As a young man, Geoffrey Kent took a solo motorcycle journey from Nairobi to Cape Town, a 5,000-mile trek across treacherous terrain and through unpredictable weather. This audacious adventure, undertaken at just 16 years old, was a sign of things to come.
Now 81, Kent has established himself as the visionary founder and chairman emeritus of Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), a company pushing luxury travel’s boundaries since 1962. Born into the adventurous backdrop of the Aberdare Highlands in Kenya, Kent’s early life was steeped in exploration and discovery. His innovative approach to safaris, transforming them from traditional hunts into photographic adventures, set a new standard in the industry.
In this exclusive interview, Kent reflects on the evolution of luxury travel, emphasizing the shift from opulence to meaningful, transformative experiences. He shares insights on how Abercrombie & Kent has adapted to these changes, focusing on experiential travel, eco-conscious lodging, and philanthropy. Kent also discusses the power of travel to foster personal growth and cultural understanding, recounting stories of how travel has transformed lives, including his own.
Abercrombie & Kent has been a leader in luxury travel for decades. What sets your company apart from other luxury travel providers?
What sets A&K apart is our unparalleled expertise and extensive global network, which we have developed over 60 years. Our on-the-ground presence with more than 55 offices in over 30 countries allows us to offer insider access, exceptional service, and meticulous attention to detail. We don’t just show destinations. We create immersive, transformative travel experiences tailored to each guest’s interests and desires.
Reflecting on Abercrombie & Kent’s journey, how have you witnessed the evolution of luxury travel since the company’s inception, and how has the company adapted to these changes?
In 1962, I founded Abercrombie & Kent to offer a new kind of travel experience—adventure by day and luxury by night. I wanted to create both comfortable and highly experiential journeys, taking travelers off the beaten path to discover the world’s most incredible destinations. That hasn’t changed. That vision has only grown to showcase more of what our beautiful world offers by leveraging our local connections to provide exclusive, behind-the-scenes access you can’t get elsewhere and focusing on philanthropy. What began in Africa over 60 years ago has evolved into an operation with the same level of touch, service, and intimacy with nature, but offered across all seven continents—via land, sea, and even flight with our Private Jet and Wings Over the World itineraries. Luxury travel has evolved from simply seeking opulent accommodations to craving authentic, meaningful experiences. Travelers now want to connect with destinations and make a deep positive impact. A&K has adapted by focusing on experiential travel, eco-conscious lodging, philanthropy, and leveraging our local connections to offer exclusive, behind-the-scenes access you can’t get elsewhere. These elements have always been pillars of what we do, and these threads remain woven through the fabric of the company still today.
From your experiences, how have you seen travel contribute to personal growth and transformation?
Travel has changed dramatically over the past six decades, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the transformative power of experiencing new cultures and environments. Travel uniquely connects us with the world’s most precious cultural and natural treasures and inspires us to become better global citizens. My travels have taken me to some of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations, from the Serengeti to the Arctic, and each journey has shaped my worldview in profound ways. I’ve learned that despite our differences, people worldwide share common hopes, dreams, and values. Travel has the power to break down barriers and foster understanding and empathy.
Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories from guests about how travel has transformed their lives. One that stands out is a couple who took their first A&K trip to East Africa for their honeymoon. They were so inspired by the experience that they decided to quit their jobs and start a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting conservation efforts in the region. Stories like these remind me of the incredible power of travel to change lives and make a difference in the world.
What is the biggest mistake people make when they travel?
The biggest mistake is over-scheduling and not allowing enough time to discover a destination spontaneously. While having a thoughtful plan is good, leave room for serendipity and getting off the beaten path. Those unscripted moments often become the most cherished memories. Also, not being present—don’t view your whole trip through a camera lens! As much as I love sharing my travels on Instagram (@geoffrey_kent), I make it a point to put my phone away and be in the moment, especially with my family.
How does Abercrombie & Kent incorporate sustainable and responsible tourism practices into its travel experiences?
Responsible tourism is at the core of A&K’s operations. We support conservation efforts, partner with eco-conscious properties, and educate guests on positively impactful tourism practices. Through Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, we partner with 55 local organizations across all seven continents to fund education, healthcare, and community development projects in the places we visit. It’s our way of ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared with the people who call these destinations home. I believe that travel will continue to be a force for positive change in the world, and I’m honored to be a part of that journey.
Abercrombie & Kent is known for its philanthropic efforts. Can you highlight some of the key initiatives you’re most proud of and their impact on local communities?
I’m incredibly proud of our work with local communities, particularly in education, healthcare, and enterprise. For example, we’ve built schools in rural Cambodia, supported women’s empowerment programs in India, and built an entire hospital, nursing school, and maternity unit in Uganda. By uplifting communities, we create a ripple effect of positive change and more meaningful travel experiences.
What new trends do you see in luxury travel?
I foresee further emphasis on purposeful, transformative travel. Luxury will be less about thread count and more about authentic connection, access, and impact. We’ll see more far-flung, bucket-list trips post-pandemic. Sustainability and wellness will also be key—luxury is now aligned with personal values and self-care.
