Meet the Visionaries Behind African Luxury Escapes

Januss and Lukas, lifelong friends and founders, share a passion for African elegance, hidden gems, and curating one-of-a-kind travel experiences designed for discerning explorers across the globe.

About Januss Engelbrecht

Co-Founder, African Luxury Escapes

Januss Engelbrecht is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for crafting unforgettable experiences rooted in the natural beauty and refined elegance of Southern Africa. With a proven track record in building successful businesses and a deep understanding of high-end client expectations, Januss co-founded African Luxury Escapes to deliver world-class, bespoke travel experiences for discerning travelers.

Before launching African Luxury Escapes, Januss spent years as a corporate pilot, flying high net worth individuals to some of the most exclusive and luxurious destinations across Africa and beyond. This rare vantage point not only gave him firsthand insight into the luxury lifestyle, but also a deep appreciation for the level of service, discretion, and detail that affluent travelers expect. His experience in private aviation uniquely positions him to anticipate the needs of elite clientele and to deliver a seamless, elevated journey from start to finish.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Januss brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, marketing expertise, and an innate appreciation for luxury. His personal love for the Garden Route and Cape Town’s breathtaking landscapes has inspired a curated journey that redefines what it means to explore Africa in style.

With African Luxury Escapes, Januss is focused on more than just luxury—it’s about privacy, authenticity, and access to the most exclusive corners of the continent, all while ensuring every detail is meticulously handled for the most seamless experience imaginable.

About Lukas Oelz

Co-Founder, African Luxury Escapes

With a lifelong passion for exploration and an eye for the extraordinary, I’ve spent years traveling the world, working across continents, and curating unforgettable experiences for discerning international guests. From piloting aircraft as a fully qualified commercial pilot to diving deep as a certified rescue scuba diver, I’ve lived a life shaped by adventure, precision, and a deep appreciation for the finer things.

My career in luxury hospitality and multiple successful businesses has given me an intimate understanding of what high-end clients truly expect—and more importantly, what they deserve. I believe the magic lies in the last 1%, the smallest details that elevate a trip from excellent to unforgettable. No request is too large, no standard too high.

Over the past several years, I’ve personally visited and vetted every one of our partner lodges in South Africa, forming trusted, first-name relationships with their teams. This hands-on approach means our guests receive not just access, but access with a connection—ensuring a seamless and elevated journey from start to finish.

Having planned complex international itineraries for elite clients across the globe, my focus is now where my heart is: creating once-in-a-lifetime escapes in the country I’m proud to call home. With African Luxury Escapes, you're not just booking a trip—you're unlocking the very best of South Africa, curated by someone who knows the landscape, the people, and the possibilities like no one else.