Elite Traveler HRS 2024

DISCOVER

Below K9 Jets is the world’s fi rst pay-per-seat private charter service — for pets

elite traveler HOTELS, RESORTS &SPAS2024 26

Aviation by Samantha Coles

THEJETPET

It’s no secret that flying privately has many advantages, from increased comfort to time efficiency. Private aviation can also make a stressful situation much less so — for example, if you are relocating and need to consider how to bring any four-legged members of the family along. While some airlines do allow pets to travel alongside their owners, the majority are placed in the cargo hold, which is distressing for both pet and owner. That’s where K9 comes in. The punnily named K9 Jets is the world’s first pay-per-seat private charter service — for pets. For around the same price as a first-class ticket, pets and owners can expect ‘VIP’ (Very Important Pets) service. No cages or queues, and the pet will always fly in the cabin with its owner. The K9 Jets team will handle all aspects of the journey, including veterinary certificates and in-flight comfort and safety. Since launching, the company has helped a number of families — including one from Germany that flew with 12 dogs. K9 Jets currently offers routes between London and New Jersey, East and West Coast America, Paris and New Jersey, and New Jersey and Lisbon with prices starting at £7,300 ($8,925), which includes one pet and taxes. Further European routes are set to be included so pets can join you on vacation.

sizable donation to Animal SOS Sri Lanka, one of the largest sanctuaries in the world that helps an estimated three million street animals. k9jets.com

For every flight carried out, K9 Jets has pledged to offset the carbon produced, which is automatically included in the price. After each journey, the company also makes a

Safari is in its own class of vacation — an enriching, one-of-a-kind experience. Even if you return to the exact same camp year over year, you’ll likely have an entirely different adventure. But, visiting multiple places will maximize wildlife viewing. Usually, this would require some intense planning — or you could hop on board the Emirates A319 private jet and visit Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and Rwanda in one epic journey. The trip, a partnership between Emirates and Roar Africa, takes place September 11-24, 2024, and begins in Dubai. Guests will fly on the custom-made jet, which can host only 10 travelers. On board, there are 10 private suites, a Awildride

Inside the Emirates A319 private jet

private shower spa and powder room, and a lounge that acts as a communal gathering place or dining area. Notable stops on the itinerary include Zimbabwe’s Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, famous for its colorful Masa trees, ancient rock art sites and elusive black rhino population. Staying at Singita Pamushana, you’ll meet the 120-person anti-poaching team that is composed entirely of ex-poachers — an inspiring and successful project. At South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve, spend a few nights at Singita Ebony Lodge. Head out on guided game drives and bush walks to search for leopards. The third stop is Tanzania’s vast Grumeti

A cheetah and her cubs

Reserve, adjacent to Serengeti National Park. Staying at Singita’s Sasakwa Lodge, spend days seeking the Big Five. The final stop includes a trek with Rwanda’s last mountain gorillas underneath the ancient forest canopy of Volcanoes National Park. $125,000 per person. Contact welcome@roarafrica.com, +1 855 666 7627, roarafrica.com

Photos Paul Clarke, Joshua Holko, Rockford Draper, Roar Africa