Roar Africa
Roar Africa is a privately held, female-founded luxury safari operator that designs and sells bespoke ultra-luxury African itineraries (private jet journeys, expeditions, retreats, exclusive villas) to high-net-worth individuals, family groups, and female travelers across 12 African countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Roar Africa does
Roar Africa is a privately held, female-founded luxury safari travel operator headquartered in Miami Beach, Florida, with operations spanning 12 sub-Saharan African countries and select extensions into Antarctica. The company designs and sells bespoke, ultra-luxury African travel experiences to high-net-worth individuals, family groups, and female travelers, with curated itineraries priced from approximately $23,850 to $187,500 per person. Its product portfolio includes flagship multi-country private jet journeys (The Greatest Safari on Earth aboard the Emirates Executive A319), specialist expeditions (Kilimanjaro climbs, Antarctica extensions, David Whyte-hosted Kenya safaris), Women's Empowerment Retreats, and the ROAR VILLAS exclusive-use luxury accommodation brand.
The company is differentiated by deep generational domain expertise (founder Deborah Calmeyer with 11 generations of African heritage), a 95% female all-African team, and exclusive access arrangements with premier safari properties (Singita, Royal Malewane, Cheetah Plains) and the Emirates Executive private jet service. Its technology footprint is a content-and-inquiry-driven web platform (built on Sanity CMS) supporting high-touch, direct-to-consumer sales via phone, email, and bespoke inquiry forms; there is no disclosed proprietary AI or data infrastructure, with the moat residing in human expertise and curated inventory rather than software.
Commercially, Roar Africa operates a direct-to-consumer sales motion with inquiry-based selling, no third-party resellers, and a portfolio of high-margin, one-time-purchase luxury itineraries plus exclusive-use villa bookings. The business is bootstrapped and founder-controlled, with no disclosed institutional funding, no parent company, and an 11–50 employee team. Revenue is generated per booking with multi-week to multi-year planning cycles, supported by earned media in Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes, Robb Report, Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, and National Geographic, and by conservation partnerships (Wild Africa Fund, Save the Elephants, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, The Zeitz Foundation) that reinforce a purpose-driven brand narrative.
Roar Africa firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Roar Africa
- Legal name
- ROAR AFRICA, LLC
- Website
- https://roarafrica.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Roar Africa is a privately held, female-founded luxury safari operator that designs and sells bespoke ultra-luxury African itineraries (private jet journeys, expeditions, retreats, exclusive villas) to high-net-worth individuals, family groups, and female travelers across 12 African countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Roar Africa industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Luxury Travel Services
- NAICS
- Tour Operators (56152), Tour Operators (561520), Travel Agencies (56151), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land (48711)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Safari & Wildlife Travel Agencies (THAKAFAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Multi-Activity & Expedition Packages (Guided Adventure Trips) (THAJABAL), Adventure & Expedition Custom Itinerary Planning (THAKAOAC), Private Adventure & Expedition Experiences (Custom Hikes, Safaris, Backcountry) (THAJALAG), Safari & Wilderness Luxury Resorts (THAGACAD)
Keywords
Where Roar Africa is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Roar Africa business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Luxury Safari Package Tours: Pre-designed specialist trips including The Greatest Safari on Earth (multi-country private jet journey), Women's Empowerment Retreats, Kilimanjaro climbs, and David Whyte-hosted safaris. These packaged experiences range from $23,850 to $187,500 per person.
- Custom Private Jet Safaris: Bespoke Emirates Executive Private Jet journeys tailored to individual client preferences, exclusively priced for each departure
- ROAR VILLAS Accommodation: Curated luxury villa properties across Africa (Safari Villas, Winelands, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles) offered as accommodation components or standalone luxury stays
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | The Greatest Safari on Earth - Multi-country Emirates Private Jet Journey |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Journey to the Summit - Kilimanjaro Climb |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Women's Empowerment Retreat - Tanzania |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Wild Heart Clear Mind - Kenya Safari with David Whyte |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | A Journey to Earth's Greatest Contrasts |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Private Jet Safaris |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Roar Africa product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Roar Africa designs and sells bespoke luxury African safari experiences, including flagship private jet journeys aboard an Emirates Executive A319, specialist hosted trips (Kilimanjaro climbs, wellness retreats with David Whyte), women's empowerment retreats, and curated private villa accommodations across sub-Saharan Africa. Offerings are priced per person and range from approximately $23,850 to $187,500, with fully customized itineraries also available. The company operates a direct-to-consumer, high-touch sales model with personalized itinerary design and white-glove service from initial consultation through departure.
Product overview
ROAR AFRICA is a female-founded and led luxury safari company offering a portfolio of high-end travel experiences across Africa. The core offering is luxury African safari itineraries complemented by specialist curated trips including private jet journeys, mountain expeditions, women's empowerment retreats, and wellness-focused journeys. The ROAR VILLAS brand provides exclusive-use luxury villa accommodations across diverse African destinations. Together, these products serve affluent travelers seeking transformative, high-touch African experiences with emphasis on conservation, women's empowerment, and authentic cultural immersion.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ROAR VILLAS: Luxury African villa accommodations offering handpicked private villas in remote wilderness areas with dedicated butler, chef, and guide services for longer stays and exclusive experiences.
Products and services
- The Greatest Safari on Earth A flagship 12-day luxury safari journey exploring Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya, and Rwanda aboard the Emirates Executive Private Jet, with hand-picked guides and unbridled luxury. Priced at $175,000 per person for 2026 and $187,500 per person for 2027.
- Custom Private Jet Safaris Fully customized Emirates Executive A319 private jet journeys tailored to individual client preferences, allowing families and private groups to explore Africa's iconic landscapes with privileged access. Priced exclusively per departure.
- Journey to the Summit (Kilimanjaro Climb) A Kilimanjaro climbing expedition in Tanzania via the Machame Route with luxury accommodations, offering a high-comfort approach to summiting Africa's highest peak. Priced at $31,500 per person sharing, with a December 7-15, 2026 departure.
- Women's Empowerment Retreat A retreat journeying to Tanzania and the Grumeti Reserve, connecting participants with female leaders in women's empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship. Led by Founder & CEO Deborah Calmeyer, priced at $23,850 per person sharing for the January 10-15, 2027 departure.
- Wild Heart Clear Mind: A Safari in Kenya with David Whyte An immersive safari retreat in Kenya co-hosted by Founder & CEO Deborah Calmeyer and philosopher/zoologist David Whyte, combining wildlife encounters, wellbeing, and poetic wisdom. Priced at $27,750 per person sharing for the June 3-8, 2027 departure.
- A Journey to Earth's Greatest Contrasts A multi-destination journey covering Namibia's desert dunes, Cape Town's coastal beauty, and Antarctica's untouched polar landscapes, offering exceptional comfort and safety. Priced at $124,000 per person sharing.
- ROAR VILLAS A curated collection of exclusive-use private luxury villas across Africa including properties in Safari regions (Castleton, Africa House, Mapogo House), Winelands (Delaire Graff Owners Villa), Zimbabwe (Malilangwe House, Matetsi River House), Tanzania (Serengeti House), Kenya (Segera House), Rwanda (Kataza House), and Seychelles (North Island, Six Senses Zil Pasyon). Each villa offers dedicated staff, private guides, and access to Africa's most extraordinary landscapes.
- Luxury African Safaris Handcrafted bespoke luxury safari itineraries and personalized travel experiences across Africa, covering destinations such as Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Each itinerary is custom-designed with complete logistics management.
Quantifiable outcome
- Women-only tours industry has seen 230% increase in companies catering specifically to women
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Roar Africa
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Roar Africa technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Roar Africa partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Wild Africa FundcoreConservation partner focused on protecting wildlife and wild spaces across Africa. ROAR AFRICA chooses to partner exclusively with organizations that echo their conservation and community values.
- Save the ElephantscoreElephant conservation organization; ROAR AFRICA supports through responsible tourism that raises awareness and funding for elephant protection.
- Sheldrick Wildlife TrustcoreKenya-based wildlife conservation trust; orphaned elephant rescue and rehabilitation program supported through tourism partnerships.
- The Tracking AcademycoreTraining program for wildlife trackers; supports conservation through developing local expertise and employment in wildlife management.
- The Zeitz FoundationcoreConservation and community development foundation focused on sustainable tourism and wildlife protection in Africa.
- UthandominorSouth African township tourism and community development organization connecting travelers with authentic local experiences.
- SA College for TourismcoreProfessional tourism training college developing skills and employment for young Africans in the hospitality and safari industry.
- Imibala TrustminorCommunity development trust supporting education and youth development in South African communities.
- SingitacoreLuxury safari lodge operator; ROAR AFRICA curates stays at Singita properties including Castleton (Mabrabane), Singita Kwitonda Lodge (Rwanda), and Singita Pamushana (Malilangwe).
- Royal MalewanecoreLuxury safari lodge in Greater Kruger; ROAR AFRICA offers Africa House exclusive-use villa and access to Royal Malewane's wildlife experiences.
- Cheetah PlainscoreContemporary designer bush villas in Sabi Sand; ROAR AFRICA offers Mapogo House, Mvula House, and Karula House exclusive-use villas.
- Emirates ExecutivecoreExclusive-use private jet service; ROAR AFRICA designs custom Emirates Executive A319 jet safaris as signature offering for multi-country African journeys.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Roar Africa competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- &Beyond: Leading ultra-luxury safari operator across Africa and India with owned lodges and bespoke itineraries; directly competes for the same HNW clientele seeking high-touch, conservation-aligned African experiences.
- Micato Safaris: Family-owned luxury safari outfitter offering bespoke Africa itineraries at comparable price points with a similarly high-touch personalized service model and long-standing reputation.
- Wilderness Safaris: Major Africa-focused safari operator with owned camps in Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa; competes for luxury and premium travelers with conservation-driven itineraries.
- Ker & Downey Africa: Boutique luxury safari specialist curating custom African journeys for HNW travelers; directly comparable business model emphasizing bespoke itineraries and destination expertise.
Emerging players
- Singita: Owner-operator of ultra-luxury safari lodges across Africa; both a key lodging partner for Roar Africa and a partial competitor as Singita's direct booking channel grows in the same HNW segment.
- Mahlatini Luxury Travel: UK-based Africa luxury tour specialist offering custom safaris and beach holidays; competes for a similar HNW segment with strong digital marketing reach across the UK and US.
- Asilia Africa: East Africa-focused safari operator with own camps and strong conservation positioning; competes at the premium end with growing footprint in Tanzania and Kenya.
Broad incumbents
- Abercrombie & Kent: Established global luxury tour operator with a large Africa portfolio including private jet and conservation-focused itineraries; broader portfolio but directly overlaps on premium African journeys.
- Scott Dunn: Global luxury tour operator offering bespoke multi-country itineraries including Africa, with comparable pricing and direct-to-consumer high-touch service model targeting affluent families.
Others
- Black Tomato: Boutique luxury travel company specializing in bespoke experiential trips for HNW clients globally; adjacent competitor for the same clientele exploring Africa and other transformative destinations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Roar Africa social profiles
Digital presenceRoar Africa financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Roar Africa leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Roar Africa funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Roar Africa M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Roar Africa
What does Roar Africa do?
Roar Africa designs and sells bespoke luxury African safari experiences, including flagship private jet journeys aboard an Emirates Executive A319, specialist hosted trips (Kilimanjaro climbs, wellness retreats with David Whyte), women's empowerment retreats, and curated private villa accommodations across sub-Saharan Africa. Offerings are priced per person and range from approximately $23,850 to $187,500, with fully customized itineraries also available. The company operates a direct-to-consumer, high-touch sales model with personalized itinerary design and white-glove service from initial consultation through departure.
Is Roar Africa a public or private company?
Roar Africa is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Roar Africa founded?
Roar Africa was founded in 2005. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Roar Africa based?
Roar Africa is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does Roar Africa make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Luxury Safari Package Tours are the primary driver. The others are custom Private Jet Safaris and ROAR VILLAS Accommodation.
Who are Roar Africa's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are &Beyond, Micato Safaris, Wilderness Safaris and Ker & Downey Africa. Emerging players are Singita, Mahlatini Luxury Travel and Asilia Africa. Broad incumbents are Abercrombie & Kent and Scott Dunn. Black Tomato is listed as an others.
Does Roar Africa have an API?
No public API is recorded for Roar Africa.
What industry is Roar Africa in?
Roar Africa's product category is Luxury Travel Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAKAFAG, Safari & Wildlife Travel Agencies, with a secondary code of THAJABAL, Multi-Activity & Expedition Packages (Guided Adventure Trips). Its NAICS code is 56152 and its SIC code is 7900.