Africa is a place of immense natural beauty. As the cradle of civilisation, it is home to some of the most ancient and interesting cultures in the world and there is nowhere on earth where wildlife puts on a greater show.
When it comes to experiencing the great outdoors, our neck of the woods holds its own and then some! The wildlife here is weird and wonderful, the landscapes dramatic and the remoteness breathtaking. There are very few places on Earth you can find yourself quite so far from civilization.
The Indian subcontinent is known for its deep-rooted cultural traditions, mouth-watering cuisine and vibrant festivals. For centuries, India has enticed merchants and mercenaries to its mystical lands with the promise of untold riches and when it comes to opulent splendour, no one puts on a better show.
Stretching over a huge latitudinal range, Latin America boasts everything from soaring mountains to steamy jungles and searing deserts to ice fields. Ancient civilisations rub shoulders with pulsating modern cities and the avant garde food scene is to die for. This continent has it all - viva Latin America!
Through our insatiable curiosity and continual travel to the world’s wildest places, we have unearthed an array of incredible experiences that don’t necessarily fit the mould but simply must be shared.
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Owned by no one, visited by a few, Antarctica is the world’s coldest, windiest and wildest continent and truly the world’s ultimate travel frontier. Magnificent icebergs, carved from the elements into natural ice sculptures float serenely whilst seals bask on their icy shelves. Humpback whales with barnacled heads breach the glassy surface of the ocean and busybody penguins chatter in their thousands.
The Arctic Circle is the 'kingdom of the polar bear' - a spectacular wilderness of glaciers, mountains, fjords and breathtaking icebergs. The Arctic is also home to the rich and unique culture of the Inuit people, who have survived in this harsh landscape for over 9,000 years.
Stretching nearly 3,500-kilometres to the very southern tip of South America, Argentina is the land of the tango, gauchos, polo, malbec, glacier-topped mountains and perfectly grilled steaks. Argentina’s cultural heritage is the perfect partner to its natural beauty which ranges from tropical rainforests to open ‘pampas’ grasslands, icy glaciers and scorched deserts.
We can’t help but rave about our own continent-sized country. From hiking the Flinders Ranges to beach glamping on the edge of Ningaloo Reef and fan boating through the wild wetlands of the Northern Territory, some of the best wilderness experiences can be found in our very own back yard.
Enigmatic, unspoilt and deeply spiritual, the Kingdom of Bhutan is regarded as one of the world's last ‘Shangri‐La's’. It measures its wealth not by GDP but by ‘Gross National Happiness’, and is carbon negative by absorbing more carbon than it emits. For a limited number of visitors, this means peaceful forests, authentic cultural heritage and a sense of spiritual purity.
Safe, peaceful & democratic, with a Smart Traveller green stamp of approval, Botswana stands as a pillar of the African community, leading the way with visionary politics, sustainability and conservation. These factors, combined with some of the most pristine wilderness and highest game densities in the world, make it the destination of choice for any aspirational safari-goer.
Brazil makes up almost 50% of the continent and borders every South American nation except for Ecuador and Chile – it is vast! From the thundering falls of Iguaçu to the Amazon and the Atlantic, it buzzes with festival spirit. Known for its beautiful, fun-loving people, this immense country knows how to celebrate life!
Stretched out longitudinally along the Pacific coast, Chile is packed with phenomenal scenery, niche biospheres and geological idiosyncrasies. Together, the world’s highest volcano, the driest desert, rainforests and hanging glaciers have all created striking landscapes, each inspiring unforgettable adventures.
It is often said that in Colombia you get five destinations for the price of one: the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon, the eastern plains and the Caribbean. Across the country this diversity has given rise to one of the most impressive and innovative gastronomic scenes of the world as modern chefs turn natural abundance and rare ingredients upside down.
Amazonian rainforests, Andean peaks, foggy cloud forests, the Galápagos Islands and a rich indigenous heritage – all can be found in Ecuador. Split down the middle by a chain of snow-capped volcanoes, the mighty Amazon lies to the east while cloud forests, an untouched coastline and, of course, the awe-inspiring Galápagos Islands lie to the west.
For thousands of years Egypt has been the playground of emperors and kings. Great civilisations have risen from its sandy interiors and the Nile continues to bring life to an otherwise barren land. Much of the scenery has barely changed since biblical times and the entire nation is wrapped in an ancient mysticism which has beguiled writers and romantics for centuries.
Ethiopia is an awe-inspiring and intriguing forgotten land. Its story begins with the emergence of early human-ape homins including the famous ‘Lucy’ and its history is laden with the treasures of great empires and faiths. The rich tribal culture is testament to the pride of a country that has never been officially colonised.
As one of the most diverse countries in the world, India offers incomparable variety. Walk the streets of any Indian city and find a dizzying array of religions, languages, food and culture that few countries can boast. Explore secretive jungles, spice-laden markets, places of pilgrimage and fairy-tale castles lost in time.
Kenya is the home of the original safari (the word ‘safari’ means journey in KiSwahili) and is still, quite deservedly, Africa’s most iconic wildlife destination. One-tenth of all land in Kenya is designated as national parks and reserves, the most famous being the Maasai Mara, which plays host to the annual migration of thousands of wildebeest and zebra.
Madagascar’s plants and animals include some of the most peculiar life forms on the planet. The wild National Parks are teeming with dancing lemurs, aye-ayes, fossas (a cat-like predator), rare birds, colourful chameleons, frogs, lizards, butterflies and a host of weird and wonderful insects and plants – a staggering 80% of which are only found on this island.
Malawi boasts undiscovered scenery, wildlife strongholds and adventurous activities to rival any of those of her better known neighbours. The Great Rift Valley has gauged an immense chasm down her eastern flank which now, brimming with crystal clear water, forms Africa’s third-largest lake: Lake Malawi.
A brief overview describing Morocco's highlights would outweigh War and Peace and still only skim the surface. The exotic colours, history and culture that have attracted travellers from time immemorial are still vibrantly visible and unlike anything else Africa has to offer.
Mozambique’s beaches are the main pull for most travellers. Endless swathes of white sand sweep dreamily along the coastline, palm-fringed freshwater beaches hug Lake Malawi and the Quirimbas Archipelago is a remote paradise of azure waters, mangrove forests and community-based conservation projects.
Straddling two great deserts, Namibia is a country of sweeping sands and eerie landscapes. Dramatic environments host spectacular desert-adapted wildlife & fascinating tribal communities, whilst the cities are a contradictory muddle of modern African vivacity and old world German influence.
Known affectionately as the land of the long white cloud, our nearest neighbour is our go-to for cool climate explorations amidst epic landscapes. The trails are uncrowded, the ecology fascinating, the thermal pools inviting and the food and wine scene delectable...although jury’s still out on who invented the pavlova!
High Andean peaks where majestic condors soar, steamy rainforests of the Amazon basin, nearly limitless coastal destinations, vast deep-blue lakes and the almost mythical Machu Picchu, all this and more can be found in Peru.
Walk in the footsteps of the great explorers as you journey to the ends of our planet and encounter spectacles that few have ever witnessed. Expeditionary cruises to the two polar regions share certain similarities but the two experiences are also, quite literally, poles apart.
The Congo is an unspoilt conservation hotspot and exotic safari destination. The safari experience here combines river ecosystems and savannahs with wildlife rich bais (clearings) and steamy jungles teeming with forest elephants, chimpanzees, butterflies, colourful funghi, brilliant birdlife and plenty of primates including the critically endangered western lowland gorilla.
Known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ thanks to its swathes of mist-shrouded mountains, Rwanda lies in the heart of Africa as the emerald jewel of the continent’s crown. Home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Rwanda offers one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth.
São Tomé and Príncipe is one nation consisting of two remote volcanic islands marooned 140 miles off the coast of Gabon. The landscape is a lost world of dense jungle, spires of primordial rock and deserted beaches. Activities centre around the natural world with plenty of snorkelling, wreck diving, turtle watching and hiking to keep you occupied.
South Africa is one of the world’s top travel destinations offering a unique blend of scenery, culture, wildlife and activities for all ages and interests. The cities are dynamic and cosmopolitan, wild landscapes span mountains, savannahs and deserts, and the combination of sub-tropical waters and colder Atlantic currents provide a rich diversity of marine wildlife.
Few islands in the world offer the diversity that exists in Sri Lanka: ancient cities, rich religious festivals, colonial memories, rolling tea plantations, an astonishing variety of bird and animal wildlife and some of the best beaches in the Indian ocean. It showcases a bustling and chaotic way of life yet enchants visitors with a potpourri of cultures, religions, races, customs and its sheer natural beauty.
With National Parks and game reserves covering 28% of the country, Tanzania has more land devoted to wildlife than anywhere else in the world and the game viewing in Tanzania is unparalleled. The high point of the year is the spectacular wildebeest migration when great herds cross the northern plains and plunge through the rivers of the Serengeti.
With National Parks and game reserves covering 28% of the country, Tanzania has more land devoted to wildlife than anywhere else in the world and the game viewing in Tanzania is unparalleled. The high point of the year is the spectacular wildebeest migration when great herds cross the northern plains and plunge through the rivers of the Serengeti.
Uganda lays claim to an astonishing number of primate species, some of the richest birding in Africa, plenty of plains game and some elusive and unusual big cats. No other country in Africa ticks all these boxes.
Zambia offers impressive wildlife diversity as well as some of the wildest and most remote game areas on the continent. It is also the land of the legendary African walking safari and the concept of exploring the bush on foot over multiple days was first pioneered in the South Luangwa.
Zimbabwe is rich in natural wonders, cultural and historical highlights. Zimbabwe’s eco-operators and conservationists have fought tirelessly to see its wild area flourish once more and the passionate guides are among the best in Africa. Today it proudly resumes its rightful position as Africa’s pink-diamond and the safari destination of choice for those in the know.
Up, up and away! What better way to appreciate the vast emptiness of a desert, the broccoli abundance of a jungle or the sweeping lagoons of a coastal wilderness than by air? See what would take weeks or even months by road in just a few days, while embracing the thrill of adventure as you take to the skies.
Travel is the best teacher if you want to broaden the mind. In journeying to foreign lands, children experience the world in all its natural wonder, develop cultural awareness, learn new languages, calculate currency and so much more.
A collection of ladies only escorted group journeys designed specifically by women, for women. We venture to some of the most inspirational and adventurous destinations on the planet with the companionship and security of a small group, and the knowledge and expertise of specialist guides.
Being on horseback allows you to explore the terrain that vehicles can't and provides a fully immersive experience with virtually no impact on the environment.
The best way to experience nature is to get right amongst it for several days at a time. These expeditionary style adventures will take you deep into the wilderness, often on two feet, four legs or by paddle power.
Enjoy the company of an intimate group of like-minded safari enthusiasts with Classic Safari Company’s privately guided tours. Small group African safari tours are an outstanding experience for families and close friends.They are also ideally suited to special-interest groups, such as photographers or birders.
Some of the world’s most unique natural environments are only accessible by boat, so we have handpicked a collection of expeditionary cruises to take you there.
Do you prefer to travel with a tribe? Our group departures could be perfect for you. Each is a one off, bespoke journey and we never run the same trip twice. Every itinerary is meticulously designed around an interest or theme and each is led by an expert in their field. Join us!
The wild world isn't just defined by destination but also by the abundance and wonder of nature to be found hiding within its biospheres. Here we present a collection of the finest wildlife experiences on the planet.
Those in the wilderness will always be drawn to the flicker of the flame and our holidays cater perfectly for campfire stargazers. A gin and tonic by the fire is a rite of passage for any safari goer!
Having the time of your life doesn’t mean breaking the bank. If you’re clever about where, when and how you travel, even the loftiest of champagne tastes can be satisfied with a holiday that punches well above its weight in the style stakes.
You’re a seasoned safari goer who’s itching for more. Deepest, darkest Africa holds no fear for you and you’re looking for out-of-experiences and off-the-map destinations. Luckily we know a thing or two about Africa. Come with us and we’ll gladly show you the way…
Culture and cuisine have gone hand in hand - nothing says more about people than how they eat! Here we present a small collection of journeys and experiences in some of the world’s most tantalising gastronomic destinations.
Whether it’s watching a moustache curling competition in India, weaving with a women’s collective in the Andes, trance-dancing with an African tribe or browsing a private art collection in Lima, these cultural experiences will leave you bemused and beguiled, with plenty of stories to tell.
Travel is exhilarating, and just the experience of being somewhere exotic tantalises the senses and makes you feel alive. But for the active adventurers among us, that isn't enough. You will be itching to run, climb, pedal and paddle your way into the wilderness...and so you shall!
If you have seen 'Out of Africa' then you already know: Africa is the most romantic place on earth. Here you can escape life’s clutter and just be together, at peace with nature and each other. Our luxurious bush camps, lodges and hotels are ideal for honeymoons and romantic getaways.
What experiences are on your bucket list? Would you like to cruise among the icebergs of the Arctic or snorkel with the sealions in the Galapagos? Perhaps saddle up on a horseback adventure in Africa or immerse yourself in the Buddhist spirituality of the Himalayas? Tell us your dreams we'll turn them into reality.
You’ve watched every documentary going and now its time to live the experience. Feel the hum of a million monarch butterflies in Mexico, help to protect the pumas of Patagonia or walk with great tusker elephants in Kenya. This is nature in the raw.
E-NEWS | MAR 18 | AFRICA’S DUSTY LUXURY AND ECCENTRIC GLAMOUR
Africa’s dusty luxury and eccentric glamour
JOIN US | 21 MARCH 2018 AT 6PM | WOOLLAHRA
When it comes to safari royalty, Natural Selection, a safari outfitter of impressive heritage, wears the crown. Founders include Chris McIntyre of the original Wilderness Safaris, internationally acclaimed photographer Colin Bell and son of a legendary crocodile hunter, Ralph Bousfield. To say the Natural Selection team have pedigree is an understatement.
Natural Selection’s impressive arsenal of camps and lodges ooze character. From the dusty elegance of San Camp and the eccentric glamour of Jack’s Camp to the rugged mobile camps and the luxurious Sable Alley, all bear the hallmarks of a special breed of safari with all the trimmings.Think copper lanterns, Moroccan rugs, gin & tonics at sunset and the most passionate guides in the business. But that’s not all. The team are also committed to conservation with 30% of profits channelled straight back into environmental and community programmes.
As you can imagine the ‘original’ generation of safari pioneers is not getting any younger but the lineage continues and the new generation is rising to take the baton. The charming Kyle McIntyre (son of Chris), who is every inch as mad as his forefathers, will be joining us in Woollahra on 21st March to share the latest news from the bush, his current conservation endeavours and stories of his unusual childhood in the African wilderness.
Join us for what promises to be a highly entertaining evening of dusty luxury, eclectic style and scarcely believable anecdotes. The gin and tonics are on ice…
JOIN US
124 A QUEEN STREET, WOOLLAHRA, NSW
WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018
6:00PM
SAFARIS OF CHARACTER
WITH KYLE MCINTYRE OF NATURAL SELECTION
A natural selection…
JACK’S CAMP
MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS
Founded by explorer Jack Bousfield in the 1960s, this is one of the most legendary and iconic camps in Southern Africa – an oasis of style and old-world glamour in a landscape of savage beauty.
HYENA PAN
KHWAI PRIVATE RESERVE
Looking directly over a watery lagoon, here you can open your tent flaps to see elephants trumpeting, splashing and snorting in the lily-filled waters below. Wildlife encounters and photography are unmatched!
CAMP KALAHARI
MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS
The laid back sibling of Jack’s and San Camp, Camp Kalahari is your authentic bush adventure base – quad biking, meerkats, walking with the Zu’/hoasi bushmen and an otherworldly landscape beckon…
SAN CAMP
MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS
Billowing white tents shaded by desert palms and surrounded by a thousand acres of shimmering, sparkling nothingness. This is elegance and luxury combined with the magic of minimalism and the silence of solitude.
MOBILE SAFARIS
WITH THE WIND!
Safari in true 1920’s style with canvas tents, bucket showers & paraffin lanterns plus gourmet cuisine, four posters beds and obligatory G&Ts! Reach the remotest corners of Botswana’s pristine ecosystems with the best guides in the business.
SABLE ALLEY
KHWAI PRIVATE RESERVE
Newly opened in 2017! A luxurious but highly sustainable camp where all proceeds go straight back into Khwai Village community projects. Located on the banks of a lily-covered lagoon, the game is spectacular and the skybeds are magical!
As featured in Vogue: Meno a Kwena
Inside the romantic safari camp where Harry took Meghan Markle…
Maun, Botswana is a tiny outpost of a town halfway between the lush Okavango Delta and the bone-dry Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and arriving there is like stepping back in time. Most Air Botswana planes still have old school propellers. As soon as you drive out of town and across the dusty roads of Botswana, you are transported to a quieter Africa of days past. You won’t see many tour buses or backpackers here. Instead, you’ll just see bush as far as the eye can see.It’s an epic setting, and one that played a small yet pivotal part in the world’s most talked-about love story of the moment: HRH Prince Harry brought Meghan Markle here for her birthday last August…