Elegance in every environment
Our journeys include a diverse range of unique experiences from nature sightings, adventure leisure, cuisine, local activities, culture, and educational outings.
No two journeys are ever alike, yet each embodies a shared pursuit of creativity, purpose, and personalization. Staying in the world’s most coveted off-market properties, bespoke expedition camps, or aboard private explorer yachts, WF. Journeys ensures new benchmarks in bespoke luxury travel is experienced.
JOURNEY BEYOND THE IMAGINATION
WF. Journeys’ virtuosity unlocks exclusive and rare access across air, land, and ocean, revealing extraordinary experiences reserved for the discerning few.
South africa
THE AFRICAN BIG 5
We honour four radiant gems on this wonderfully eventful, 2-week safari: sparkly Cape Town and its Winelands, Phinda Private Game Reserve (with it’s seven marvelous varied ecosystems), the classic safari landscapes of the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, and the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve that borders the Kruger National Park; South Africa’s home to the infamous Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and African buffalo. Spot the natural wildlife while on an exotic sunrise game drive, or - if you’re lucky - watch them roam past your bedroom patio.
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Your journey begins in vibrant Cape Town and its Winelands. Cape Town is one of the world’s jazziest, most fascinatingly multicultural and downright beautiful cities, a magnet for discerning goers and comers from six continents. Our base is the iconic Pink Lady, the Mount Nelson, from which we will gaze up at Table Mountain, which we will summit via the famed Aerial Cableway, a spectacular bit of engineering in service to an even more spectacular view. We’ll drive down the grand and wild Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope, around which much of the world’s history once turned. And we’ll motor into the Cape Winelands for tasting and leisurely lunch-taking, and view imbibing in one of the most salubrious spots in a region rich with human and natural splendour.
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We fly northeast across South Africa’s gargantuan geographies to the private Phinda Reserve’s seven distinct habitats— woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, rolling hills, rivers, seasonal marshes and pans, and a hauntingly beautiful sand forest (Africa’s last sand forest) all home to a superb wildlife medley — which includes the Big Five and 436 bird species.
We’ll settle, depending on the season, into one of two outstanding camps at Phinda Private Game Reserve: either the Phinda Forest Lodge, set in that marvelous sand forest, with “glass bubble” suites that bring us into cozy contact with the sweetly enveloping sand forest, or the Phinda Mountain Lodge, set on a hilltop with wraparound views of the verdurous Lebombo foothills.
Each lodge features beguiling infinity pools, festive outdoor dining under South Africa’s intense but friendly stars, birdsong and the twittering of bush babies, and deep tranquility as we rest up from our game driving forays into Phinda’s remarkable micro-regions.
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Thornybush’s setting is classically African: more than 34,000 sweeping acres on a private nature reserve sharing a fenceless border with the famous Kruger National Park — so for our footloose animals, that’s no border at all. Big 5 encounters are both the standard and the standout experience here (including sightings of the endangered, marvelous-looking pangolin, well-protected in Thornybush). Set on a beautiful curve of the meandering Monwana River, Saseka Tented Camp has just nine luxurious, stylishly decorated tents, each with glass doors opening onto a river-view deck complete with a pool and outdoor shower. (These tents are examples of our adage to the bespoke safari tents of our youth as a fresh-from-the factory Bentley resembles a Model T.)
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The very private, very beautiful Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of our favourite African places. Adjacent to Kruger National Park, the 240-square-mile Sabi Sand is home to all of Kruger’s famously rich roster of animals, including of course, the Big Five, who wander freely between Sabi Sand and the much more humanly thronged national park. Our domicile in this surpassingly lovely corner of Africa is Singita’s award winning, ultra private Boulders Lodge. Quiet luxury, imbued with the warmth of earth tones and the sense of being in step with nature give Boulders a deeply quieting energy. Each spacious suite’s generous glass-walled interiors with handmade furnishings mirror the scenery outside. Private decks, contoured to mimic the curves of the river, lead onto private heated pools. By reducing luxury down to its sensory essence, the lodge inspires a complete unwinding and letting go.
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We fly to Johannesburg, and on to full-service, meals-included day rooms at the InterContinental, whose spa and indoor pool beckon, before our Safari Director accompanies us to the adjacent — it’s only 250 feet away — international airport for our flights home.
SOUTH AFRICA | MOZAMBIQUE
CONSERVE AFRICA
Venture beyond the traditional safari with a groundbreaking multi-destination journey through South Africa and Mozambique. This is an invitation to join a vital narrative, immersing yourself in an interactive, rhino-focused conservation mission alongside experts. Following your work in the untamed bushveld, your adventure transitions to the exclusive shores of Kisawa Sanctuary, a realm of pristine white sands and serenity. This is safari redefined—an extraordinary odyssey for those who seek not just to observe the world, but to change it.
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Embark on the ultimate South African adventure, blending luxury with conservation at Phinda Rock Lodge. Perched atop cliffs overlooking the Phinda Private Game Reserve, this intimate lodge features just six exclusive suites, offering both modern comfort and immersion in nature.
Your stay will be far from ordinary. Take part in a hands-on rhino conservation experience, joining experts on a thrilling 4x4 safari to track and dart rhinos. By assisting in ear-notching these iconic animals, you’ll directly support Phinda’s vital conservation efforts. You’ll also have the rare chance to join a private pangolin research mission, helping to protect one of the world’s most trafficked mammals.
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From the wilds of South Africa, transition to blissful relaxation at Kisawa Sanctuary on Mozambique’s Benguerra Island. Spread across 300 hectares, Kisawa combines cutting-edge design with local craftsmanship, offering private bungalows and 24/7 personalized service.
Shape your time at Kisawa as you wish. Lounge on private beaches, snorkel pristine coral reefs, or savor Mozambican flavors. For a deeper connection with conservation, join marine scientists to tag marlins and sharks or explore the island’s diverse ecosystems. End your journey with a helicopter flight over the archipelago, taking in breathtaking views of the protected marine park.
Curated by William Ford, this journey offers a unique nexus of adventure, luxury, and conservation, from the African bush to Mozambique’s turquoise waters.
KENYA
FAMILY ADVENTURE
One of Africa’s most revered destinations for safari and home to a number of densely populated national parks, Kenya brims with adventure and beauty. Create memories with the whole family that will last a lifetime as you discover the rugged charm of Kenya’s rare wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
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Journey to Northern Kenya's Namunyak Conservancy, a land of stunning landscapes and untamed beauty. Your family will enjoy private game drives across vast plains in search of Africa's Big Five. Walk with expert guides, tracking unique wildlife on foot and learning to interpret nature's signals. This is more than a trip—it’s a rare chance to see majestic, endangered creatures and visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a leader in community conservation. End your day at an exclusive lodge, watching wildlife from the pool as they wander nearby.
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Awake with the sun and take to the skies for a world-class helicopter safari over the immense conservancy. Soar over the arid and diverse Suguta Valley, a dramatic landscape of sweeping sand dunes, volcanic rocks, and vast desert. Journey to the largely inaccessible Ndoto Matthews Range, witnessing captivating views from this remote and largely unknown location. From your vantage point, you will encounter the Samburu people, semi-nomadic communities who maintain centuries-old traditions. Through intimate interactions with the tribe, you will acquire a deeper understanding of their fascinating history through their songs, dances, and stories.
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Immerse your family in the rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Kenya with Pelorus. Begin at Lake Turkana, connecting with the Turkana Tribe, one of the largest pastoralist communities, before flying to the Chalbi Desert to meet the semi-nomadic Rendille camel herders. End your journey in the iconic Maasai Mara, where thrilling safaris, enchanting night drives, and starlit bush dinners await. Along the way, engage with local communities, gaining unique insights into their way of life. This unforgettable adventure will leave your family with treasured memories, new perspectives, and a deeper connection to Kenya’s extraordinary heritage.
CONGO
Odzala Immersion
Surrender to the Congo Basin: Harmonize with the rhythms of the rainforest on our most in-depth Journey to the Odzala-Kokoua National Park area. The proliferation of magical experiences includes forest walks, river cruises, night drives, and three gorilla tracks, visits to the local villages, and kayaking.
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Fly privately from Brazzaville to Mboko airstrip in the heart of Odzala-Kokoua National Park. As dusk settles, join your guide by the fire for a conservation briefing and an introduction to tracking Western Lowland Gorillas. Your adventure begins at dawn, venturing on foot into the Ndzehi Concession. Here, Ngaga Lodge serves as a base for unforgettable primate encounters and world-class research. You are invited to share in the knowledge of a dedicated team that has spent decades uncovering the secrets of this thriving rainforest, offering a rare glimpse into an untouched world.
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Awaken to the sounds of the rainforest for a final venture into Ngaga’s wilderness before a scenic transfer to Mboko Lodge, where a peaceful kayak safari along the Lekoli River reveals monkeys, forest buffalo, and elephants in their natural habitat. Your journey continues to Lango Lodge, arriving on foot just in time for a sundowner over the stunning Lango Baï. With elevated chalets and walkways designed to merge with the wild, Lango invites you to follow ancient elephant trails, wade through mystical waters, and explore dense forests, connecting deeply with this extraordinary landscape. From flocks of green pigeons to forest elephants in the mist, every moment immerses you in the untamed beauty and rich history of this awe-inspiring land.
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Start your day with an early morning walking safari, soaking in the sights and sounds of the awakening wilderness, before enjoying breakfast and departing Lango. A raised wooden walkway takes you through wetlands to your game drive transfer to Mboko Lodge, where the forest meets the savanna. After lunch, choose between a peaceful forest walk or a lazy afternoon on the river deck, followed by a river cruise through Mboko’s winding waterways. With open grasslands, gentle rivers, and towering forests, Mboko Lodge is the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
At Mboko, explore the Congo Basin’s stunning habitats on foot, by boat, or kayak. Spot forest elephants, buffalo, colorful birds, hyenas, and perhaps even the elusive bongo antelope. Cool off in serene streams or unwind with a spa treatment, and keep an eye out for monkeys, butterflies, and birds from the river deck as the water babbles past. After breakfast the next day, enjoy a final game drive through the savanna to Mboko airstrip, where a private plane will fly you back to Brazzaville to connect with your international flight.
SEYCHELLES
Pristine Atolls
The Seychelles Archipelago’s 115 pristine islands offer an exciting and stimulating charter experience. This exquisite paradise boasts sun-soaked sand, turquoise waters, and lush, tree-covered hills. Dive below the surface with Pelorus and discover coral reefs that teem with marine life or kayak through the dense mangroves spotting incredibly rare birds and reptiles. For unforgettable adventure and indulgent relaxation, there is nowhere better than the stunning Seychelles.
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Arrive on Mahé Island, where your William Ford guide and yacht captain will welcome you aboard your luxurious vessel. Settle in, meet your crew, and begin your adventure cruising to Beau Vallon, the vibrant heart of Mahé. Drop anchor in turquoise waters, take a swim, and enjoy a fresh-fish dinner at Kannel, full of tropical flavors.
Discover the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens with a local guide, exploring rare flora and their role in the ecosystem. Meet Aldabra giant tortoises, gentle creatures happy to eat from your hand. Return to your yacht as the sun sets and cruise to Port Glaud for a deckside dinner under the stunning Seychellois sky.
The next morning, savor breakfast onboard before snorkeling or swimming in crystal-clear waters. Explore vibrant coral reefs, granite boulders, and marine life teeming with color and diversity. Back on the yacht, embark on a scenic day-long cruise to the African Banks.
As you sail, enjoy the views or learn about Seychelles’ marine life from the onboard marine biologist. Take part in a celestial navigation lesson with the captain and crew for a hands-on experience. After sunset, arrive at the remote and breathtaking African Banks, ready for your next adventure.
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Wake up to your first glimpse of the African Banks — two remote islets surrounded by crystal-clear, fish-rich waters. Once prized for seabird eggs, these uninhabited islands are now a marine sanctuary and an Important Bird Area. With exclusive access arranged by William Ford, you’ll explore these untouched underwater worlds at your own pace.
Cast a line into waters teeming with mackerel and tuna, then bring your catch back for a sushi-making masterclass with your private chef. Savor your creations on deck, surrounded by endless turquoise views.
Dive into vibrant reefs and mysterious wrecks, where your only company will be tropical fish. As evening falls, head to a deserted beach on Remire Island for a wild barbecue under the stars. Dine beneath a flowing canopy as the sun sets, painting the sea in fiery hues. This is luxury redefined—untamed, unforgettable, and yours to discover."
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After breakfast on board, you'll visit the Save Our Seas Research Centre to learn about the Seychelles' marine wildlife from local experts. Delve into the complex lives of lemon sharks, manta rays, and turtles, and participate in vital research and rehabilitation projects, like replanting mangroves or tracking endangered species.
In the afternoon, paddle through the dense mangrove forests—ocean-water jungles vital to local and global ecosystems. These sprawling trees are nursing grounds for turtles, fish, and sharks, housing a greater diversity of species than the open ocean. Kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling here offers a closer look at young triggerfish, rockfish, and various sharks, deepening your understanding of why these jungles must be preserved. Return to your vessel for a well-earned sundowner and dinner on deck.
The following day is dedicated to exploring the waters you now know so well. Snorkel or dive to encounter rare species you've studied, including the world’s largest bumphead parrotfish, Convick surgeons, and huge humphead wrasses. Embrace the islands' raw beauty before being cast away on a deserted beach for a wild picnic. Spend the night in complete seclusion under a star-filled sky, perhaps witnessing turtles laying their eggs or watching hatchlings make their first journey to the ocean.
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For those seeking a longer charter, consider a day cruise to Aldabra. This remote atoll, one of the world’s largest and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to over 400 endemic species, including the world's largest population of giant tortoises. Minimally impacted by humans, Aldabra features diverse habitats from coral reefs to mangroves. Visitors can learn from resident researchers dedicated to preserving this extraordinary ecosystem, offering a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Set foot on islands few have ever explored, discovering a rich variety of birds, including flamingos, herons, and the flightless Aldabra white-throated crake. Find the elusive flying fox, the archipelago's only native mammal, and search for the Aldabra snail, once thought to be extinct.
Dive through the atoll’s lagoon channels to discover manta rays, blacktip sharks, and dolphins, or kayak through stretching mangroves to uncover the species sheltering within. With a higher population of giant tortoises than the Galapagos, this stunning coral atoll is a world of its own. Spend your final days immersed in wild nature—tracking giant tortoises by day and enjoying fine dining on deck by evening. Finally, a helicopter will return you to Mahe to begin your journey home, your perspective forever changed.
RWANDA | TANZANIA
AFRICA WITH SINGITA
Embark on the ultimate Singita safari with this handpicked itinerary, designed for the modern traveler seeking adventure and luxury. Start your journey in Kigali, then make your way to Singita Kwitonda, nestled on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Spend four unforgettable nights with exclusive access to observe gorillas in their natural habitat. Next, head to Tanzania and settle into the stunning Singita Sasakwa Lodge, where the Serengeti plains stretch endlessly before you across breathtaking landscapes. This safari promises an experience you’ll never forget.
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Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant capital. We recommend exploring its clean streets, innovative dining, and thriving art scene before your journey to Singita. Your first stop is The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali's premier luxury boutique hotel. Its 12 rooms, adorned with local Rwandan art, create a warm, inviting atmosphere. For a profound understanding of Rwanda's past, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is essential. After breakfast, you'll travel to Volcanoes National Park. Singita Kwitonda Lodge is reachable via a scenic three-hour drive or a breathtaking 30-minute helicopter flight. Nestled at the park's edge, the lodge’s eight suites offer private heated plunge pools and stunning volcano views. A cozy dinner prepares you for the adventures that lie ahead.
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Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: trekking with endangered mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters to be assigned a gorilla family and receive a briefing from expert guides. The trek takes you through farmland and lush forest to find the gorillas. Your permit allows an unforgettable hour with these gentle giants, watching them interact under the leadership of their peaceful silverbacks. Your guide may even teach you some “gorilla words” for a unique connection. Consider a second trek for new terrain and encounters. Afterward, relax at the lodge with a warm bath, a crackling fire, and the serene atmosphere of Singita Kwitonda. Unwind further with a spa treatment or explore the local community. For more wildlife, try golden monkey trekking—a lighter but equally rewarding activity that will leave you smiling all the way back to the lodge.
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Your journey continues from Rwanda’s lush mountains to the vast plains of Tanzania. Following a to-go breakfast at Singita Kwitonda, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Kilimanjaro, where a VIP escort will guide you to your connecting flight to the Serengeti.
Upon arrival, you'll find Singita Sasakwa Lodge, a refined retreat offering breathtaking views that blend old-world charm with modern luxury. After settling in with afternoon tea, an optional evening game drive awaits to introduce you to Tanzania’s iconic wildlife.
Begin your day with a sunrise game drive, spotting elephants and lions before enjoying morning bites in the bush. Return to Sasakwa to relax with lunch, a swim, or a spa treatment ahead of another game drive and sunset toast. For a truly unique adventure, join a guided run through the Serengeti alongside giraffes, supported by a safety team. Later, visit the Grumeti Fund to learn about its vital conservation efforts, including the anti-poaching canine unit, which every Singita stay helps to support.
Conclude your trip with a magical sunrise hot air balloon ride and a champagne toast. Spend your final hours swimming, playing tennis, or embarking on one last game drive, reflecting on the Serengeti's magic as the sun sets on your unforgettable adventure.
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Enjoy a final bush breakfast before making your way to the Grumeti Airstrip for your flight home. As you leave, take with you the memories of awe-inspiring wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Until next time, Africa!
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“Trip was PERFECT!! Every single detail was planned out and the accommodations and people were wonderful. This trip exceeded all of our wildest expectations.”
— Elizabeth S.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“I have no words for the quality of everything related to this trip. Stunning lodges, amazing activities, and perfect locations. This has been one of the best trips of my life.”
— Daniel H.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“We chose WF. Journeys for our first trip, and never looked back. They took care of every detail, tailoring each experience and crafted a bespoke itinerary to our style and budget.”
— Charles H.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“Perfect from start to finish. Every transfer was seamless, perfectly timed, and we never missed a sunrise or sunset drive. It truly gave us our time back to enjoy every moment.”
— Michelle M.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“Every detail of the trip is evidence of the pride taken in shaping bespoke itineraries that stay true to the destination. I was floored by how up close and personal I was in the environment.”
— Cynthia S.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“Our trip to South Africa and Botswana was absolutely unforgettable — everything was first-rate. The lodges and culinary experiences were nothing short of outstanding.”
— Andrew B.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“They say perfection is unattainable, but after what you and your team did for us, that no longer holds true — this was perfect! I don’t know how to thank your team enough.”