Geoffrey Kent is an icon in the world of luxury travel – but it’s not just about luxury destinations – at the heart of what he does is conservation and preservation. Passionate about the natural landscape and being able to share it with future generations, we meet the man behind Abercrombie & Kent and get his top picks for places to visit.

Geoffrey Kent had nothing but an East African shilling and an old Land Rover when he launched his safari business in 1962 with his parents in Nairobi. Today, he is the Chairman and Founder of Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), an internationally renowned luxury travel company that takes thousands of guests to the planet’s wildest frontiers.

Over the decades, Geoffrey has worked with dozens of leaders to protect some of Earth’s most precious wilderness areas and contribute to the preservation of endangered species. In 1985, he met with the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and asked him to set aside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as a reserve for endangered mountain gorillas, with a promise to establish the first ever luxury camp so guests could come and see them. Forty years later, Uganda has a flourishing tourism sector and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a haven for more than half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas.

GEOFFREY’S TOP EIGHT TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2025

Travelling 300 days a year, Geoffrey Kent is a veritable expert on the world’s top travel destinations. Here are his top picks to visit …

Kenya
Kenya is where the A&K story began. With over 40 national parks and reserves playing host to abundant wildlife, this mesmerising country is one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations. I recommend heading to the Masai Mara, site of the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra go in search of greener pastures.

 

Uganda
For decades, people have been venturing to the mountainous jungles of Uganda to set eyes on a great loping silverback, and to watch a family forage and play in its natural habitat. This tops the list of my most humbling wildlife moments. When you look into their eyes you gain a profound understanding of the bond that exists between us and them.

 

India
A journey to India feeds both the soul and the senses. From the snow-capped mountains of the high Himalaya to the wind-swept deserts of Rajasthan, the pristine jungles of Madhya Pradesh, to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala – and some of the most opulent palace-turned-hotels – there’s a very good reason this is a favourite.

 

Mexico
Travellers are compelled by Mexico’s spectacular Mayan ruins and relics, its colourful festivities and, of course, its many mouth-watering dishes. Whether you are marvelling over Chichén Itzá – the most famous of the Mayan ceremonial centres – or trying your hand at tortilla making in a bustling Oaxaca mercado, every experience is a treat.

 

Galápagos
Cruise the Galápagos in unparalleled luxury aboard the sleek and stylish Ecoventura adventure yacht. Snorkel with sea lions and come face to face with blue-footed booby, giant tortoise and marine iguana, with plenty of time to kayak and relax on white sand beaches with a tipple in hand and a glorious sunset.

 

Egypt
Egypt is vast and varied, with endless opportunity for adventure and indulgence. Descend into the ancient tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, set your eyes on the Great Pyramids of Giza, and sail on a luxury boat down the Nile, visiting lesser-known temples with your own Egyptologist.

 

Brazil
Few countries boast the same colour and culture as Brazil. Visit the revered Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio, immerse yourself in the arts precinct of Santa Teresa, dine with renowned painter Favoretto, and feel the gentle spray from spectacular Iguassu Falls. There’s so much to see and do, one visit is rarely enough.

 

Raja Ampat, Indonesia
I have had the pristine East Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat in my sights for more than a decade. Now we can travel there on a curated A&K odyssey, visiting multiple volcanic islands and snorkelling through breathtaking coral reefs. Explore alongside me with an exclusively chartered expedition yacht, seeing the rare wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

GEOFFREY KENT’S TOP TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Take it slow
Slow it down. While it might be tempting to tick everything off your bucket list, spending longer in a destination and joining in with local life can make for a more enriching experience.

Pack less
Too much luggage limits your options, meaning you might say no to that impromptu travel opportunity or last-minute invite. It also helps to stay light and nimble at the airport.

Experience a destination with a local
Find guides who are true locals. It’s not just those historical and cultural insights that are important, but the personal, ancestral stories that really bring a place to life.

Reputation
Choose a reputable operator who knows a destination intimately. On-the-ground connections, and a long-held presence leads to the kinds of experiences that are unique and exclusive.

Go Beyond
Get off the well-worn path for a greater sense of adventure and authenticity. With a great guide, this is easier than you might think, and just as rewarding as seeing those big-ticket sites.