Founding house · 2020

Elefant Travel

Owners

Gonzalo Gimeno

Founder & CEO

África Llamas

Partner & Global Sales Director

The record

Founded

2004

Head office

Madrid, Spain

Also in

Barcelona, Spain
Medellín, Colombia

Languages

Catalan, English, Spanish

Website & contact

elefant.com.es
elefant@elefant.com.es

The house

Elefant Travel is an independent, owner-led luxury and ultra-luxury travel design house founded in Madrid in 2004 by Gonzalo Gimeno and now co-led with partner África Llamas. With offices in Madrid, Barcelona and Medellín, it is a founding house of The Alliance and the network’s only Spain-headquartered member. The agency creates fully private journeys across all seven continents for a carefully selected international clientele of individuals, couples, families and private groups.

Every journey begins with the traveler rather than a catalog, route or hotel. Elefant Travel deliberately limits the number of projects it accepts and designs each one from scratch around the client’s interests, pace, family dynamics and reasons for traveling. Its work ranges from complex multi-country itineraries and private safaris to polar expeditions, yachts, rail journeys, cultural access and milestone celebrations, with direct and discreet support before, during and after travel.

The travel design team spends more than 200 days a year in the field, testing hotels, routes and experiences and building relationships with the people who make exceptional journeys possible. This first-hand intelligence is strengthened by Revista Errante, Elefant’s independent travel publication, and Gonzalo Gimeno’s contributions to National Geographic Viajes and National Geographic Historia. For Elefant Travel, luxury is the product of knowledge, judgment, discretion and meaning: a journey made so specifically that it could not belong to anyone else.

The practice

Where they send

Antarctica, the Arctic and Remote Frontiers Expedition journeys through Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Svalbard and Patagonia, where timing, logistics and specialist knowledge are critical. Elefant designs expedition cruises, private flights, overland crossings and wilderness experiences.

Southern and East Africa Private safaris and conservation-led journeys across Southern and East Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo Basin. Each route combines outstanding wildlife, exceptional camps and specialist guides.

South America and Patagonia Journeys through Patagonia, the Andes, the Amazon and South America’s great cultural landscapes, designed around nature, history and adventure. Routes may combine remote lodges, private guides, expedition vessels, wildlife and overland travel.

Europe Beyond the Familiar Private journeys throughout Europe, from Italy and Greece to Norway, combining cultural access, historic railways, yachts, gastronomy and exceptional hotels. Elefant approaches familiar places from a new angle, guided by context and local expertise.

Japan in Depth Personal journeys through Japan, balancing its cities with rural landscapes, traditional inns, contemporary design, food and living culture. Elefant uses specialist guides and local relationships to reveal the country beyond its familiar landmarks.

Main areas of specialty

Family and Multigenerational Travel Private journeys designed around different generations, interests and rhythms, with particular experience in families traveling with teenagers and young adults. Each itinerary balances shared discovery with independence, learning and adventure.

Remote Expeditions and Private Adventure Complex journeys through polar regions, wilderness areas and remote destinations, combining specialist leadership, rigorous logistics and exceptional comfort. Arrangements may include private aircraft, yachts, expedition vessels and mobile camps.

Culture, Nature and Meaningful Access Immersive journeys shaped by archaeology, art, wildlife, gastronomy, photography and local knowledge. Elefant connects travelers with leading guides, conservationists, artists, historians and private hosts who provide genuine access and context.

Rail and Small-Ship Journeys Specialist rail journeys, expedition vessels, river cruises and intimate yachts selected for their route, character and access. Elefant builds private experiences around the voyage, creating one coherent journey before, during and after it.

In-house

In-House Travel Design Team An experienced in-house team brings first-hand knowledge, independent judgment and meticulous craftsmanship to every journey. From the first conversation to 24/7 assistance while traveling, clients receive clear guidance and exceptional personal service.

First-Hand Destination Intelligence Elefant’s travel designers spend more than 200 days each year traveling, testing hotels, routes and experiences. Recommendations are based on direct knowledge and independent judgment rather than supplier descriptions or standard itineraries.

Editorial and Cultural Expertise Revista Errante, Elefant’s independent travel publication, and the work with National Geographic bring research, cultural context and a distinctive point of view to its travel design. This helps the agency understand why a place really matters.

Complex Journey Design and Global Coordination Teams in Madrid, Barcelona and Medellín manage intricate itineraries through a trusted international network of hotels, ground partners and expedition specialists. Every element is coordinated from the initial concept through to the client’s return home.

Standing

Affiliations

The Alliance — founding house, 2020

Serandipians — Among the first Spanish agencies to join

Recognition

Top 12 Most Influential Luxury Travel Designers — Traveller Made, 2017 — the only Spanish agency on the list

Serandipians Award for Best Client Knowledge — 2017 — the first Spanish agency to win in this category

In print

El País — Un extraño entra en tu casa, husmea un poco y adivina dónde quieres ir de vacaciones

La Vanguardia — Viajes de última oportunidad: el turismo que explora el mundo condenado a desaparecer

The New York Times — Travel Agents? No. Travel 'Designers' Create Strategies, Not Trips, July 2017

Forbes — Designing Travel: How These Travel Agents Are Winning The Hearts and Wallets of The Super Rich

El País — Hacer kayak en la Antártida o ver un partido de NBA junto a Rihanna: así se diferencian los ultrarricos de los millonarios

La Vanguardia — El Ártico, islas privadas o el salar de Uyuni: los destinos imposibles de las agencias de lujo

El País — Dime cómo viajas y te diré dónde reservas

El Español — Elefant: Así es el atelier donde se diseña el viaje que no sabías que querías

From the Newsroom

30 Sep 2026 How The Alliance Began: A Network of Luxury Travel Designers It began with a few conversations at a trade show. It became a professional network of independent luxury travel agencies, founded in 2020 by Andrea Oschetti and twelve founding houses.