendous diversity, sophisticated logistics and some of the continent’s finest private reserves.
We do not choose destinations simply because they are famous. We select them according to the season, the purpose of the journey and how well they work together.
What Is Included in a Privately Guided Small-Group Safari?
A privately guided small-group safari generally includes accommodation, scheduled activities, specified meals, transport and the services of an experienced guide, although exact inclusions vary by journey.
Depending on the itinerary, your safari may also include:
- Airport and road transfers
- Private or shared safari vehicles
- Internal scheduled or charter flights
- Park and conservation fees
- Selected drinks
- Laundry at certain camps
- Specialist activities
- Guiding and logistical support throughout the journey
Every departure includes a detailed list of what is and is not covered. International flights, visas, travel insurance, gratuities and personal expenses are usually excluded unless specifically stated otherwise.
Please read the inclusions for your chosen itinerary carefully. “I assumed the champagne was included” remains a disappointing way to end a beautiful afternoon.
Are Small-Group Safaris Flexible?
Small-group safaris follow a planned itinerary, but the daily experience can remain flexible where wildlife conditions, local regulations and group arrangements allow.
Departure dates, accommodation and major travel arrangements are confirmed in advance. This gives the journey structure and ensures that everyone has booked the same experience.
Within that framework, your guide can often adapt daily timings and safari priorities. If an exceptional sighting develops, there may be an opportunity to stay longer. If weather changes the plan, your guide can consider the best available alternative. If the group has a strong shared interest in photography, birds, conservation or a particular species, that can help shape the experience.
Flexibility does not mean that eight people can simultaneously pursue eight different itineraries. It means the journey is led by an experienced human being who can respond intelligently to what is happening on the ground.
How Much Does a Privately Guided Small-Group Safari Cost?
The cost of a privately guided small-group safari depends on the destination, season, accommodation, duration, transport arrangements and number of guests.
Small-group travel can make specialist guiding and private arrangements more accessible because certain costs are shared. However, safari pricing is also influenced by park fees, internal flights, vehicle requirements, conservation levies and the remoteness of the camps included.
The advertised price for each departure will explain the currency, inclusions, exclusions, single supplement and payment schedule. We believe in clear pricing and will help you understand where your money goes before you commit.
The cheapest safari and the best-value safari are rarely the same thing. A rushed itinerary, poor guiding or badly planned connections can save money on paper while costing you a great deal once you are there.
Start Planning your perfect African Safari!
Can We Arrange the Journey for Your Own Private Group?
Yes. Many of our small-group itineraries can be adapted into a private journey for couples, families or groups of friends.
A private departure gives you greater control over dates, pace, accommodation and the interests around which the journey is designed. We can adapt the itinerary for wildlife photography, conservation, family travel, special dietary requirements or a particular destination focus.
Some scheduled journeys, specialist activities and seasonal arrangements may have fixed dates or limited availability. We will explain what can be changed, what should remain as planned and where a different approach may produce a better safari.
If you have already assembled your favourite travelling companions—or at least the ones most likely to be ready on time—we can design a privately guided journey around your group.
How does a Privately Guided Safari differ from a Regular Safari?
Deeper Insight into Customs and Cultures
A Private Specialist Safari Guide Travels for a living. They experience more destinations, cultures and local customs than a lodge guide. This allows them to share this insight with you when visiting foreign countries
Special Interests
A Private Guide often specializes in a field, like photography, or walking safaris or even conservation safaris. This means if you have a shared interest you have an expert by your side. We match our Private Guides to you to ensure seamless experiences
| Feature | Privately Guided Safari | Regular Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Guide | One specialist guide throughout | Different lodge guides |
| Pace | Adapted around your interests | Scheduled activities |
| Continuity | Guide travels between regions | Resets at every camp |
| Interpretation | Builds throughout the journey | Focused on each location |
| Logistics | Personal support throughout | Managed separately by each property |
How to Book a Privately Guided Safari
1
Get hold of us via your preferred channel of
communication. You can chat to us via the website, fill in an enquiry form or book a consultation call directly.
2
Tell us about your dream safari, destination and experiences. If you have been on safari before let us know when and where and what your experience was like - we can then either match it or change it up completely.
3
Let's talk! Once we know a bit more about you, we will schedule a Safari Consultation Call at a time convenient to you. This gives you the opportunity to ask us any questions, or tell us about your bucket list.
4
Sit back and relax. Our team of experts, live and breathe Africa! We personally experience everything we recommend which means we act like safari match makers - giving you the best advice, locations and pricing.
Good safari planning depends on lived experience. We personally know the regions, properties and partners we recommend, allowing us to match each journey to the person behind the enquiry.
All this while still keeping in line with your budget, is what sets us apart from every other operator out there.
No Obligations, No noise
Just Sound Advice
Why Travel With Martin Meyer Safaris?
Martin Meyer Safaris combines first-hand African knowledge, specialist guiding experience and personal service to create journeys that feel considered rather than packaged.
We understand that a safari is a significant investment. Choosing between countries, seasons, camps and travel styles can become overwhelming very quickly, especially when almost every property claims to be exclusive, authentic and life-changing.
Our role is to provide clarity. We help you understand why a destination suits you, how the journey fits together and what you can realistically expect when you arrive.
We offer:
- Africa-based knowledge and support
- Experienced specialist guides
- Personally considered itineraries
- Honest recommendations
- Carefully selected safari partners
- Assistance before, during and after your journey
- A strong commitment to responsible travel
You are not passed anonymously between suppliers. You travel with people who know the journey, understand Africa and remain invested in your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Privately Guided Safaris
Answers to the most commonly asked Questions
What Does a Private Safari Guide Do?
A private safari guide travels with you throughout your journey, providing consistent wildlife interpretation, logistical support and personal attention across different lodges and destinations. Rather than starting again with a new guide at every camp, your specialist guide gets to know your interests, preferred pace and level of safari experience.
Your guide may accompany you on game drives, help interpret animal behaviour, manage transfers and flight connections, communicate with lodge teams and adjust the journey where possible. Most importantly, they help you understand what you are seeing—not merely identify it. A lion is a lion, but understanding why it is behaving strangely beside a termite mound is where things become considerably more interesting.
Is a Privately Guided Safari Worth the Cost?
A privately guided safari is worth the additional cost for travellers who value expert interpretation, continuity, flexibility and personal support. It is particularly valuable on longer journeys involving several camps, countries or complicated flight connections.
The benefit is not simply having someone beside you. A good private guide improves the rhythm of the entire safari. They understand what you have already seen, recognise your interests and build on each experience as the journey progresses. They can help with photography, translate local context, manage logistics and ensure that important details do not disappear between properties.
For first-time visitors, this provides reassurance. For experienced safari travellers, it creates greater depth. You are paying for expertise, time and a journey that feels connected from beginning to end.
Does My Private Safari Guide Travel Between Camps With Me?
Yes. On a fully privately guided safari, your specialist guide generally travels with you between camps, destinations and, where relevant, different African countries. This continuity is one of the most valuable differences between a private guide and the lodge-based guides assigned at individual properties.
Your guide may accompany you on road transfers and scheduled or charter flights, depending on the itinerary. They remain your consistent point of contact while working alongside the professional local guides at each destination.
The exact arrangements will be explained in your proposal because different countries, airlines and lodges have their own operating requirements. At Martin Meyer Safaris, we design each journey so you know exactly where your private guide joins you, which activities they accompany and how the guiding arrangements work.
Are Game-Drive Vehicles Private on a Privately Guided Safari?
YES! At some lodges, your specialist guide can conduct the game drives using a private vehicle. At others, local regulations require activities to be led by the lodge’s resident guide, with your specialist guide accompanying you. In these cases, we can often reserve a private vehicle for your party at an additional cost.
Private vehicles are particularly worthwhile for families, photographers, birders and guests who want greater control over the pace of their game drives. We clearly identify private-vehicle arrangements and any additional costs in your proposal, preferably before anyone discovers at dawn that they are sharing their leopard sighting with six enthusiastic strangers.
How Much Does a Private Safari Guide Cost?
The cost of a private safari guide varies according to the guide’s qualifications, specialisation, destination and length of the journey. The professional guiding fee may range from approximately US$100 to US$700 per day, with highly experienced specialist guides generally positioned toward the upper end.
Additional expenses can include the guide’s accommodation, meals, park fees, regional flights and transfers. Private game-drive vehicles may also carry a separate charge at certain lodges.
For this reason, the guide’s cost should be calculated as part of the complete safari rather than viewed as an isolated daily fee. Martin Meyer Safaris includes all applicable guiding and travel costs clearly in each proposal, so you can understand exactly what is included and what value the private guide adds to the journey.
Can a Private Safari Guide Help With Wildlife Photography?
Yes. A private guide with photographic experience can help with positioning, light, animal behaviour, camera settings and the practical realities of photographing wildlife from a safari vehicle.
They can anticipate movement, position the vehicle with the light in mind and recognise behavioural cues that may lead to an interesting photographic opportunity. With a private vehicle, photographers may also have more freedom to remain at a sighting, change position or focus on a particular subject without being hurried by a shared schedule.
When planning your safari, tell us about your equipment, experience and photographic priorities. We can match you with an appropriate guide and select camps, vehicles and activities that support your photography. You do not need to be a professional; you merely need a camera and a willingness to discover that animals rarely respect your preferred lighting conditions.
