LUXURY AFRICAN SAFARIS: THE BIG FIVE GORILLA TREKKING AND SOUTH AFRICA

Designed for families, couples, and groups by a luxury travel advisor with 20+ years of experience and trusted partners on the ground.

The Extraordinary Safari Experience Your Family Deserves

Africa offers experiences you simply can't find anywhere else, journeys that create the family memories you'll treasure forever.
Imagine watching the Great Migration cross the Mara River, wildebeest thundering across its waters. Picture tracking mountain gorillas through bamboo forests, sitting just feet from these gentle giants. Envision your children seeing their first elephant and their eyes going wide with wonder, while your parents sit together watching the African sunset, remembering why they fell in love.
These are the moments that become family legacy. The adventures your family will talk about for years. The photographs that become your most treasured possessions. The stories your children will tell their children.

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But turning these dreams into reality requires expertise. Which country is best for multi-generational travel? Which season is best for the Migration? Which camps truly deliver on their luxury promises? How do you coordinate different interests, mobility levels, and the complex logistics that make planning seem impossible?
That's where I come in.
I'm Jeannine Marchette, and I have spent more than 20 years designing trips for families, couples, and groups. A safari has more moving parts than almost any other trip: seasons, camps, charter flights, and health rules that all depend on each other. I plan it with safari specialists who live and work in Africa, and I stay your single point of contact from the first call until you're home.

Trusted Local Experts

I work with vetted safari operators, guides, and lodges based in Africa. They share my commitment to conservation, community, and extraordinary experiences. Many have spent decades in the bush and know Africa intimately.

20+ Years of Trip Planning

I have spent more than two decades planning detailed, multi-stop trips. I bring that same discipline to safari: the right season, the right camp, and every transfer confirmed before you leave.

Built for the Whole Family.

Three generations rarely want the same day. I plan around different ages, energy levels, and mobility, with private vehicles and camps that offer more than game drives.

One Point of Contact

You work with me from start to finish. I confirm what each camp includes, check health and entry rules against your actual route, and handle changes if plans shift.

Challenge 1

Challenge 2

Challenge 3

Challenge 4

Choosing the Right Destination

THE CHALLENGE: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe each offer a different experience.

HOW I HELP: I match you to the right destination based on when you're traveling, what you want to see, and who's coming with you. Want to see the river crossings during the migration? My partners know exactly when and where they happen. Traveling with elderly parents? My partners know which camps have the best accessibility.

Selecting the Right Camps & Lodges

THE CHALLENGE: There are hundreds of safari camps, and they're not all created equal. Some have better guides. Some are better for families. Some are more luxurious. How do you choose?

HOW I HELP: I rely on my trusted local partners who have vetted every camp. They know which ones have the best guides, which are truly family-friendly, and which deliver on their luxury promises. You won't end up in a camp that looks great online but disappoints in person.

Coordinating Multi-Generational Groups

THE CHALLENGE: Grandparents who can't do long game drives. Teenagers who want adventure. Young kids who need naps. Different interests, different paces, different needs.

HOW I HELP: I create flexible itineraries with options for everyone. Private vehicles so families can go at their own pace. Camps with activities beyond game drives. Rest days built in. I have spent 20+ years planning trips for families, and I build in options for every age.

Safety & Health Concerns

THE CHALLENGE: Malaria? Yellow fever? Safety? What about traveling with kids or elderly parents?

HOW I HELP: I recommend malaria-free reserves when appropriate, brief you on health precautions, and only work with operators with impeccable safety records. My partners know which destinations are best for different age groups and health considerations.

KENYA SAFARIS: THE MASAI MARA AND THE GREAT MIGRATION

Home to the Great Migration and MaSai Mara

Kenya is a top destination for safari lovers. With a wealth of wildlife, each area has its own allure.
Kenya is a top safari destination. With abundant wildlife, each area has its own allure. Conservancies are leading the way in protecting cultures and wildlife. With a diversity of large predators and rare species, it's best to combine a few areas. Enjoy the beauty of Amown Boseli’s large-tusked elephants, marvel at Mount Kilimanjaro, and see animals found only in the Samburu and Shaba National Reserves.
Perfect For: First-time safari travelers, multigenerational families, photographersHighlights: The Masai Mara and the Great Migration, Amboseli's elephants with Kilimanjaro views, Samburu's rare speciesUnique Experiences: Private conservancy game drives, Masai cultural visits, hot air balloon safaris

TANZANIA SAFARIS: THE SERENGETI AND NGORONGORO CENTER

Tanzania Offers Remarkable Game Viewing

The Great Migration in the Serengeti to the unique wildlife ecosystem at the Ngorongoro Crater.
Wildebeest stampede across the Serengeti plains during the annual migration, and baobabs dwarf the herds of elephants that feed beneath them in Tarangire National Park. Descend into the world's largest free-standing caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater. Experience the road less traveled and find chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains, boat down the river in the spectacular Selous, or meet the Maasai in Northern Tanzania. End your journey on the spice island of Zanzibar.
Perfect For: Wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, couples seeking variety
Highlights: Serengeti Migration, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar beaches
Unique Experiences: Balloon safaris, cultural village visits, safari + beach combinations

RWANDA SAFARIS: MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING

Visiting Rwanda, "The Land of a Thousand Hills"

It is one of the great wildlife adventures on the planet.
Rwanda's star attraction is the endangered mountain gorilla. An encounter with a silverback gorilla is one you will never forget! You will also fall in love with the lush landscapes and friendly people. Rwanda is also an ideal addition to any African safari, including nearby Tanzania and Kenya.
Perfect For: Adventure seekers, conservation enthusiasts, small groups
Highlights: Mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey encounters, cultural immersion
Unique Experiences: Life-changing gorilla encounters, conservation education, city tours

SOUTH AFRICA SAFARIS: SABI SANDS, CAPE TOWN AND THE WINELANDS

A "Rainbow Nation" of Cultures

South Africa boasts a diversity of wildlife and city experiences, making it the ideal destination for those looking for variety.
South Africa is like a world within one country, perfect for first-time or seasoned travelers. There are sun-soaked coasts, wildlife spotting in private and malaria-free game reserves, and vibrant cities to explore. The country has convenient access and great value and is an excellent choice for private safaris, families, and shorter getaways.
Perfect For: First-time Africa visitors, luxury travelers, diverse groups
Highlights: Malaria-free safaris, Cape Town adventures, Sabi Sands luxury
Unique Experiences: Urban exploration, wine country tours, a variety of activities

Expert Guides Who Bring Africa to Life

Your guides are naturalists, storytellers, and conservationists with decades of experience in the bush. They know where the leopards den, when the elephants come to water, and how to read animal behavior. They'll answer your endless questions and adapt to your interests.

Conservation-Focused Operators

Every safari operator I work with actively supports conservation and local communities. Your trip directly funds anti-poaching efforts, community development, and wildlife protection. Travel with purpose.

Insider Access

Skip the crowded parks. Access private conservancies where you can go off-road, do walking safaris, and have sundowners in exclusive locations. My partners open doors that would otherwise stay closed.

On-the-Ground Support

If anything goes wrong (weather delays, health issues, change of plans), my local partners are there to fix it immediately. You have support on the ground, in your time zone, who know you're my client and will move mountains to help.

Authentic Experiences

My partners are passionate about sharing the real Africa. Village visits that actually benefit communities. Conservation experiences that make a difference. Respectful, meaningful cultural exchanges.

What's Included in a Luxury Safari

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

Complete itinerary planning and customization

All accommodations (luxury lodges and tented camps)

All meals and beverages (including alcohol at most camps)

Twice-daily game drives with expert guides

Internal flights within Africa

Ground transportation and transfers

Cultural experiences and community visits

Sundowners and bush dinners

Laundry service (at most camps)

24/7 on-the-ground support

Pre-trip briefing and preparation

Detailed day-by-day itinerary with packing list

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

International flights to/from Africa

Visa fees (if required)

Pre-travel Vaccinations (Required and recommended)

Travel insurance (required and recommended)

Optional activities (hot air balloon safaris, spa treatments)

Tips for guides and camp staff

Personal expenses and shopping

Let's Go! Plan My Safari

Ultimate Kenya & Tanzania Adventure

Gorilla & Safari adventure

South Africa and Victoria Falls

Nairobi • Masai Mara • Serengeti • Ngorongoro Crater • Mahale Mountains

This is the ultimate East Africa safari: the Great Migration, the Big 5, and chimpanzee trekking. Start in Kenya's Maasai Mara for the drama of the Great Migration, cross into Tanzania's Serengeti for endless plains and predator action, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater (the world's largest caldera), and end with chimpanzee trekking in the remote Mahale Mountains.
HIGHLIGHTS:• Great Migration river crossings (seasonal)• Big 5 game viewing• Ngorongoro Crater descent• Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale• Sundowners overlooking the Serengeti• Maasai cultural experiences

DURATION: 12-14 days
PERFECT FOR: First-time safari-goers wanting the complete East Africa experience, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, multi-gen families

Kigali • Akagera National Park • Volcanoes National Park

Kigali is one of Africa's most remarkable cities: clean, safe, and deeply moving with its genocide memorial. The gorilla trek is unforgettable. Hiking through bamboo forests to sit with a gorilla family is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth.
HIGHLIGHTS:• Mountain gorilla trekking• Golden monkey trekking• Big 5 safari in Akagera• Kigali city tour and genocide memorial• Rwanda's stunning "Land of a Thousand Hills" landscapes• Supporting gorilla conservation

DURATION: 7-10 days
PERFECT FOR: Those wanting gorillas + safari, travelers short on time, couples, honeymooners, those interested in conservation and culture

Cape Town • Winelands • Sabi Sands • Victoria Falls

South Africa offers incredible diversity: vibrant Cape Town, world-class wine country, exceptional safari, and Victoria Falls. This journey is perfect for first-timers or anyone who wants variety. The Sabi Sands (adjacent to Kruger) offers some of Africa's best leopard viewing and the most luxurious camps. End at Victoria Falls for one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
HIGHLIGHTS:• Cape Town and Table Mountain• Wine tasting in Stellenbosch• Big 5 safari in Sabi Sands (incredible leopard sightings)• Victoria Falls (Zambia or Zimbabwe side)• Malaria-free safari options available• Excellent value compared to East Africa

DURATION: 10-14 days
PERFECT FOR: First-time Africa travelers, those wanting city + safari + nature, families, shorter trips (can be done in 10 days), malaria-free safari options

How far in advance should I book

Ideally, 9-12 months for safari, especially if traveling during peak season (June-October) or wanting specific camps. The best lodges and guides book up early, and some camps only have 6-10 rooms.

Is a safari safe for families with children?

Many camps welcome children, and some set a minimum age, usually 6 to 8. I work with my partners to choose truly family-friendly camps with kids' programs and guides experienced with children. Malaria-free options are available for families concerned about health.

What's the best time to go on safari?

It depends on what you want to see! The Great Migration moves throughout the year. Dry season (June-October) offers easier game viewing but more crowds. The green season (November-May) has fewer tourists, dramatic landscapes, and baby animals. I'll help you choose the perfect timing.

Do I need malaria medication?

It depends on where you're going. Some areas are malaria-free, such as South Africa's Eastern Cape. For others, your doctor or a travel clinic will recommend medication based on your exact route.

What should I pack?

I provide a detailed packing list, but the basics: neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, brown), layers for early-morning drives, good walking shoes, sun protection, and binoculars. Most camps have laundry service, so that you can pack light.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. Safari camps are very accommodating of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy, and religious dietary needs. We'll discuss this during planning and communicate everything to the camps in advance.

What if we want to combine safari with beach time?

Perfect! Many clients end their safari with beach relaxation. Zanzibar (Tanzania), Mozambique, Seychelles, and Mauritius are popular options. I'll coordinate the entire journey seamlessly.

How do we handle different fitness levels in our group?

I design flexible itineraries with options for everyone. Private vehicles let you travel at your own pace. Most camps offer activities beyond game drives, including spa treatments, cultural visits, bird watching, and relaxation. I'll create an itinerary where everyone gets to do what they love.

Ready to Experience the Safari That Transforms You?

Let's start with a simple conversation. Tell me about your safari dreams: who's traveling, what you want to see, and how you want to feel. I'll show you how we can make it real.
No pressure. No obligation. Just a genuine conversation about what's possible.
I have spent more than 20 years planning trips for families, couples, and groups. Through my trusted local partners, I know which camps deliver on their promises and which guides are exceptional.
Your Africa awaits. Let's plan it together.

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