To the Ends of the Earth: What It Takes to Be a Luxury Travel Designer

There’s luxury travel. And then there’s Anywhere in Africa Safaris travel. The kind that feels effortless, where every tiny detail has already been thought through before you even think to ask. But behind that calm perfection is a team who will go to the ends of the earth - and sometimes quite literally across it - to make sure every moment of your journey is flawless.

Being a luxury travel designer isn’t just about knowing which lodge has the best view or the finest wine cellar. Oh no. That’s the “easy” part. It’s about listening, anticipating, and creating comfort in the most extraordinary places on Earth. 

The Case of the Silk Hangers and the Bath with a View

Take the guest who arrived at a five-star hotel only to discover the wardrobe bar was too high for her to reach. And shock horror, the hangers were not silk. Within the hour, it had been lowered, her hangers replaced with silk-covered ones, and - after a long day of travel - a warm bath was drawn, complete with bubbles personally poured by our Kirsty. 

Delayed Flights, Private Jets, and a Quick Decision

Then there was the family whose international flight delay caused them to miss their connecting transfer. When offered an alternative on a domestic airline, they politely refused - they preferred to fly privately. But transferring funds internationally would have taken too long, and they risked missing the start of their safari experience.

So, without hesitation, Anywhere in Africa Safaris personally paid for a private jet to ensure they made it to their next destination on time. The family reimbursed her later, of course - but in that moment, what mattered most was keeping their journey seamless, stress-free, and true to our promise: that nothing is ever too much trouble.

When the Teen Wanted to Go Home

Sometimes, it’s about handling the unexpected - like the family whose eldest teen son decided, halfway through their safari, that he wanted to go home and wasn’t impressed with the gorilla trek or seeing “yet another” rhino. Within hours, we’d arranged an early departure, a guardian for his flight, and seamless adjustments for the rest of the family’s itinerary. The adventure carried on without a hitch.

The Wild Coast and the Missing Medication

And then there was the couple who arrived on the Wild Coast of South Africa - a region known more for its raw beauty than its nearby conveniences - only to realize they’d left their prescription medication at home. Within two hours, Kirsty had arranged for a doctor’s note to be sent to the lodge manager, who personally drove to the nearest town and returned with the medication in hand. For that couple, it wasn’t just a relief - it was proof that they were in the safest hands, even in the wildest corners of Africa.

Boots, Gorillas, and a Race Against Sunrise

Perhaps one of our most memorable rescues was during a gorilla trekking trip in Uganda. A couple, eager for their once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the mountain gorillas, realized upon arrival that they’d left their hiking boots back in Cape Town, the city they visited before flying North. In remote rainforest terrain, that could have meant missing the trek altogether. Instead, a local partner sourced and delivered the right boots before sunrise - and by dawn, they were on their way to stand among giants in the mist.

Luxury Meets Real Life: The Multi-Generational Safari

Then there was the multi-generational family, and perhaps this dynamic resonates with you? As is often the case, the grandparents who’d worked hard and now wanted the best of everything, had the big bucks. But their adult children who had a pair of adventurous young grandchildren in tow, couldn’t compete with the budget. Yet, they all dreamed of sharing a safari together. It seemed impossible for everyone to stay in one lodge.

Kirsty, of course, made it work. She carefully selected two neighboring lodges - one ultra-luxurious for the grandparents, and one more relaxed and family-friendly for the grandkids. She coordinated shared game drives, dinners under the stars, and family picnics in the bush so they could experience the magic of Africa together - without anyone compromising on comfort. It was, as one of them later said, “the perfect balance of togetherness and breathing space.”

The Art of Thoughtful Travel

At Anywhere in Africa Safaris, we believe true luxury isn’t about extravagance. It’s about thoughtfulness. It’s in the unseen details, the calm amid chaos, and the miles we’ll travel to ensure your journey unfolds exactly as it should.

Because when we say we’ll take you anywhere in Africa, we mean it - every horizon, every heartbeat, every dream.

And as for Roddy, Kirsty’s life partner, who’d love nothing more than a quiet weekend fishing “at the river,” he’s learned that being with a luxury travel designer means you’re never really out of office - and there’s certainly no such thing as “no signal!” But then again, he knows better than anyone: when Africa calls, Kirsty always answers.