Signature Guided Safaris® Journeys
Diving in Africa
DIVING IN AFRICA – Island experiences unfold against the backdrop of turquoise seas, powdery white sands, and the vibrant tapestry of African coastal towns, where history and culture blend seamlessly into the landscape. The underwater world around Africa is a diver’s paradise, with shallow coral gardens, spiraling coral walls, and vibrant tropical fish dancing in crystal-clear waters. Boasting some of the best dive sites on the planet, with calm waters and a wide array of locations, Africa is a world-class haven for divers.
SIGNATURE PRIVATE ISLANDS East Africa's coastal waters are a vibrant ecosystem, home to a remarkable array of ecologically vital species.
Signature Guided Safaris® Journeys
Diving experience
The coastline of East Africa spans 2,900 miles, from northern Kenya through Zanzibar and Mozambique, offering a richness of life that few places on Earth can rival. This region is home to a diverse array of landscapes, including mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and numerous island archipelagos. These interconnected ecosystems nurture a wealth of plant and animal species, making it one of the most vibrant and ecologically significant regions in the world. These waters sustain over 350 species of fish, 40 types of corals, and five species of sea turtles. Additionally, they shelter 35 species of marine mammals, including dolphins, whales, and the endangered dugong, making this region a treasure trove of marine biodiversity. The East African mangroves have the richest diversity of flora and fauna among all African mangrove ecosystems, playing a crucial role in supporting nearby habitats like coral reefs. In addition, they serve as essential stopover and wintering habitats for many migratory bird populations, making them a key link in the survival of a wide range of wildlife.
Field Notes
Fireside stories
Dive into the second most diverse coral reef on the planet, where you can swim alongside 2,000 species of fish, majestic humpback whales, graceful manta rays, sea turtles, and playful dolphins.
Sprawling coral reefs cradle an underwater haven, teeming with vibrant marine life, offering a glimpse into the breathtaking biodiversity that makes Africa's wild coastlines and pristine dive sites truly unique
ZANZIBAR
MNEMBA ISLAND encircled by a coral atoll and the tranquil azure sea, invites you to swim straight from its pristine beach. Just a short motorboat ride away, you’ll discover snorkeling spots teeming with kaleidoscopic marine life. As a key breeding ground for green turtles, the island’s dedicated team patrols the beaches daily, recording each new sign of turtle activity. Mnemba has also become a safe haven for two rare antelope species, the Ader’s duiker and suni antelope, thanks to a successful conservation project. Mnemba Island's twelve rustic, luxurious palm-frond bandas are nestled in the dappled shade of casuarina pines, with views of the white coral sands. This intimate private island offers the ultimate escape. On this tiny oasis, your day unfolds entirely as you wish, with our team ready to make every moment unforgettable.
The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever
JACQUES-YVES COUSTEAU
Diving in Africa
Mozambique
Nestled within a national marine park in the stunning and unspoiled Bazaruto Archipelago, Guided Safaris® offers access to some of the world's most extraordinary diving experiences. This underwater paradise is a haven of biodiversity, offering a truly unforgettable exploration of the marine world. Guided Safaris® Private Island in Mozambique offers unreal diving adventures, where the rhythms of marine life, the tides, currents, and the unique ecosystems are all respected and celebrated. The underwater world here reveals unforgettable encounters with humpback whales, both oceanic and reef manta rays, numerous dolphin species, and over 10 types of sharks. The vibrant coral reefs teem with life, home to a dazzling variety of fish, including humphead wrasses, countless species of butterflyfish, and trevally. Each dive immerses you in the dynamic beauty of this rich seascape.
GUIDED SAFARIS®
WHALE MIGRATIONS
EVERY YEAR FROM JULY TO OCTOBER, thousands of humpback whales embark on a grand migration from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm, tropical seas off the coast of Madagascar to give birth. Although these warmer waters are relatively sparse in food, they offer the ideal conditions for nurturing newborn calves. The mothers rely on the thick blubber they accumulated during a summer of relentless feeding in Antarctica to fuel both themselves and their calves, providing rich milk that is 50% pure fat.
In the seas surrounding Madagascar, humpback whales gather in abundance—mothers and calves enjoying the gentle conditions, while males sing and display in hopes of securing a mate. Though the calves are tiny compared to their mothers at birth, they quickly grow strong on their calorie-rich diet and by swimming and frolicking each day. Visitors to Madagascar during this season have three incredible ways to witness these majestic creatures: from the comfort of a boat, an exhilarating helicopter ride, or a serendipitous underwater encounter while scuba diving.
Did you know?
— Whale mothers and their calves communicate by emitting sounds – a calf can even ‘whisper’ to its mother.
— Whales can emit songs for multiple other reasons, such as reproduction, for which they can sing for long hours.
— The dorsal fins of whales are unique to each individual, the equivalent of fingerprints to humans.
— Female Humpback whales are bigger than male Humpback whales.
Diving in Africa
Your Diving Safari
Nature surrounds you at every moment of your stay at our Private Islands, from the first light of dawn to the brilliant stars that grace the night sky. Your personal beachfront invites you to experience the wild beauty of the land, while the deck of your villa offers a front-row seat to nature's wonders. Whether you choose to relax in this serene setting or venture out to explore the treasures of the region, the wilderness is always within reach. Your Guided Safaris® journey includes pretty much everything from start to finish once you arrive in Africa - including all local flights, transfers, meals, drinks and guided activities.
GUIDED SAFARIS®
SEA TURTLES
SEA TURTLES HAVE A FASCINATING AND INTRICATE LIFE CYCLE, beginning with eggs laid and hatched on sandy beaches. After hatching, the young turtles spend their early life in the open ocean (pelagic phase), before moving into developmental habitats as sub-adults. Once fully grown, they settle in adult foraging grounds. Throughout their lives, sea turtles often embark on long migrations, traveling hundreds of miles between feeding areas and returning to offshore nesting beaches during the breeding season.
In the waters off Kenya, five of the world’s seven species of sea turtles can be found: the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and the mighty Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). These species are key players in the marine ecosystem, navigating vast distances in a constant cycle of life and survival.
At our Private Island location in Zanzibar, a vital breeding ground for green turtles, the conservation team works tirelessly year-round to protect and monitor turtle nests. During the nesting season, which peaks between April and August, visitors have the extraordinary opportunity to follow the tracks of female turtles as they come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Witness the wonder of their nests and take part in the ongoing efforts to safeguard these endangered creatures throughout the year.
Your Guided Safaris® journey includes
- All meals and fine wine
- Guided Dives, start to finish
- World-Class Dive locations
- Finest Private Guides in Africa
- Luxury Private Islands
- Pristine tropical beaches
Plan your private safari
Diving in Africa
Your customizable itinerary
| AREAS | Zanzibar | PRIVATE ISLAND |
| Seychelles | PRIVATE ISLAND | |
| Madagascar | PRIVATE ISLAND | |
| Mozambique | PRIVATE ISLAND | |
| South Africa |
By Request
per person
GUIDED SAFARIS®
Always Tailormade
Every detail defines an experience in your private safari.
Our custom safaris are meticulously planned journeys where nothing is left to chance, so you can enjoy unique moments with your loved ones in total luxury and privacy. Having the ultimate say in your preferences from start to finish allows you to explore our exclusive destinations in absolute freedom, whenever you want. No set dates; no groups, ever.
Talk to our Chief Designers.
Guided Safaris®
30+ year unparalleled expertise in Private African Journeys
San Francisco, California • The Original Luxury Safari Camps + Lodges collection
THE ORIGINAL GUIDED SAFARIS® COLLECTION
LUXURYSAFARICAMPS.COM
Derived from age-old know-how, our journeys to Africa are tailored by your imagination. The dream becomes the enchantment of a moment, the joy of a journey, a companion for life.
We’re here to inspire you to dream up your own safari story.