The Classic Safari Company - Est 1992
The Classic Safari Company is Australia’s leading safari specialist. Since 1992, we’ve been exploring the world and sharing our passion, using our first-hand experiences to create exceptional safaris and journeys to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America. the Polar Regions and beyond.
Our beginnings
The Classic Safari Company was founded by South African-born Julie McIntosh, who wanted to share her passion for Africa’s people, wildlife and landscapes. Sarah Hoyland joined the team in 1993, and has been a director and co-owner since 2000. With a focus on creating luxurious bush experiences, Julie, Sarah and the team carved a niche by tailoring adventure holidays to intimate and exclusive safari camps in Africa’s premier wilderness regions.
Our personalised, bespoke travel service now includes India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan; Central and South America; and other far-flung corners of the world where there are wild and wonderful things to discover.
We are also an ATAS Accredited Travel Agent. Travel agencies that bear the ATAS symbol have met strict criteria in order to become nationally accredited. This accreditation means we are the best in the industry; credible, well trained, professional and we conduct business in compliance with Australian Consumer Law and in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
The common thread?
Untouched wilderness, incredible wildlife, rich and colourful cultures, exceptional hospitality and professionalism and, above all, out-of-the-ordinary experiences you’ll never forget. All with little touches of class and style along the way, whilst experiencing some of the most exotic forts and palaces, best boutique resorts and luxury bush camps in the world.
Our office in the leafy suburb of Woollahra embodies all that The Classic Safari Company is about. The journey begins as you walk up the stairs, entering a world of travel inspiration.
Come see us, and let our team of passionate specialists create the holiday of your dreams; or call us and we will come to you – laden with maps, ideas and inspiration for your next ultimate getaway!
How we create Tailor-made travel experiences!
Our thoughtful team of knowledgeable experts are here to take care of your every want and need, from the second you contact us to the time you return.
A Team Effort
A Team Effort
We offer a number of specialist departures with designated Itineraries, but beyond that, we design all our journeys and safaris to sult your specific travel goals and dreams. We will provide you with as much advice and inspiration as you need, but we also encourage you to work with us – the more involved you are in the process of planning your holiday, the more likely we are to meet and exceed your expectations. Come visit us in our stunning offices or call us to talk through your arrangements- that way your adventure begins long before you leave home!!
Passionate, Honest & Expert Advice
Passionate, Honest & Expert Advice
Our team members are passionate and experienced world travellers who love what they do. We’re a small team, and the owners are still very hands-on – we travel extensively throughout our destinations, and handpick every safari outfitter, and every hotel. We will give you expert advice, share our personal experiences, and provide you with invaluable insider’s tips. We’ll also give you our honest opinion!
Flexible and hassle-free travel
Flexible and hassle-free travel
We will plan as little or as much of your holiday as you would like, and if you change your mind at any stage, that’s okay! Our dedicated team, whether in the office or on the ground, are responsive to your needs and use our expertise and contacts to ensure you can experience the wonders of Africa, Latin America and the Indian subcontinent with a minimum of fuss. Bespoke is our game.
Unparalleled Support
Unparalleled Support
From start to finish, our team will work overtime with passion and care to ensure your every need is satisfied. Our preferred safari outfitters and ground operators have a proven track record for delivering exemplary service from the minute you arrive to the minute you depart. Throughout your stay, you will be hosted by specialist and professional guides – all hand-picked by us.
Friendly & Efficient Service
Friendly & Efficient Service
We know how busy you are, but we also know you want your holiday with us to be meticulously planned and exactly what you imagined it would be. Our expert team will listen to your ideas, then work with you, and behind the scenes, to tailor a holiday that is right for you. We’ll add extra touches that we know you’ll love, and even throw in a few surprises, to ensure your travel experience with us exceeds your expectations.
well-priced, all-inclusive arrangements
well-priced, all-inclusive arrangements
Where possible, we will accommodate you in premier safari camps and lodges, in the world’s leading boutique and luxury hotels, aboard the greatest rail journeys and onboard the finest expeditionary vessels – all for the best possible price. We recommend travel experiences that are authentic and not contrived; we want you to feel immersed in your environment, and come home raving about your holiday – and us!
Meet the team
We are travellers ourselves and we combine our personal insights and exceptional knowledge to create bespoke safaris, with serious style, for you.
Julie McIntosh
Founder/Director
From a young age, I travelled, not only in my home country South Africa but around the world with my nomadic parents moving to Brazil, the USA and back to South Africa before settling in Australia. Australia is home but the want to travel is constantly there...I just love the adventure and seeing what is out there.
Sarah Hoyland
Director & Founder of Journeys for Women
I was born under a flight path, opposite a railway station, above a bus stop and a taxi rank....is it any wonder I pursued a career in travel? Decades on I love nothing better than hosting our 'Journeys for Women' adventures & sharing my knowledge & passion for travel with like-minded, curious travellers.
Warren Smith
Africa & India Specialist
You name it, I’ve done it – travel, photography, business. I’ve travelled all over the world, spent time living in Europe and have worked in travel almost all my life. Feel free to pick my brains on any destination - I’ve probably been there.
Ella Collins
Marketing
The UK is 'home' so I've explored much of Europe and now reaching the farthest-flung corners of the world is my new mission. I particularly enjoy expedition style safaris, as well as visiting the lesser known destinations that others might not consider – ask me about Ethiopia and Malawi.
Kath Austin
Africa & South America Specialist
I cut my teeth working on overland safaris across Africa so I’m resourceful and good in a crisis! Moving into luxury travel I still I love seeing the world at a grass roots level, feeling the earth beneath my feet. Africa is my passion with South America a close second.
Shelly Vernon
Africa, India & Australia Specialist
I grew up in Kenya so I know it like the back of my hand and can always offer some nuggets of local knowhow. I’ve travelled widely across India and Australia, and South America is my new passion – I’m set on seeing it all! I often travel with my young son so I understand family travel too.
Jeffrey Shewell
Africa Specialist
I was bitten by the safari bug whilst working for the legendary Robin Pope Safaris many, many years ago when barely anyone went to Zambia. Since then I’ve travelled all over Africa but South Luangwa will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Helene Boderiou
Finance Manager
Born and raised in Morlaix, France I grew up on the beach so being in Sydney suits me down to the ground, and I fill every spare opportunity with hiking, biking and adventures further afield. I’m the ‘Minister of Finance’ in the office but at heart I'm a free spirit.
Jessica Sprenger
Finance
I am the numbers queen in the office but I am a huge lover of the great outdoors, especially when I can explore it on horseback because I am an accomplished rider. I am originally from Germany so I have visited much of Europe but now my sights are set on South America.
