July 3, 2014updated Dec 20, 2023

Completely Unique Safaris

Completely Unique Safaris (Pty) Ltd, a South African family-owned and operated company, specializing in highly customized safari experiences, announces the Safari Seven Expedition, a 16-day/15-night African conservation safari for July 2016 ending on July 18th, which was Nelson Mandela’s birthday and is now commemorated as Mandela Day in South Africa.

Unlike most African safaris, the Safari Seven Expedition will go beyond the typical “big five,” and will focus on Africa’s most endangered and elusive species including the rhino, leopard, wild dog and cheetah. Guests will have the rare opportunity to relocate, notch, collar, track, identify and actually participate in saving some of Africa’s most elusive animals. The trip will also include an intimate visit with some of Africa’s most needy orphaned and abandoned children at a village officially opened by Nelson Mandela shortly after he became president of the ‘new’ South Africa. More than 20 percent of the trip cost will be donated to select NGO’s and will be used in conservation and education initiatives going forward. The efforts of the guests on the trip will also play an invaluable role in the conservation and protection of endangered species.

“For most people the term ‘big five’ conjures up spectacular images of some of the most impressive mammals including the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. However, what they don’t often realize is that the term originated from hunting the biggest and most dangerous animals on African soil,” said Guy Ellis, chief executive officer and founder of Completely Unique Safaris (Pty) Ltd. “Over the last fifty years, the tourism industry has managed to subdue the stigma of hunting with their marketing campaigns, but the fact still remains that many wild animals face the threat of extinction. With The Safari Seven, we’re looking to educate travelers on the importance of conservation and to discourage use of a term associated with a history of persecution and hunting.”

Guy Ellis, a multi-species conservation ambassador, will personally lead The Safari Seven adventure along with a team from Completely Unique Safaris (Pty) Ltd including an on-the-ground safari coordinator, as well as a dedicated concierge. Ellis is the founder of The Leopard ID Project, the largest single central database for leopard intelligence of its kind in the world. He is considered one of the most knowledgeable leopard experts in Africa and is deeply committed to raising funds and awareness for leopard conservation. Completely Unique Safaris (Pty) Ltd fully funds and houses The Leopard Identification Project, as well as its community education and Safari Seven initiatives.

The Safari Seven Expedition will begin in South Africa and will take travelers on an in-depth wildlife exploration through South Africa and Botswana, including five different regions to remote and undiscovered expanses only known to locals, expert conservationists and skilled trackers. This customizable trip will allow visitors to see a side of Africa and species not often seen by visitors on traditional safaris. The all-inclusive 16-day/15-night expedition is priced from $425,000, per person. The trip includes private jet charter within Africa; private local guides and trackers; private open game viewing vehicles; transfers by private vehicles and helicopter; private luxury accommodations at specifically chosen exclusive partner lodges and exclusive, tented lodges; all meals and unlimited snacks and local beverages; VIP meet and greet services by Guy; Completely Unique Safaris (Pty) Ltd’s hidden secrets; laundry services and all gratuities, taxes and fees.

International airfare is not included. Additions and modifications to the itinerary can be added as desired to create a truly bespoke experience.