Real Experience and Genuine Passion
We’ve been creating luxury safaris for nearly two decades, but our story started long before that. John Harvey, our founder, first experienced Africa on a remote safari in northern Nigeria more than 30 years ago. That early adventure along with years spent living and working in East and Southern Africa shaped the idea that became Opulent Africa.
The company was born from a deep love of Africa’s landscapes, wildlife and people. Every journey we create is rooted in real experience, genuine passion, and a clear understanding of what exceptional service truly means.
When we plan a trip for you, we do it with the same care and excitement we would for ourselves, drawing on our own memories to help shape yours. Our team, along with the expert guides we work with on the ground, are here to make sure every detail is seamless and every moment unforgettable.
This is What We Love to Do
Over the last 17 years we have created thousands of unique and incredible wildlife experiences for our clients, some returning to Africa every single year. As a result, we are fortunate enough to consider many clients as personal friends.
John Harvey, Founder & CEO
In 2004, John Harvey established Opulent Africa with a vision to offer travellers a more personal and considered way to explore Africa, working only with trusted partners, experienced guides, and a deep respect for the continent’s people and places.
Sustainability at Heart
We’ve always believed that luxury travel should tread lightly and that thoughtful travel has the power to do real good.
From the beginning, we’ve chosen to work with camps and lodges that actively protect wildlife, support local communities, and operate with minimal impact. Many of our partners are involved in reforestation, anti-poaching efforts, female-led guiding teams, and education initiatives across rural Africa.
We also believe in meaningful travel going beyond the checklist to create experiences that matter. Whether it’s choosing camps that support local communities or exploring regions that are a little less visited, we help you travel in a way that feels both intentional and effortless.
Sustainability isn’t a tick-box for us. It’s how we plan, where we send you, and who we choose to work with. We’re always learning and refining how we can do this better, and we’re proud to work with clients who care about that too.
“I’m an adventurer at heart and love exploring new places. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed many unforgettable experiences throughout Africa, from close encounters with wildlife to sleeping out under spectacular, star-filled skies. When designing customised safaris for our clients, it’s done with genuine passion, and there’s no greater reward for me than creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s never forgotten.”
— John Harvey, Founder
Meet Opulent Travel
We’re thrilled to introduce Opulent Travel our sister brand created in response to clients who’ve trusted us with their African safaris and asked, “Where else can you take us?”
Opulent Travel offers the same personal service, attention to detail, and thoughtful planning now across the globe. From the high deserts of Chile to the temples of Japan, the spice markets of Morocco to the shores of the Maldives, we design beautiful journeys with you that are tailored for you.
We also plan closer-to-home escapes, from Yellowstone to Baja, for those moments when time is short but the need to get away isn’t.
It’s been a joy to bring the Opulent approach to new places, and we can’t wait to help you explore what’s next.
Rated ‘Excellent’ by 98% of our clients