Australians who’ve always dreamed of snapping a lion mid-yawn or capturing the elusive leopard lurking in the shadows of the savannah – camera or iPhone in hand – are in for an absolute treat. Luxury Escapes, that ever-so-savvy purveyor of plush globetrotting, has launched its first African safari as part of its Signature Series. And leading the charge? None other than celebrated wildlife photographer and National Geographic mainstay, Jason Edwards.
The nine-day Southern Africa expedition, set to depart in April 2026, is more than your average safari with a camera tossed into the glovebox. Oh no. This one’s the real deal – a hands-on, eye-opening, memory-making masterclass in wildlife photography led by a man who’s stalked the wild through the lenses of BBC Wildlife, Condé Nast Traveler, and The New Yorker. And yes, you’ll have front-row seats to the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards. Don’t forget to pack extra memory cards.
“This is not just a trip. It’s a transformation,” says Adam Schwab, Co-Founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, whose Signature Series already reads like a who’s-who of celebrity jaunts – think MasterChef legends Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan or golfing guru Nick O’Hern. “Each Signature Series is about tapping into something special – a shared passion. This one brings together the thrill of the wild with the skill of the lens.”
South Africa Tour
Indeed, for the 22 lucky travellers who snag a spot, this isn’t just a scenic safari drive. It’s a roaming workshop across three of Southern Africa’s most iconic natural sites: South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls (yes, the thundering one), and Botswana’s famed Chobe River Front. And if that doesn’t quite quench your thirst for wild beauty, you can always tack on the optional add-on to Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta – arguably one of the last truly untouched animal kingdoms.
Edwards, who’s more than a dab hand with a DSLR, couldn’t be more thrilled. “Southern Africa is one of the most visually stunning places on Earth. Its animals take your breath away,” he says. “I can’t wait to help fellow safari adventurers see it – and photograph it – in a new light.”
And rest assured, this experience isn’t just for those wielding a $12,000 telephoto lens. Whether you’re rocking a smartphone or a trusty Canon, you’ll be coached on how to frame the moment and find the magic in motion.
With Luxury Escapes’ Signature Series, famed for limited places, the exclusivity factor is real. Just 22 spots are available, with prices starting at $14,499 per person, or $13,999 for LuxPlus+ members. That price tag includes international Qantas flights – a touch of homegrown flair to kick things off – and a front-row seat to what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure.
It’s a brilliant move from Luxury Escapes, which has made a name for itself offering not just holidays, but heart-racing, story-worthy experiences. This African journey marks a bold expansion into immersive, niche travel – the kind that lingers in the memory and, more importantly, the photo album.
As Edwards prepares to trade the conference stage for the veldt, and guests prepare to go from passive observers to wildlife auteurs, one thing’s certain: this isn’t just another tour. It’s a wild, glorious adventure waiting to be framed.
More details and bookings: Luxury Escapes Signature Series.
By Bridget Gomez
