Abercombie & Kent is a respected name in the luxury travel industry. From humble beginnings in East Africa as a safari operator fifty years ago, it has grown over five decades to become specialists of both custom and escorted itineraries. Today they cover destinations in over 100 countries and operate out of 50 offices around the world. The head count in their offices has grown to over 2,000 professionals who know the destinations they serve inside out and provide unmatched travel experiences. Founder & Chairman Geoffrey Kent has a natural love and passion for safari as he was born while his parents were on a safari. He knows Africa very well as he grew up in Kenya. He has received rigorous training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst but he did not continue with the military service but left it to concentrate on his business full time. And the result is there for everyone to see. Abercombie & Kent is today a premium organization providing luxury travel services and is regarded highly by the industry and its customers for its five star level of service.
Celebratory Safari for the 50th Anniversary
The travel firm is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary with what else but a 50th Anniversary Safari. And the celebratory safari is going back to the roots of the company in Kenya. It is a specially designed safari that includes a visit to the famous Sheldrick elephant orphanage, exploring the pattern of the Great Migration, and a hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. Abercombie & Kent is very conscious about the environment and their Africa itineraries focus on leaving no footprint and conserving the Africa that Kent and his family knew 50 years ago. Kent is not only proud but very excited about the anniversary. He is nostalgic about the years past and the same time looking ahead and is optimistic about the future.
The Best Hotels & Destinations according to Geoffrey Kent
While talking to Forbes he listed out his favorite hotels from around the world. He has lived and traveled in Africa extensively and his first choice is the Chief’s Camp in Botswana as it offers the best game viewing in Africa. Jumeira Essex House is another favorite for its views of the Central Park and Peninsula Hong Kong for its harbor views. He loves Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro for its style and One & Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives as it offers some of the best scuba diving and wind surfing opportunities and experience. Geoffrey Kent believes that a hotel must be authentic and true to a place and its traditions. It must represent the flavor of the local culture. He is a great believer in personalized service. The staff must be capable of anticipating unexpressed desires. And finally the concierge must be highly knowledgeable. He must have good contacts at all the best places. Kent would like to promote Zambia as it is not so well known outside Africa as it has prolific wildlife. Galapagos Islands is his another favorite where you can scuba dive and literally stroll past colonies of penguins and blue-footed boobies. He likes the remote regions of China where ancient cultures still flourish. He likes Myanmar for the same reasons. Antarctica, according to him is the ultimate adventure destination and new generation cruise ships have made it accessible for general luxury travelers.
Via: forbes, abcnews.go
