The Gold Standard Around the Globe: Abercrombie & Kent

When we discuss the pinnacle of luxury travel, one name inevitably leads the conversation: our Partner of the Month, Abercrombie & Kent. For over sixty years, A&K has been the definitive architect of the modern adventure, a journey that began in 1962 when Geoffrey Kent and his parents sat around a kitchen table in Kenya and decided to reinvent the way the world was seen. They didn’t just launch a travel company; they pioneered a philosophy of “luxury in the wild,” proving that a traveler could experience the most remote, rugged corners of the planet without ever sacrificing the comforts of home. 

What truly sets A&K apart in 2026 is its unparalleled global infrastructure. With more than 3,000 staff, in over 70 offices and 83 countries around the world, they are never just “booking” a trip—they are managing every second of it through their local experts in the destinations. This “insider access” is the heartbeat of the brand. Whether it’s a private after-hours tour of the Egyptian tombs, an audience with a high-ranking monk in Bhutan, or a flight over the Great Barrier Reef in a private charter, A&K utilizes its deep-rooted connections to open doors that remain closed to the general public. 

This commitment to immersive excellence finds its ultimate expression in the A&K Sanctuary portfolio. These are not merely lodges; they are a collection of “Sanctuaries” located in the most ecologically significant landscapes on Earth, designed to serve as a bridge between the guest and destination. Each property honors the local culture and wildlife through sustainable architecture and a profound sense of place, providing a seamless transition from the thrill of the day’s exploration to the quiet restoration of a world-class retreat. 

A Grand Opening: Kitirua Plains Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

The evolution of A&K Sanctuary reaches a new milestone this summer. On June 1st, A&K will officially open the doors to its newest masterpiece: Kitirua Plains Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary.

Located on a private 128-acre concession bordering Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, this is an architectural marvel designed to melt into the savannah. It features just 13 organic, standalone suites with floor-to-ceiling views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Positioned in the heart of "elephant country," the lodge offers a front-row seat to massive herds wandering past private decks daily. This opening represents a rare opportunity for travelers to be among the very first to experience what is already being called the most sophisticated lodge in East Africa.

Experience A&K Sanctuary on an African Safari

A&K's Small Group Journeys to Africa leverage these private sanctuaries to create an intimate environment—rarely more than 18 guests—where every game drive and sundowner feels personal. 

Kenya Safari & The New Kitirua Plains: This journey takes travelers through the heart of Kenya, culminating in a stay at the brand-new Kitirua Plains Lodge. The itinerary explores the Amboseli wetlands, the rhino sanctuaries of Ol Pejeta, and the legendary Maasai Mara. 

The Ultimate Great Migration Safari: For those dreaming of witnessing the “Greatest Show on Earth,” this path spans both Kenya and Tanzania. A stay at Tawi Lodge, perched right on the rim of the world’s largest intact caldera, provides a head start on morning game drives before the crowds arrive.

Ultimate Botswana: The Okavango Delta & Beyond: Featuring Sanctuary Chief’s Camp in the Mombo Concession—widely considered the "Predator Capital of Africa"—this journey offers the chance to navigate the floodplains in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) and retreat to a suite with a private plunge pool.

Uganda: Gorilla Trekking & Safari Adventure: This journey leads into the "Bwindi Impenetrable Forest." Staying at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp—the only lodge located inside the park boundaries—places travelers directly in the home of the mountain gorillas, where a silverback might occasionally wander through the grounds.

The A&K Difference

What sets these journeys apart is the A&K Philanthropy projects integrated into every region. Stays at A&K Sanctuary lodges directly support local schools, clean water initiatives, and wildlife conservation. Every journey contributes to the vitality of the communities visited, ensuring that the Africa of tomorrow is as vibrant as the one seen today.

As the calendar turns toward the summer and fall of 2026, these group journeys represent the premier way to experience the continent with the people who know it best. Whether being among the first to wake up at Kitirua Plains or tracking the Big Five across the Serengeti, the opportunity for a world-class adventure is waiting.