History of Abercrombie & Kent

Born in 1962 as a safari outfitter, Abercrombie & Kent's unparalleled travel and tour operations now extend around the globe to more than one hundred countries on all seven continents. Travel with Abercrombie & Kent combines the convenience, service and security of a U.S.-based company, with support 24/7 from a network of 60 on-site offices that ensure "by invitation only" access in A&K's personalized, low-profile and intelligent style. These local offices are small enough to offer personal attention, yet, as a group, A&K is large enough to secure the best escorts, accommodations, transportation and insider access.

Since "the perfect holiday" is a subtle and very personal concept, A&K offers an enticingly varied choice of luxury and adventure holidays. Small group escorted journeys allow you to confidently travel to places you might otherwise hesitate to go on your own due to language or cultural differences.

• Discovery programs include the essentials for a relaxing holiday at a good value price: an expert guide, small group (just 18 to 24) and accommodations at the best available hotels en route.
• Connoisseurs travel features groups no larger than 16 with accommodations at the most luxurious five-star hotels. 
• Extreme Adventures go off the beaten path to confront nature at its most uncompromising, from the polar ice caps to the deserts of Africa and all points between.
• Family Holidays are tailored to the interests, attention spans and abilities of all ages, with comfortable hotels and comforting meals, and a friendly guide who understands children.
• Philanthropic Journeys provide in-depth experiences focused on conservation – both cultural and ecological – and humanitarian efforts.

Private Journeys

• Signature Series® include the best hotels and private driver/guides on itineraries that are pre-priced and ready-to-book. 
• Tailor Made Private Travel is completely customized, with meticulous attention to detail, safety and customer service.  

Described by the Los Angeles Times as "a highly respected company dedicated to conservation and environmentally intelligent tourism," Abercrombie & Kent was featured by Robb Report in "Icons and Innovators Who Define Excellence" and chosen as one of the "World's Best" by Travel + Leisure and National Geographic Adventure. 

Abercrombie & Kent has long been the choice of travel professionals, voted "World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator" at the World Travel Awards, "Best Luxury Tour Operator – International" by Travel Weekly, "Best Luxury Tour Operator" by Luxury Travel Advisor, "Best Worldwide Tour Operator" by Porthole, "World's Best Cruises and Tours" by LuxuryLink, along with "Best Tour Operator Africa/Middle East" by TravelAge West, Recommend and Agent@Home.      

Geoffrey Kent was born while his British parents were on safari in Zambia. Indeed, he spent much of his childhood on the African continent. In 1962, he founded Abercrombie & Kent with his parents, Colonel John and Valerie Kent. In the 1970s, he entered into partnership with Jorie Ford Butler of Oak Brook, Illinois to expand the business. They continue to travel the world in search of adventures that will surprise and thrill their guests. Under their passionate and visionary guidance — Geoffrey Kent, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jorie Butler Kent, Vice Chairman — Abercrombie & Kent represents the uncompromising best at every turn in the road.

Further distinguishing Abercrombie & Kent is the fact that the company owns luxury safari lodges in pristine wilderness areas, including Sanctuary Chief's Camp and Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero in Botswana (featured in Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure); exclusive rights to camps with some of Africa's finest game-viewing; a fleet of well-maintained ground transport vehicles; and the Sun Boats on the Nile, considered by Opinionated Traveler as "Cadillacs of the waterways, offering cleanliness, comfort and excellent food and service" and the finest boutique cruise ship in China, Sanctuary MS 'Yangzi Explorer.' 

A&K also creates memorable travel experiences built around 'Le Boreal,' the only all-balcony expedition ship in Antarctica, in addition to Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Royal Scotsman luxury trains, 'The Road to Mandalay' river cruiser and 25 canal and river cruisers on Europe's picturesque waterways.      

Among the prominent personalities who have "gone away with A&K" are James Brolin, Michael Crichton, Kristin Davis, Bill Gates, John Grisham, Tom Hanks, Dr. Henry Kissinger, Goldie Hawn, Lauren Hutton, Sharon Lawrence, Liam Neeson, Rachael Ray, Diane Sawyer, Jane Seymour, Barbara Walters, Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey.

Abercrombie & Kent believes passionately that travel should both respect the natural environment and benefit the peoples whose lands we visit. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, guided by Vice Chairman Jorie Butler Kent, facilitates A&K's commitment to socially and ecologically responsible travel worldwide, as well as helping guests become actively involved in more than 30 projects in destinations worldwide (www.akphilanthropy.org).      

Request complimentary destination planning guides -- with suggested day-by-day itineraries, maps, weather charts, visa and health requirements -- at www.abercrombiekent.com or by calling 800 554 7094. 

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