Pan Am is returning to Africa, ushering in a new era of jet-set adventure where the runway ends and the bush begins. “This re-entry is about reimaging the golden age of travel for the modern explorer and Africa is the perfect canvas for that,” Craig Carter, CEO of Pan American World Airways, exclusively told Travel + Leisure.
The Sky to Safari experience is part of the airline’s Private Jet Journeys Collection of one-of-a-kind trips. This 18-night African adventure—launching in summer 2027—will span four countries. With only 42 guests, it’s an ultra-exclusive private jet journey across the continent.
The iconic airline is partnering with SafariScapes, a boutique luxury safari agency based in Texas and South Africa. “We’re creating a seamless journey from sky to savanna, where the elegance and legacy of Pan Am meet the heart, authenticity, and adventure of Africa,” Carter said of the venture.
Rovos Rail Tours
The Sky to Safari partnership gives the modern luxury safari a nostalgic twist. “This isn’t just a safari. It’s a celebration of travel’s legacy, designed for those who believe the journey should be as extraordinary as the destination,” SafariScapes CEO Debbie Frazier told T+L. “It’s not only an exploration of Africa’s wild beauty, but also a journey through time, back to the golden age of travel when elegance, discovery, and impeccable service defined every adventure.”
If you’ve dreamed of seeing lions roam the Serengeti in Tanzania, hearing the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or exploring the richly biodiverse Okavango Delta in Botswana, this could be your chance to do it all. The trip blends the nostalgia and romance of the golden age of travel with Africa’s untamed landscapes. Guests will even experience a luxurious ride aboard the famed Rovos Rail through South Africa’s stunning scenery. It’s a refined adventure—luxury in the sky, in the bush, and on the rails—for a safari experience unlike any other.
Pan Am’s history in Africa dates back to 1941, when its subsidiary Pan American–Africa (PAA Africa) flew support missions for Allied forces during World War II, with regular service beginning in 1946. This marks the airline’s first return to the continent since 1991. “Pan Am’s return to Africa is a return to the heart of travel itself, to the magic of taking flight toward the unknown, with grace, purpose, and curiosity,” Carter said.
This announcement is part of Pan Am’s broader effort to redefine modern air travel. The airline recently revealed plans for the Pan Am Hotel by Hilton in Los Angeles, slated to open in spring 2026, and a month-long voyage in October 2027 aboard Holland America’s Zuiderdam, retracing Pan Am’s legendary Clipper routes across the Caribbean and Latin America.
