Luxury Journeys in Southern Africa.
Personally designed safari journeys, luxury villas and curated escapes across Southern Africa. Founder-led, from first enquiry to final night.
Awaken to the wild.
Every itinerary is built around the traveller. Remarkable destinations, hand-picked lodges and seamless logistics, brought together into a safari that is entirely your own.
Owner-led by Shaun Ritson, with first-hand relationships across Southern Africa's leading reserves and lodges.
Why book through a specialist
Structure and coordination, from enquiry to the final transfer.
- 01
Consultation
A detailed conversation on travel style, interests, timing and budget — before a single lodge is suggested.
- 02
Itinerary design
Lodges and experiences hand-selected and sequenced so every leg of the journey works together.
- 03
Refinement
We adjust together until it’s exactly right, with access to rates rarely available direct.
- 04
In-journey support
Reservations, logistics and pre-travel preparation handled — with support throughout your trip.
Beyond the safari
From the Cape Coast to the Drakensberg.
The magic of South Africa reaches far past the bush. A hand-picked collection of luxury accommodation across Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, our coastline and the Drakensberg — added seamlessly to your itinerary.
Add to your luxury African experience
Let’s plan your journey
“I personally design and oversee every journey — combining first-hand experience with relationships built over years”
Shaun Ritson
Founder, Ritson Safaris
Frequently Asked Questions
Why book through you instead of directly with the Lodge?
Beyond securing the right lodges, I bring structure and coordination to your entire journey. Once you've arrived in South Africa, I'll plan your local transfers, travel timings, and the order of your destinations — designing an itinerary where every component works seamlessly together. That's a smoother, more enjoyable experience than booking each element independently.
And it won't cost you more. My rates match what you'd pay booking directly with the lodge — there's no added markup. In fact, thanks to my relationships with many of the lodges and travel partners, I'm often able to offer special rates that aren't available to the public, so in some cases you'll pay less.
How do I get started?
Simply reach out via the enquiry form or schedule a call.
From there, I’ll take the time to understand your travel style, interests, and timing before crafting a tailored proposal designed specifically around you.
What is the planning process?
Every journey begins with a detailed consultation. I then design a curated itinerary, selecting lodges and experiences that align with your preferences.
We refine this together until it’s exactly right, after which I manage all reservations, logistics, and pre-travel preparation—ensuring everything is seamless from start to finish.
What makes you different?
Ritson Safaris is entirely founder-led. I personally design and oversee every journey, combining first-hand safari experience with trusted lodge relationships to create thoughtful, seamless itineraries that go beyond the standard offering.
What does a typical safari cost?
Costs vary depending on the level of luxury, destinations, and time of year. As a guideline, most journeys range from $250 to $2,500+ per person, per night, including accommodation, meals, game drives, and guiding.
I’ll tailor recommendations to align with your budget while ensuring exceptional value.
Do you provide support while we travel?
Absolutely! I remain available throughout your journey, monitoring your trip and providing assistance whenever needed. You travel with the reassurance that someone who knows your itinerary inside and out is always on hand.