From Manhattan to the Serengeti: How Ascot Privé Seamlessly Managed a U.S. Family’s Protected Safari Through Dubai and Into the Wild.
- Glen Burton | Ascot Privé

- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 26

When an American family decided to pause their busy routine and explore East Africa, they didn’t want a packaged itinerary. They wanted a journey that felt considered, safe, unique to them, and free from the pressures that often accompany international travel with children.
From their refined departure in Manhattan to four nights at Dubai’s Jumeirah Al Naseem, and then on to a private safari experience in Tanzania, Ascot Privé was engaged to manage every stage behind the scenes.
Our role was simple: ensure the adventure felt exciting, not overwhelming—and deliver the entire journey with calm, structure, and complete discretion.
From the City to the Coastline: A Strategic Pause in Dubai
The family—two parents and three children—departed New York on a first-class commercial flight. Instead of pushing straight on to East Africa, they chose a deliberate transition period in Dubai.
For four nights, they stayed in a private suite at Jumeirah Al Naseem, a setting that offered space, comfort, and the right environment to reset before heading out into the wilderness.
Ascot Privé coordinated:
Airside arrival clearance and luxury transfers, avoiding congestion and ensuring a smooth entry
Suite preparations, preferences, and discreet security considerations, organised directly with hotel leadership
A balanced itinerary of light exploration, private downtime, and child-friendly activities that didn’t overwhelm the family
This wasn’t a stopover.
It was a thoughtful reset that bridged the intensity of city life with the slow rhythm of the safari ahead.
Private Charter to Arusha: Entering the Wild on Their Terms
Following their time in Dubai, the family boarded a private charter arranged and secured by Ascot Privé, flying directly to Arusha, Tanzania. Every stage—from airport coordination to border formalities—was handled quietly in the background.
Prior to departure, we had:
Conducted risk assessments on routing, aircraft operators, and aircrew
Facilitated entry procedures with redundancies built in for possible delays
Vetted the safari property, surrounding geography, and medical resources for safety, reliability, and environmental awareness
Upon arrival, they transferred to a light aircraft and landed in the northern Serengeti corridor—a remote, stunning region that can feel daunting without proper preparation. For this family, it felt effortless.
Protected, Not Watched: Support the Ascot Way
For five days, the family experienced the raw beauty of the Serengeti—lion prides in the early morning sun, plains dotted with zebra and wildebeest, and long, quiet stretches of landscape untouched by crowds.
Throughout their stay, Ascot Privé maintained a protective infrastructure that stayed invisible but effective:
Pre-arrival camp inspections and staff vetting
Satellite communication and discreet GPS linkage for quiet oversight
Medical and evacuation contingencies positioned but never required
24/7 support from our Global Desk, monitoring routes, timings, and updates as needed
Nothing interfered with the experience, but everything was accounted for.
Family First, Always
With no entourage or external staff accompanying them, the focus remained on keeping the experience natural and family-led.
Ascot ensured:
Flexible game drives, designed around the children’s interest and energy
Dietary preferences supported with high-quality, freshly sourced provisions
Custom activities including photography sessions, outdoor meals with Maasai influence, and relaxed evenings that added depth without compromising comfort
This was not luxury for show.
It was simplicity, space, and time—supported quietly from behind the curtain.
Closing the Journey: Zanzibar’s Coastal Simplicity
After the Serengeti, the family travelled to Zanzibar for a calm, coastal finish. Ascot Privé secured a high-standard villa, verified all staff, and ensured perimeter and procedural readiness before the family arrived.
For their final days, they enjoyed clear water, private beach access, sunset dinners, and the ability to fully disconnect—because every detail had already been handled.
The Real Journey
This trip wasn’t defined by the destinations alone. It was defined by trust—trust that every stage, from Manhattan to Dubai, from the savannah to the shoreline, would be managed correctly and quietly.
Ascot Privé created the space for the family to explore, connect, and enjoy each moment without distraction or uncertainty.
True adventure doesn’t require disorder.
True comfort doesn’t shout.
And true support doesn’t need attention.
It simply makes everything work.
___
Glen Burton
Chief Executive Officer
For confidential inquiries or to learn more about how Ascot Privé can support you, your family, or your organisation, please contact:
New York: (+1) 646 499 3680
Abu Dhabi: (+971) 52 726 4101
Ascot Privé is a global advisory firm built around four integrated pillars — Risk Consulting & Advisory, Protective Support & Integration, Training & Readiness, and Stress Testing & Assessments. We deliver discreet, expert led support across residence, travel, and business, and remain trusted for our oversight at high-level events worldwide.



