Designing uniquely crafted adventures in Africa’s most spectacular destinations. CN Traveller Top Africa Specialist 2022.
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Founded by Nick & Ashley Bay
There’s a lot to love about the hustle and bustle in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Many of our YPA travelers book a short two-night stay in Nairobi before their ‘real’ safari starts, and they’re always pleasantly surprised by what the city has to offer.
Head to our blog for top tips on what to see and do in this vibrant city...
Visiting the Rwandan gorillas is a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience. What really stands out is recognizing that these magnificent animals, though so foreign, share profound similarities to us and it’s truly captivating.
If gorilla trekking is something on your bucket list, head to our link in bio and browse a few of the different itineraries we’ve crafted.
While there are many well-known destinations to see and experience, we also love traveling to the less-visited countries because that’s what living up to the YPA ethos of ‘making travel to Africa feel less intimating’ is all about.
If you’re looking for something wild and close to nature, to really disconnect from your normal routines, we’ve got a great selection of destinations for you…
Head over to the link in our bio to browse the experiences and destinations that top our list.
Ready for safari adventures? Pack smart with a durable, water resistant duffel bag that’s lightweight and spacious. Check out our top 3 picks on our website - link in bio.
In our opinion, Kenya is a top safari spot for friends and families. With its stunning beauty, diverse wildlife, easy flight routes from the USA, and great value for money, it’s the perfect adventure destination. Find our latest Kenya trip guide linked in our bio.
At YPA, we love organizing multi-generational trips. It’s so special to bring the whole gang together for unforgettable experiences. We craft unique itineraries tailored to your family’s needs, choosing lodges that are fun for grandkids and sophisticated for grandparents. Plus, we make traveling in large groups seamless with private charters and smooth transfers.
Click the link in our bio to start planning an incredible adventure for you and your loved ones.
So many of our YPA clients love adding a stop to one of Africa’s beautiful beach destinations at the end of their safari. It’s the relaxing finish to a bustling safari, allowing you to experience both land and sand.
Mozambique is a tropical paradise and a personal YPA favourite. It’s characterized by laid-back African charm, white sandy Indian Ocean beaches, and low-key yet beautifully styled boutique beach resorts.
Browse our Safari and Sand experiences on the website, linked in bio, to find the best, hand-picked combination for you.
“Travel and movement share similarities—they’re both about connecting, with yourself or the world around you. Stepping out of your comfort zone is when magic happens. It’s all about embracing the unexpected and letting the journey shape you.” - Ashley
With a background rooted in yoga, Ashley brings a unique perspective to our team, emphasizing mindfulness and self-discovery in every adventure.
Curious to learn more about the YPA team and what makes us tick? Visit the About Us page on our website, link in bio OR send us a message and let’s chat!
“YPA made our honeymoon in Africa unforgettable. Both the trip and the planning process were smooth from start to finish, and we wouldn’t have changed a single detail. We felt safe and supported while on the ground in South Africa and Mozambique, and most importantly, we had a blast.” -
Our 2024 safari ‘Yes List’ has never looked this exciting and top of the list is the newly opened Angama Amboseli Safari Lodge. Not only is it situated amongst a beautiful fever tree forest, but on a clear day, you can see stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. A big plus is that this wildlife dense area is home to Amboseli’s famous “Tuskers” - elephants known for their exceptionally large tusks.
We’ve had an exclusive sneak peek into a few hidden gems and listed a bunch more noteworthy new destinations opening this year on our list. From tree camps nestled into forest canopies of ebony trees to private island safaris, read more about our latest discoveries on YPA’s new “YES-LIST”, linked in bio.
Ins and outs and ups and downs of traveling with little ones, we know it all. Especially traveling with toddlers can be stressful but it should never hold you back from going on amazing trips.
We’ve pulled together some insider tips from Nick and Ashley on traveling with your kids in Africa. Experiencing Africa as a family is uniquely enriching, and we’re here to help streamline your trip.
Top three tips include traveling with an inflatable seat for the airplane, packing anti-itch bug sticks, and having handy snacks your toddler loves (think goldfish crackers, chickpea snacks, freeze-dried fruit, etc.). For the complete rundown from the experts, hop over to our latest blog article linked in the bio.
Going on safari doesn’t mean that you can’t pack a wardrobe that’s stylish and on trend. Sustainable, laid-back fashion is where it’s at right now, and we have some ground rules as inspiration for what to wear…
Subscribe to our newsletter for all the safari style tips, lists, and more - sending this week.
What lies ahead on your next trip to Africa...
YPA’s vision is to connect people with nature, offer freedom outside of life’s routines and help to make travel to Africa less intimidating.
It’s about the fine print, the smoothness of internal transitions, the hidden gems, to go the extra mile and to absolutely nail it.
Join our travel community and sign up to our newsletters for inspiration and travel tips for planning the ultimate African safari.
African wild dogs, often called painted wolves (reflecting their mottled caramel and brown fur), are renowned hunters, swift and deadly as a pack. Yet, they’re also known for their playful behavior and strong family bonds. On safari, you might spot pups playing together or with the alpha. It’s a beautiful sight of nature’s balance.
If you’re thinking of taking some time off work for a trip to Africa, why not make it luxurious? We’ve been noticing a trend, and clients are traveling to de-stress and unwind in the wild. With that, upscaling accommodation to favor luxury is not uncommon.
Guests are prioritizing lounge areas, pool facilities, spa treatments and down time... not all safaris need to be jam-packed. We’ll advise you on the ideal lodge for what you have in mind, and if it’s to rejuvenate yourself on a luxury getaway, we’ll ensure you clock off somewhere peaceful.
If you’re thinking of ways to give back to local communities on your trip to Africa, we’ve got some ideas for you based on what YPA clients have recently been involved in...
Here are 5 ways YPA clients have made a difference:
1. Visiting in Zambia and identifying the need to upgrade their chalkboards to projectors.
2. Getting involved in the elephant collaring project backed by the in Tanzania, helping reduce the risk of wildlife / community conflict.
3. Donating to the nursing home in South Africa, in support of sustaining and growing the initiative, making sure the members are taken care of in their golden years.
4. Generously raising funds for the clean energy initiative; Solar Mamas. This program trains and educates women in Botswana about the use of solar electricity for their small businesses.
5. Getting involved in raising funds and building a school at - helping improve education levels in the rural areas of Zambia.
If this is something you’re interested in, read our article about giving back on safari at the link in bio and let’s chat. We can grow this list together.
Honeymooning in Africa 🌍
Wedding planning’s a delight, but when it’s time for the honeymoon, the quest for that perfect romantic spot can feel daunting. Not to worry. Crafting dreamy getaways is our forte.
September to November, and February to March, are great honeymoon seasons. Which makes NOW the best time to plan. We have curated some gorgeous travel itineraries for our newly wed clients, tailored to exactly how you’d like to use your precious time. Africa’s diversity means you can enjoy the best of both worlds – from tranquil beaches to rugged bush adventures. Explore our handpicked honeymoon itineraries now on the website, linked in our bio.
Happy YPA honeymooners - what a special couple. We are beaming about how much Molly & Phil loved their YPA safari:
“Wow, was I blown away by every single detail- we often looked at each other at the same time and said “I can’t believe how easy that just was” thank you thank you thank you!” - Molly
“Molly and I are now both hooked on safari so I suspect there is more of that in our own future as well.” - Phil
Tired of waiting for a trip to Africa?
The bush sells itself and we can’t take credit for that; we just want to show people what’s going on behind the scenes... because it truly is spectacular.
Want some inspiration for your next adventure? Watch the latest films on our website to explore the exhilarating and one-of-a-kind wonders of this continent we love.
Immersive travel takes you deep into a country’s culture. Not only does it enrich your travel experience, but it also changes the way you think as you truly understand different ways of life and reasons behind rituals. Learning about and respecting the beautiful ethnicities across African countries is something YPA embraces in our travel planning.
Interested in experiencing the diverse cultures of Africa? Contact us now for a customized itinerary.
One thing all animals have in common, is motherly instinct. We see it in the wild and we see it in humans. It’s the biological drive to protect and care for their young, and it is beautiful to watch how each species carries it out in unique ways.
Cheetahs are among the most protective over their young, purring and grooming their cubs to show their warmth and security.
Here’s to mothers of all kinds today, wild and tame, on this international Mother’s Day.
Our time in Cape Town with the YPA team has kicked off with a bang! From bike rides along the Sea Point promenade to the cultural immersion of making samoosas in the Bo Kaap, our first days have been packed with adventure and team fun. And ziplining? Talk about an adrenaline rush that brought us even closer together.
Now we’re excited about the rest of the week at We Are Africa - starting today.
Did you know that despite their reputation as aquatic animals, hippos can often be found venturing far from the water? These massive creatures, weighing up to 3,000 kilograms, roam the savannas and grasslands, grazing on vegetation during the cooler evenings and nights. It’s quite a sight to see these ‘river horses’ exploring on the land and we saw them on our recent trips in Botswana and Kenya.
If you’re ready to experience hippos in their natural habitat, then shoot us an email and start planning a safari with us: [email protected]
The perks of planning ahead...
Top of the list is availability. Organising the trip in advance secures the exact dates you’re looking for and ensures that the activities in each location coincide with the dates of your booking. Let’s make the trip perfect.
Also... the further in advance you book, the longer your family can “look forward” to the trip, and we know that is the best part.
If you’re ready to start planning your safari, get in touch with us - [email protected]
Meet Caig, the LARGEST tusker in Amboseli, Kenya...
The easternmost part of the Kimana Corridor, is an area visited by Amboseli’s biggest bull elephants, known as tuskers.
This special area, supported by the Big Life Conservation Group, is like a bustling wildlife highway, connecting Amboseli National Park with Chyulu Hills and Tsavo. It’s not just a corridor; it’s a lifeline for animals, providing access to new grazing areas, water sources during droughts, and opportunities for breeding and genetic diversity. Plus, it’s a boon for local communities, with hundreds of Masai rangers finding meaningful employment in safeguarding this precious land.
YPA proudly supports the Big Life Foundation’s tireless efforts to preserve this vital gateway to nature’s wonders.
Thinking of a Christmas safari? - subscribe to our newsletter to find out our top reasons why you should plan your safari ahead of time.
We love round-ups and here’s one with our top five experiences for a Kenya safari with children - tried & tested, and certain to delight and inspire young adventurers!
📍Breakfast with the giraffes at Giraffe Manor. Or, for those on a budget, a visit to the next door Giraffe Centre where you can walk along the boardwalk and feed giraffes right out of the palm of your hand.
📍The Warrior Games (at Kalepo). Get involved with spear throwing and test your jumping skills with some fashionable Samburu Warriors after they’ve finished a day’s work.
📍Game drives in the Northern Masai Mara. Away from the main game reserve, we found so many other children on safari with their parents. It seems like the animals are used to the noises of children and generally unphased by their presence. We encountered both lion and leopard while on safari game drives.
📍Private charters. Flying by private charter between lodges makes transit fun and saves so much time. Plus, you can see wildlife such as elephants and rhinos from the air and depending on where you are going, a scenic flight by Mt Kilimanjaro or Mt Kenya might be on the way.
📍Swimming. Nick & Ashley’s daughter loves to play in the pool and there are many camps and lodges with either en-suite or central pools. On safari there is generally down time in the middle of the day and an afternoon swim is always a hit.
We’ve noticed a trend among our clients: the desire to immerse themselves in one place. One of our recent itineraries was a perfect deep dive into the heart of Rwanda on a 12-day adventure and our clients loved it. From vibrant Kigali to chimp treks in Nyungwe Forest, encountering the Big Five in Akagera, and the highlight of a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park - it’s a trip like no other.
Check out the full itinerary on our ‘What We Love’ blog.
If you have dreams of waking up to the sun rising over the Zambezi River. If you’re a traveler seeking tranquility, pampering, and a little adventure. If the sound of hippos snorting in the river next to your private suite is something that makes your heart race. Then surrender yourself to a few days of bliss at - one of our favorite small tented camps in Zimbabwe. Contact our team to find out more about adding this property to a Zimbabwe itinerary.
Leopards are notorious for being timid and mysterious, that’s what makes seeing these glamorous cats so spectacular in the wild!
We’ve crafted an itinerary, spanning across South Africa visiting two hand picked locations known for their encounters with big cats specifically.
After a luxury stay in Cape Town or Johannesburg, one flight will take you to South Africa’s Kalahari Desert. During your 4 night stay, you’ll be captivated by the dramatic landscapes, and what’s more, seeing the African cats in action… in their territory.
Next, you’ll head over to the Sabi Sands private game reserve. Another 4 nights in this wildlife-rich location will get you up close to the Big Five.
Your itinerary will hit the spot for what interests you. Game drives, exciting guided walks, horseback riding, heart-warming community visits, and ancient archaeological sites are all in store.
We want to give you the full African experience, while adventurous, we can assure you all of the above will be done in true YPA style. This luxurious trip promises memories for a lifetime.
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Hop over to one of our newest reels. 🐧 The beautiful Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town's most visited beaches and the only place in the world where you can be up close to African Penguins. Just one of the many reasons why we love Cape Town, this adventure ticks the cuteness box ✔️ 🎥 @edeniweiss #yourprivatafrica #travelthatconnects #travelafrica #bouldersbeach #penguinsafari #southafricatravel #wanderlust
If you dream of going on safari and coming face-to-face with big cats of all kinds, we've got just the right itinerary for you! Hop over to our website and get inspired; we'll plan the rest. Link in bio. #yourprivatafrica #travelthatconnects #africansafari #bigcats
Tucked into 160,000 acres of private wilderness next to the Kruger National Park, here you’ll find @sabisabireserve EarthLodge: high on contemporary style and ultra sensitive to the environment. We love it because it’s the spot where Nick proposed to Ashley 📍South Africa Top Highlights: 13 luxe suites each with private plunge pool, an outdoor boma with walls sculpted from tree roots, and a dining area overlooking a watering hole where you can sit back and watch game pass by. Insider tip: make sure to book a pamper at the Amani Spa. Take time out in the Zen meditation garden. You’ll feel oh-so far away from the real world. #yourprivatafrica #travelthatconnects #southafricasafari #sabisabi #earthlodgesabisabi #krugernationalpark #travelsouthafrica
Among the many activities that come with safari in Botswana, quad biking is one of our favorites. You’ll want to check this adventure off your bucket-list: quad-biking across the salt-crusted pans of the Makgadikgadi. It’s exhilarating! #yourprivateafrica #travelthatconnects #bucketlistadventures #botswanasafari
It’s about connections. We see how travel connects us - to ourselves, to the natural world, and that’s meaningful #yourprivateafrica #travelthatconnects #africansafari
We spend several months a year on the African continent, staying connected and informed to ensure we plan the most uniquely crafted adventure that is just right for you. Link in bio to read more about our growing YPA team. #yourprivateafrica #africatravelspecialists #travelthatconnects
We did it! Our new YPA website is now live and we can’t wait to share it with you. It celebrates 2 decades of experience living and working in, and traveling to Africa so we can ultimately ensure that your safari is guaranteed to be seamless and memorable. #yourprivateafrica #travelthatconnects #africatravelspecialist
Mindy Roberts, @white.desert.antarctica CMO, back from Antarctica, shares her top 3 activities that are a must-do for explorers to this unique part of the world: - do one thing that pushes you out of your comfort zone, maybe even scares you slightly. It’s exhilarating - make sure to see the Emperor penguins. You’ll be amazed at how those little chicks survive in that wild climate - and walk through the ice tunnels. The colors and sounds under tons of water and ice are surreal! DM us for more info on how to make your dream trip to Antarctica a reality. #antarctica #epicadventure #yourprivateafrica #responsibletravel
A place of isolation, iridescent blues, miles of water and ice, and where barely no rain has fallen for 1000s of years…this is Antarctica. We asked our friend Mindy Roberts, CMO at White Desert, to tell us first hand about what it’s like to experience the coldest desert on earth. “The most incredible thing when there’s no wind is the absolute silence. No trees, only a few birds, no hum of technology. We want people to come and see this part of the world, and be moved by the experience so they can talk to others about preserving these pure places.” We’ll post more about Mindy’s trip, so stay tuned 🎥 @mindy.jade.roberts #Antarctica #whitedesertantarctica #yourprivateafrica #responsibletravel #bucketlistadventures
One of the exciting things that happened at YPA last year was that we grew! We now have team members located from Cape Town to Durban in South Africa and Laikipia, Kenya to Kirkland, Washington in the USA, everyone adding skills to make your travel experience all the more seamless. We’d love to introduce you to the team, so stay tuned to our stories over the next few days to meet everyone. #yourprivateafrica #travelthatconnects #africansafari #africatravelspecialist
Obsessed with villas…and it’s a growing trend for 2022. We scouted out the best of the private houses in Kenya during our last trip and love the diversity of what we saw, each making multigenerational family travel to remote African destinations more accessible. This one: @arijiju with a courtyard that transports you to another world #yourprivateafrica #travelthatconnects #hiddengems #magicalkenya
Obsessed with villas…and it’s a growing trend for 2022. We scouted out the best of the private houses in Kenya during our last trip and love the diversity of what we saw, each making multigenerational family travel to remote African destinations more accessible. This one: @arijiju with a courtyard that transports you to another world #yourprivateafrica #travelthatconnects #hiddengems #magicalkenya
If you've ever asked yourself why you should travel now, this is for you. This is the time to show up for the people protecting the world's most wild places and Africa is waiting to be explored. #yourprivateafricafilms #YourPrivateAfrica #TravelThatConnects
Time to unwind and here’s the view we’re thinking of. @xigeralodge located in the watery wonderland of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, took our breath away but what we fell in love with most was the level of thoughtfulness and attention to detail. We attribute that to happy staff. The lodge employs 120 people to service 12 individually designed suites. Not only does that impressive guest-to-staff ratio make the lodge an absolute YPA favorite, but it’s especially admirable from a job creation point of view in a very rural area. #sustainable tourism #yourprivateafrica 📍Moremi Game Reserve, #botswana 📸 @ashbay
Whatever the weekend looks like for you hope it’s a good one #yourprivateafrica #travelthatconnects 🎥 @hafeez_floris @thatcapetownkid
Whatever the weekend looks like for you hope it’s a good one #yourprivateafrica #travelthatconnects 🎥 @hafeez_floris @thatcapetownkid
Whatever the weekend looks like for you hope it’s a good one #yourprivateafrica #travelthatconnects 🎥 @hafeez_floris @thatcapetownkid
Good news ✨ Flying to Africa keeps getting easier. British Airways is starting up daily flights again to Cape Town from November 1 so that means more options for your safari. We know each country’s requirements, logistics of transiting between African countries and back home, Covid tests, best routes, and how to create an incredible and fun experience amidst these extraordinary times. This is when having a well-connected and trusted travel planner is essential. When you’re ready, we’ll be here. #yourprivateafrica
Good news ✨ Flying to Africa keeps getting easier. British Airways is starting up daily flights again to Cape Town from November 1 so that means more options for your safari. We know each country’s requirements, logistics of transiting between African countries and back home, Covid tests, best routes, and how to create an incredible and fun experience amidst these extraordinary times. This is when having a well-connected and trusted travel planner is essential. When you’re ready, we’ll be here. #yourprivateafrica
Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?
Your Private Africa designs and implements uniquely crafted adventures, honeymoons, family explorations, special requests and events in Africa’s most spectacular destinations. Private aircraft charters, exclusive camps and lodges, and specialized private guides are hallmarks of our safaris. We are skilled at creative, personalized luxury travel experiences that capture our client’s dreams and aspirations.
Nick has been planning custom safaris for over a decade for a variety of clients, from the budget conscious to the no limits traveler, and everyone in between. Nick got his start as a junior guide at a lodge in South Africa right out of school and then worked for several adventure travel and luxury tour operators before founding Your Private Africa with his wife and business partner Ashley.
