Luxury Travel Blog

Ideas to inspire your world: luxury, culture, food, travel, style

Destination: Africa

Our list of articles tagged with "Africa."

March 11, 2024

Just Back: A Luxury Tour of South Africa

We recently returned from an incredible private tour of South Africa–a breathtakingly beautiful country with outstanding culture, food, wine and wildlife–including Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and safaris in Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Read More »

May 15, 2023

Just Back: A Luxury Honeymoon in Morocco

Artisans of Leisure travel specialist Sara Cox just returned from an incredible luxury honeymoon in Morocco. We caught up with her to find out about her favorite places and experiences, including the Sahara Desert, the historic medinas of Fez and Marrakesh and ultra-luxury hotels and tented camps throughout Morocco.

Read More »

February 9, 2023

Special Luxury Trips for Grandparents Traveling with Grandchildren

One of the most popular types of trips we arrange are private, personalized luxury tours for grandparents who want to take their grandchildren on incredible one-of-a-kind trips. Read about some of our favorite experiences we arrange that are customized around each family member’s interests and requirements.

Read More »

December 10, 2022

Our Favorite Luxury Train Journeys Around the World

Synonymous with the Golden Age of travel, luxury train journeys evoke the romance of a bygone era in a way that few other experiences do. Read more about our favorite luxury train journeys that we can incorporate into our customized private tours around the world.

Read More »

June 22, 2022

Seeing the Big Five in South Africa

Spotting wildlife up close, especially the Big Five animals, on a luxury safari is a highlight of our private South Africa tours. Artisans of Leisure arranges for our travelers to stay at the top luxury safari lodges and enjoy game drives and wildlife viewing in the best private game reserves and national parks in South Africa.

Read More »

September 14, 2021

Private Jewish Heritage Touring in Morocco

Artisans of Leisure arranges private touring of the most interesting Jewish sites in Morocco, including in Fez, Essaouira and Marrakesh, for travelers interested in learning more about the history of Moroccan Jews.

Read More »

April 26, 2021

Family Travel in Egypt: Top 10 Favorite Experiences

Egypt is one of our most popular destinations for families. Accompanied by our incomparable private Egyptologist guides, travelers of all ages can discover the splendors of Egypt with incredible ease, access and insight on an Artisans of Leisure private family tour of Egypt.

Read More »

May 27, 2020

Must Visit: Etosha National Park & Sossusvlei in Namibia

Travelers with limited time in Namibia should consider focusing on Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei. These two must-see destinations on opposite sides of the country complement each other and reveal the range of Namibia’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Read More »

April 22, 2020

Accessible Travel, the Artisans of Leisure Way

Artisans of Leisure arranges private international accessible tours and accessible travel in destinations around the world. We work closely with individuals who have mobility limitations to make sure that each tour is personalized to their individual needs, requirements and interests.

Read More »

October 14, 2019

Just Back: The Best of Marrakesh, Morocco

Artisans of Leisure arranges private insider tours of Marrakesh, Morocco, featuring architecture, design, food, shopping, hiking, and exclusive excursions to the Atlas Mountains and nearby Agafay Desert.

Read More »

October 29, 2018

The Very Best of South Africa: Safaris, Luxury, Culture & More

Artisans of Leisure’s private luxury South Africa tours showcase the best of the country’s rich diversity of experiences, including stunning landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, historic cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites, renowned vineyards, gourmet dining and world-class accommodation.

Read More »

August 23, 2018

Insider Marrakesh & Atlas Mountains

Ashley Isaacs Ganz, founder & CEO of Artisans of Leisure, recently returned to Morocco to visit some of her favorite places, including Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains. We hope you enjoy this interview with her. Q: Where did you visit on this trip? On this trip I decided to return to Marrakesh and the nearby Atlas […]

Read More »

October 9, 2017

Just Back: Egypt

Artisans of Leisure travel specialist Maria Merrill recently returned from Egypt and shares her thoughts about one of our favorite destinations in the Middle East.

Read More »

April 7, 2017

Volubilis: An Ancient Roman City outside Fez, Morocco

One of our favorite excursions in Morocco is to the ruins of Volubilis, an ancient Roman city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Located outside Fez and more than 1,000 miles from Rome, the ruins provide a tangible sense of the impressive scale of the Roman Empire at its height. The best-preserved Roman ruins at […]

Read More »

February 13, 2017

Interview: An Incredible Around-the-World Tour

Artisans of Leisure travel specialist, Abbey Chase, recently spent a year traveling around the world—in style. Some of the highlights of her incredible tour included visiting more than 80 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Bagan, a helicopter tour of Siem Reap, a private tea ceremony in Kyoto, a river […]

Read More »

February 2, 2017

Favorite Luxury Safari Camps in Africa

Few experiences are more sought after than the African safari, from once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings to picture-perfect sunsets over the savannah. Our luxury safari tours feature exclusive African safari camps and lodges that have the best locations for game viewing and give you the experience of being in the wild, all with five-star amenities. Artisans of Leisure […]

Read More »

September 15, 2016

The Safari Experience in East and Southern Africa

Going on an African safari takes you back to the wide-eyed wonder of childhood. There’s a pure, fundamental excitement about seeing wild African animals in their natural state: elephants wandering to a watering hole, leopards tracking prey, lions snoozing after a big meal. During thrilling morning and afternoon game drives, trackers and guides take you […]

Read More »

August 30, 2016

The Silo in Cape Town, South Africa

One of our favorite hoteliers, Cape Town-based designer Liz Biden has successfully transformed her family’s vacation retreats into some of the finest hotels in South Africa. Their safari lodge in Kruger National Park became the intimate Royal Malewane. Their beach house overlooking the waves and whales in the coastal town of Hermanus is now the […]

Read More »

June 9, 2016

Must Stay: Singita Lebombo in South Africa

There are many top-quality safari lodges in South Africa, but one name comes up over and over when you ask for the best: Singita. The company’s lodges in South Africa—and also now in Tanzania and Zimbabwe—set the standard for accommodations, guides, location and cuisine. And with an ongoing renovation program, Singita is in the process […]

Read More »

March 17, 2016

Off-the-beaten-track Morocco: Beautiful Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a traditional town nestled in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco. Established in 1471, it became a refuge for Jews and Muslims fleeing the Spanish Inquisition in Europe. Today, Chefchaouen—or Chaouen, as the locals call it—is best-known for its beautiful and unmistakable medina, an accretion of alleys, stairs, houses and doors painted in […]

Read More »

November 8, 2015

Must Stay: La Residence in South Africa’s Cape Winelands

The approach of winter in the Northern Hemisphere has us thinking of favorite escapes south of the equator, such as South Africa’s beautiful Cape Winelands region. Just outside fashionable, foodie-centric Franschhoek, one hotel we love returning to is La Residence, an exclusive property set on 30 acres of verdant land framed by vineyards, orchards and […]

Read More »

June 30, 2015

The Best of South Africa & Rwanda

We recently returned from a trip to South Africa and Rwanda, including beautiful Cape Town, a luxurious wildlife safari in Kruger National Park and gorilla tracking in the mountains of Rwanda.

Read More »

May 10, 2015

Insider Rabat: Morocco’s Peaceful Coastal Capital

Situated on the northern Atlantic coast of Morocco, Rabat is a refined capital city that blends the modern and historic in its attractive and well-planned ville nouvelle, relaxed medina and distinctive seaside kasbah. In 2012, Rabat received UNESCO World Heritage status as a “modern capital and historic city.” Yet it remains off the beaten track […]

Read More »

April 17, 2015

Alluring Zanzibar

Zanzibar, Tanzania is a captivating destination with stunning tropical beaches, Omani-influenced architecture and design, lush spice gardens, delicious local cuisine and a fascinating history. Most travelers visit the Zanzibar Archipelago primarily to spend time at the beach. The Lodge at Mnemba, one of our preferred hotels in Zanzibar, is a rustic yet upscale hideaway on […]

Read More »

November 11, 2014

From Our Travelers: A Kenya & Tanzania Safari Tour

A family that has traveled with us many times shared these photos from their recent Artisans of Leisure private luxury safari tour through East Africa, including  Ngorongoro Crater and the Singita Grumeti Reserves (Serengeti) in Tanzania and in the Maasai Mara in Kenya

Read More »

November 10, 2014

Letter from a Mother: Don’t Wait to Travel with Your Children

We were touched and honored to read this letter from the mother of a family that travels regularly with Artisans of Leisure. We hope you enjoy reading about how traveling together has become such an important part of their lives. As my eldest daughter enters her senior year of high school, with her two sisters not […]

Read More »

November 5, 2014

Cape Town: Five Favorite Excursions

The Western Cape region surrounding Cape Town is a spectacular part of South Africa with a compelling history, great food and wine, and a wealth of beautiful landscapes. These five excursions from Cape Town exemplify why this is one of our favorite parts of South Africa: 1. Cape Winelands The largest wine region in South […]

Read More »

April 2, 2014

Top 10: Favorite Breakfasts around the World

We always enjoy experiencing how different cultures approach the most important meal of the day. Here are a few of our favorites: 1.) Breakfast at a cave hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey We love sitting on the hotel terrace and taking in views of the fantastical rock formations of this beautiful region while eating a classic […]

Read More »

August 19, 2013

Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Staying at Giraffe Manor is one of the best things to do in Nairobi, Kenya. The atmospheric  hotel—built  as a Scottish-style hunting lodge in the 1930s—has a special connection to Africa’s amazing wildlife. Eight Rothschild’s giraffes live on the expansive grounds surrounding the hotel as part of a conservation effort for the rare subspecies. The […]

Read More »

June 28, 2013

A Luxurious South Africa Honeymoon

Newlywed travelers of ours have generously shared images from their Artisans of Leisure South Africa honeymoon, including a luxurious multi-day safari at Singita Lebombo, private cultural touring in Cape Town and relaxing at a luxury beach resort in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.

Read More »

June 28, 2013

The Best of Morocco

Artisans of Leisure arranges private luxury tours of Morocco that feature the country’s top cultural, culinary and scenic highlights and include accommodation at the most luxurious hotels and resorts.

Read More »

April 29, 2013

An Interview with Emeric Harney of Harney & Sons Fine Teas

We recently caught up with Emeric Harney of Harney & Sons Fine Teas to discuss tea, travel, fashion, food and more. Q: What makes Harney & Sons unique? A: Harney & Sons is a tea company that is committed to making quality tea an everyday luxury. We pride ourselves on providing education on proper tea […]

Read More »

February 22, 2013

Kenya & Tanzania: Insight and Recommendations from Our African Safari Experts

We recently returned from an extensive safari tour through Kenya and Tanzania. We covered quite a lot of Kenya: Nairobi, Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Meru, Samburu, Shaba, Loisaba, Mathews Mountain Range, and the southern coast. In Tanzania, we stayed in Tarangire, Ngorongoro, northern and southern Serengeti, and Singita Grumeti Reserves.  It was quite a trip! […]

Read More »

July 14, 2012

Learn by Doing While Traveling the World

Want to learn to make mozzarella by hand on the Amalfi Coast? How about a private karate lesson in Kyoto? A surfing lesson in Bali? Would you like to paint porcelain in Austria or assist on an archaeological dig in Israel? We offer hundreds of such learning experiences that can be incorporated into our private […]

Read More »

June 6, 2012

Traveling vegan, kosher, gluten-free or with food allergies

Many people with restricted diets or food allergies worry about finding appropriate meals when traveling overseas. Several of our in-house travel experts have food restrictions, so we understand firsthand the challenges. We also know how to overcome them. Artisans of Leisure regularly works with travelers who have food restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, kosher, gluten-free and […]

Read More »

May 15, 2012

An Interview with One of Our Birding and Travel Experts

Artisans of Leisure travel specialist, Stephanie, tells us how she has been lucky to be able to combine her twin passions–birding and travel–since she was a child. Q: When and how did you become interested in birding? A: My mom has been birding forever, and she would take me along with her when I was […]

Read More »

April 13, 2012

Inspiration for Amazing Family Trips

Your son likes castles, your daughter likes shopping, your husband likes history, and you like art–how can you make sure that family vacations please everyone? Artisans of Leisure specializes in one-of-a-kind, private, customized family tours that feature a world of engaging experiences sure to satisfy families of all sizes, ages and interests. Here are a […]

Read More »

February 20, 2012

South Africa for Families

South Africa is an incredible destination for families, especially when it’s done right. A luxury safari is undoubtedly a highlight of any South Africa tour, and Artisans of Leisure will work closely with you and your family to customize your safari experience. We can provide specialized services such as private rangers and safari vehicles, private […]

Read More »

September 21, 2011

Last-minute Fall Travel Ideas

October and November are two of the best months to travel in many of our destinations—the crowds are gone and the weather is often ideal. If you are considering booking an overseas getaway during the next several months, here are a few of our travel specialists’ top picks for autumn trips. MOROCCO Autumn is a […]

Read More »

May 29, 2011

Private touring in Johannesburg, South Africa: art, shopping, history and more

Many visitors to South Africa see Johannesburg as merely a transit point and pass through the city without stopping. We think that’s a pity because South Africa’s most populous city is a very worthwhile destination. In addition to the Apartheid Museum–one of the most interesting and important places to visit in the city–we love Johannesburg […]

Read More »

January 31, 2011

Top 5 Safari Experiences in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

In the midst of Botswana’s arid Kalahari Desert lies the fertile Okavango Delta, a unique eco-system of floodplains, rich grasslands and abundant clear water that’s a paradise for millions of animals. Over 9,300 square miles in area, the delta offers some of the best game viewing in Botswana, including land-based and water-based safari experiences. Here […]

Read More »

October 1, 2010

A Nile Cruise—One of the Best Ways to Experience Egypt

Taking a luxurious cruise down the Nile is the stuff of legend, reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, and evocative of a time when traveling by ship was de rigueur. There are now faster ways to travel from Aswan to Luxor, but none are as memorable or beautiful as a Nile river cruise. There are […]

Read More »

June 10, 2010

A conversation with an expert ranger at Singita, South Africa

Singita safari lodges are among the most exclusive and acclaimed luxury safari experiences in Africa. We recently visited Singita Boulders and caught up with Marc Alkema, one of the head  rangers we use for game drives in Sabi Sand. Q: Why did you decide to become a ranger? A: I was on a family holiday at the age […]

Read More »

February 5, 2010

Just Back: South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

We recently returned from an incredible trip Africa tour that included wildlife safaris in South Africa, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, cultural touring in Cape Town, art and wine touring in the Cape Winelands, and seeing spectacular Victoria Falls.

Read More »

April 1, 2009

A night in the Moroccan desert

One of the most-requested activities we arrange in Morocco is an overnight stay in the Sahara desert. We bring our travelers to the most scenic part of the Moroccan desert—near the most spectacular dunes—for an overnight stay in a private tented camp. The experience is authentic Bedouin-style camping (above), with carpets on the ground of […]

Read More »

February 24, 2009

An Interview with One of Our Art and Architecture Travel Experts

John is one of the travel experts based in our New York City office. He’s passionate about art and architecture, and helps design our tours around the world. Q: What are your favorite travel destinations? A: Each destination is fascinating in its own way, and I love exploring new places and discovering what’s distinctive about them—local […]

Read More »

February 20, 2009

Our Top 5 Best Adventure Tours

Many of our travelers like to complement cultural touring with soft adventure activities. The following tours in Asia, South America, the Himalayas, the South Pacific and Africa have just the right balance of soft-adventure and culture—and they all include private touring and the best luxury hotels in the world. 1). Journey Through Morocco A highlight […]

Read More »

February 12, 2009

An Interview with One of Our Honeymoon Specialists

Artisans of Leisure has developed a real following with honeymooners who want our expertise when planning their unique, totally customized, once-in-a-lifetime honeymoons. We asked our travel specialists for their tips: Q: What advice do you give honeymooners? A: Don’t try to do too much (or too little)! We find the best honeymoons have a perfect balance of […]

Read More »

September 2, 2008

Family Travel in Morocco

A family on an Artisans of Leisure private tour of Morocco wrote to us about their favorite experiences on their trip. Artisans of Leisure arranges private, customized Morocco tours.

Read More »