We have spent the last 18 months studying hard as part of Abercrombie & Kent's Africa University. Select Travel Advisors across North America were chosen to participate and we have just successfully graduated (with a pretty high GPA) as Abercrombie & Kent Africa Specialists. The intense course covered 10 countries in East and Southern Africa and we now have a detailed knowledge of the parks, properties and logistics of each country - Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It covered the logistics, accommodations, experiences and routings of some of the world’s best and most exclusive safari encounters.
Does this mean we only offer A&K Africa itineraries? Absolutely not. We have a host of wonderful suppliers, and we listen to our clients very carefully in order to find the right fit. We even have a phenomenal local supplier, Hills of Africa, who craft and personalize safaris for families and groups who crave the truly private experience. But for this week, we are going to toot our own horn for achieving this level of learning, and let you see the possibilities of Africa with Abercrombie & Kent.
Top 5 - A&K Africa Experiences
1. The Great Migration Safari in Sty
A&K’s flagship East Africa safari, featuring wonderful boutique camp and luxury safari lodge accommodations, including the completely rebuilt and reimagined Sanctuary Olonana (above). Experience six nights in the heart of Great Migration country, with three in the Serengeti and three in the Masai Mara Discover Africa’s astounding diversity, including the iconic “Big Five,” and search for wildlife in elephant-rich Amboseli National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, Africa’s “Garden of Eden” for wildlife and a key habitat for lions. This is a beautiful combination of Kenya and Tanzania.
2. Kilimanjaro (above)
A&K have the most successful Kilimanjaro climbing operation of all the tour operators offering climbs to the summit, with an achievement rate of 97% (the average is 65%). They strictly manage every detail of your climb, from extra time to acclimate to an unwavering commitment to safety. Their customized sleeping tents are the largest and most luxurious on the mountain, designed for two people (though three can be accommodated) with raised beds and tall ceiling heights. Solar-lit dining tents with comfortable tables and chairs allow you to relax out of the elements and rejuvenate during the trek.
3. Namibia & Botswana: Dunes, Delta & the Kalahari
Namibia in particular has fascinated me for a long time. This 15 day epic adventure includes cruising off the coast of Namibia among Walvis Bay's teeming marine life, marveling at the towering dunes of the Sossusvlei (above), tracking the "Big Five" in the lush Okavango Delta of Botswana, and exploring the Kalahari with Zu'hoasi Bushmen trackers (below).
4. Uganda - Gorillas and Beyond
Explore the “Pearl of Africa” and discover Uganda’s wild treasures, from the banks of the Nile to the deep reaches of the rainforest. Cruise up the Nile River to the misty base of Murchison Falls, spotting wildlife on the banks as you float past. Then trek the lush, tropical trails of Kibale National Park in search of chimpanzees. Follow that with game drives in the wilds of Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping watch for tree-climbing lions, and finally, encounter endangered mountain gorillas under the biodiverse canopy of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
5. Make a difference on your journey
A&K have an established level of philanthropy stretching back some 45 years to their first conservation efforts in the Masai Mara. They are active globally, but there are two specific projects that your Africa travels will help.
1. Bwindi Nursing School in Uganda (above), improving the well-being of one of the country's poorest regions by educating and empowering local men and women to put their energy to use serving their community.
2. Enterprise AKP actively supports Nakatindi Village and School in Zambia, to improve life for everyone, especially vulnerable children, and develop ways for the local school and community to become self-sustainable.
We agree wholeheartedly with A&K's philosophy that sustainable tourism offers the best hope for protecting endangered places and ensuring that local communities benefit from their natural heritage.
If you'd like to experience Africa the J5 way, click here to contact us directly!
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