Classic Portfolio

14/06/2024

To all the dads, fathers, and father-figures, thanks for the laughs, the learnings, and above all, the adventures.

Happy Father’s Day, South Africa! ❤️

📍Beagle Expeditions, Botswana

06/06/2024

Are you ready for the journey of a lifetime? Experience the magic of South Africa this winter as we seamlessly blend whale watching, wine tasting, and wild safari adventures into an unforgettable 11-night trip. From the breathtaking coastlines to the lush vineyards and untamed wilderness, every moment will leave you in awe. 🐋🍷🦒

Starting in Cape Town and ending in Port Elizabeth, this adventure is perfect for couples, friends, or families (children 12+ years old), looking for an immersive South African experience.

Our suggested itinerary:
✔️ 3 Nights at Coot Club in Stanford
✔️ 4 Nights at La Clé in Franschhoek
✔️ 4 Nights at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape

Ready to make memories that last a lifetime? Learn more: classic-portfolio.com/whales-wine-wilderness/

03/06/2024

Team dinners at La Clé Franschhoek are always unforgettable! ✨ The ambiance, the exquisite cuisine, and the best company come together to create an evening of pure magic.

29/05/2024

Exploring Africa's untamed landscapes is not just about seeing wildlife, it's about feeling a connection to something greater than yourself. ✨

📍Beagle Expeditions

24/05/2024

Some of our team members recently explored Wolwedans, and were truly captivated by this desert treasure. ✨

In the beautiful words of : “This week I found myself in the most peaceful paradise of Namibia. A feeling I’ve never before experienced… The silence of the desert, the scenery of the rolling sands, the STARS, the sunsets overlooking limitless horizons. I simply cannot get over the undeniably dreamy dunescape of the NamibRand at Wolwedans with my wonderful colleagues and friends. Walking with the Bushman, biking the dunes, calling out to the roaming oryx and feeling entirely disconnected from the rest of the world. I’ve discovered that the desert is simply an overlooked oasis — a place where you lose yourself and find yourself all at once. 🌅”

22/05/2024

Happy International Day for Biological Diversity! 🌿

Our commitment to long-term sustainability and conservation is ingrained in everything we do. We recognize that preserving biodiversity is essential for the health of our planet and future generations. Through our portfolio of independently owned lodges across Africa, we strive to promote responsible tourism practices that protect and celebrate the rich diversity of wildlife and ecosystems. By fostering a deep connection between travellers and the natural world, we aim to inspire a collective effort towards safeguarding biological diversity for generations to come.

📷 White fronted Brown Lemur at Masoala Forest Lodge, Madagascar

20/05/2024

The 2024 safari season has started for Chiawa Camp & Old Mondoro, offering the ultimate safari adventure in the Lower Zambezi.

NEW: Chiawa Camp provides honeymooners with a complimentary Star Drift Experience: a private pontoon dinner on the Zambezi River, followed by a romantic evening on the Star Deck. Exclusive to Chiawa Camp. Valid: 1 May - 14 Nov 2024.

17/05/2024

Our team has just returned from Africa's Travel Indaba, the iconic African leisure trade show hosted by South African Tourism. Always a vital opportunity for us to forge quality connections and shape the future of tourism in Africa! 🤝

10/05/2024

Fierce and protective, yet gentle and patient, rhino moms may be some of the best mothers in the animal kingdom. 🦏

Honouring all the amazing moms out there! ❤️

📍Solio Lodge at The Safari Collection

06/05/2024

We've merged two distinct safaris to offer an unparalleled experience that encompasses both land and marine adventures. 🦁🐳

A brief 45-minute charter flight connects two contrasting worlds: from thrilling big cat sightings and encounters with rhinos and elephants at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve to the enchanting marine wonders, including whales and vibrant sea life, as well as the inviting warmth of the ocean for a refreshing swim at GweGwe Beach Lodge.

This is a one-of-a-kind experience, unrivalled in the African safari landscape!

03/05/2024

Did you know that more than 60% of the Republic of Congo is forest? This rainforest is also the second largest in the world and is approximately the size of Belgium (or half the size of Rwanda)! 🌳🌳🌳

📍 .africa

24/04/2024

Recently named one of the top 8 most EXCITING safari lodges in Africa by Condé Nast Traveller in 2024, Fothergill is a unique water and land based safari experience located on the shores of Lake Kariba, within the Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe. ✨

“The island’s heritage and legacy is the foundation upon which we’ve built our vision, to create a truly remarkable experience in this phenomenal place. Every detail is looked after and every consideration is given to our guests, allowing them to enjoy a sensational affair with Africa that exceeds all expectations. We are tremendously proud of Fothergill’s rich history and namesake. It is a true privilege to call this special place our home.” - Andy Lowe and Neil Evans, Co-owners & fellow island sojourners

17/04/2024

We’re recruiting! An exciting opportunity to join our sales team. 👇

AFRICA TRADE RELATIONS MANAGER

🐾 Requirements:
-A minimum of 5 years in the industry.
-An understanding of Southern and East Africa products.
-Good relationships with Africa based agents and DMC's.
-The ability to be adaptable.
-A very strong work ethic.

🐾 Location:
The role is Cape Town based, with our head office located in Franschhoek.

Interested? We can’t wait to hear about you! Mail us at [email protected]

The leading collection of independent lodges and camps in Africa's wild (and not so wild) places

15/04/2024

Last week, Suzanne took some time to reflect at Wolwedans. ✨

As usual, the desert setting provided her with moments for introspection amidst her busy schedule of meetings and spending time with the Wolwedans team.

12/04/2024

“Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” - Anna Lappé, Sustainability Advocate

📷📍 .africa

30/11/2023

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the newest Wild Expeditions Africa camp in the Okavango Delta, Karangoma! Wild Expeditions stands as a pioneering collective of authentic safari camps and mobile expeditions operating in remote corners of Africa, spanning from Madagascar and Ethiopia to Zimbabwe and now Botswana.

The opening date is 1 May 2024.

Karangoma is the outcome of a partnership with local elder Olatotse Sarefo and is deeply rooted in Bukakhwe San and Hambukushu culture. In a landscape where many camps and safari experiences are gradually detaching from the wilderness, it is refreshing to introduce a new camp that consciously seeks a meaningful reconnection with nature by shedding unnecessary urban expectations.

The 6 tented rooms are situated in the secluded northeast of the Okavango Delta, providing opportunities for both land and water-based safari activities amid large herds of wildlife, with excellent sightings of predators.

Head to our website for all you need to know about this exciting new development: https://classic-portfolio.com/home/members/wild-expeditions/wild-expeditions-karangoma/

Don't forget to sign up for our T.H.I.N.K newsletter where we share exciting news and weekly updates.

25/10/2023

After 10 incredible MegaFam Trips that took us through 11 extraordinary countries and culminated in the IMPACT Workshop, it's time to bring the 2023 MegaFam to a close. This remarkable journey also served as the perfect prelude to the 30 Year Celebration of Classic Portfolio, and what an unforgettable party it turned out to be!

"Established in 1993 as Classic Retreats and evolving into Classic Portfolio over the course of three decades, our journey has been nothing short of incredible and truly blessed. I wish to express my deep gratitude to our Classics members, many of whom have remained dedicated members for over two decades, as well as to our exceptional Classics team of 19 superstars who are the driving force behind our success."

Happy Birthday Classic Portfolio — we look forward to the next 30 years!

09/10/2023

The last leg of : Part 1

📍Team Sa/Mozam had an incredible few days in paradise at Azura Benguerra Island complete with snorkelling, island hopping, copious amounts of delicious cocktails, and the warmest Mozambican hospitality. They ended off their trip at Ellerman house with an adventurous tour of the stunning Mother City. A surprise performance by was also thrown into the mix!

📍Team Congo/SA arrived at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve where all the comforts of Great Fish River Lodge waited. After a day of downtime, they were off to an incredible black rhino intervention and planting spekboom.

📍Team SA Impact also had an amazing conservation-led safari at Kwandwe before heading back to the winelands where they explored and adventured with Escape+Explore. A well-deserved drink and delicious dinner waited at La Clé Lodge.

📍 Team Nam/SA had an epic stay at Pafuri Tented Camp before making their way to Tanda Tula. Eles, rhino, leopard… the list of sightings goes on. .tula

Today, all roads lead to Boschendal where our Impact workshop will kick off.

06/10/2023

: Updates from Congo, Madagascar and Zambia

📍Team Congo arrived back after a few magical days at Ngaga, Lango and Mboko Camp. With river and baï walks, gorilla trekking, river kayaking, and so much more under their belt, they’re now off to the beautiful Eastern Cape for a few days of safari at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. .africa

📍Team Madagascar spent their last few days at Masoala Forest Lodge with plenty of jungle exploring and, of course, lemur sightings.

📍Team Zambia/SA left the South Luangwa and spent a few days in the Lower Zambexi enjoying some incredible sunrises and sunsets over the river, lions galore, plenty of walking- and the luxuries of beautiful Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro.

05/10/2023

: Updates from South Africa, Seychelles, Mozambique and Zimbabwe

📍Team Seychelles have been enjoying island life, soaking up the sunshine, swimming with turtles, fishing, and enjoying crisp cocktails.

📍Team SA/Mozam had an amazing stay at Tanda Tula’s new Safari Camp where gorgeous rooms, fantastic food, and exceptional game viewing and guiding completed the experience. They’re currently soaking up Azura Benguerra Island’s bright, blue waters, white sandy beaches, and warm hospitality. .tula

📍Team SA Impact had an experience of a lifetime at where they assisted with a rhino intervention. The rhino had an eye injury and also required a microchip in his horn and a surveillance ankle collar. They are currently in the Eastern Cape where the magic of Kwandwe awaits.

📍From trekking leopard on foot to spotting elephants, sable, eland and lion around every corner, Team Bots/Zim have had the most incredible experience at Camp Hwange.

📍Team Nam/SA have been on foot for the past two days in the most beautiful walking area of South Africa with . Feelings currently being felt by the group include renewed enthusiasm, inspired thoughts, and an emotional calmness seldom felt in today’s world.

Stay tuned for more updates!

03/10/2023

: Updates from Zambia and Botswana!

📍Team Zambia/SA is back from a terrific stay at The Bushcamp Company ! They have had an incredible few days with multiple wild dog sightings, even more leopard sightings, riverbed lunches, walking safaris, elephants in camp, and so much more. Today they are off to the Lower Zambezi with Chiawa Safaris !

📍Team Bots/Zim returned from the Kweene Trails with hearts and camera rolls full. They experience a truly wild, exclusive expedition in the Okavango Delta with Beagle Expeditions . Next up: Camp Hwange! Wild Expeditions Africa

02/10/2023

: Day 5

📍Team Tanzania had an epic walking safari with their Masaai warrior followed by an evening safari to the Lake Manyara. Slow safari at its finest…

📍After a final horseback safari, Team Impact SA arrived at Marataba and ended the day with a stunning sunset cruise on the Matlabas River.

📍From desert dinners to KleinJan, from meerkats to cheetahs with cubs, and a puffader release, to spending time with researchers on their respective conservation projects, it's been a fantastic 2 nights for team SA/Mozam at .

📍From horseback safaris, to game drives, to walking safaris… Team Kenya has had some epic wildlife encounters.

📍Team Madagascar had a divine waterfall lunch. Their list of rare and wonderful species that they encounter along the way keeps growing…

📍Team Namibia/SA encountered a herd of more than 40 elephants at Etosha National Park. To catch up on the day’s events (and cool off from the desert heat!), an emergency meeting was called in the pool… with ice-cold drinks on hand.

📍Team Seychelles had an epic day of swimming with the turtles.

01/10/2023

: Day 4

📍Team Kenya hung out with everyone’s favourite long-legged friends at The Giraffe Manor before setting off for Solio Lodge.

📍Team Congo/SA have been lost in the jungles of the Congo Basin, finding Western lowland gorillas and insects of all shapes and sizes along the way. Today they head to Lango baï.

📍Team Seychelles arrived in heaven, otherwise known as Alphonse Island.

📍Team SA Impact had a spectacular game viewing expedition on horseback, followed by the most beautiful sunset and sundowners.

📍Team Madagascar went in search of lemurs… and found them! An epic day of exploring the Mitsinjo Reserve.

30/09/2023

: Day 3

The last 4 fam trips kicked off! The South Africa Impact team arrived at Ant’s Nest and had a beautiful afternoon with a rhino conservation activity, followed by sundowners. Today they’re setting off on a horseback safari!

Team SA/Mozam arrived in the Kalahari and were treated to a beautiful dinner set-up, while Team Kenya arrived at Giraffe Manor. Team Seychelles did what any of us would do on a balmy Friday afternoon… drinks by the pool!

Team Namibia explored Boulders Camp, the jewel of the Wolwedans crown, while Team Tanzania set out on an epic game drive at Forest Chem Chem. Team Madagascar continued their exploration of Antananarivo and dined on some exquisite local cuisine.

Team Bots/Zim and Team Zambia/SA are currently out of comms and enjoying a fabulous time in the bush, while Team Congo is tracking Western lowland gorillas in the Congo Basin — updates to follow!

29/09/2023

Day 2 of and 3 more fam trips have launched!

Yesterday, Team Tanzania checked into Legendary Lodge and explored the stunning grounds. Team Madagascar arrived in vibrant Antananarivo where they got a taste for the local culture, while team Bots/Zim boarded the heli in Maun en route to the Kweene Trails.

Team Nam/SA encountered weird and wonderful wildlife on a nature walk and celebrated the end to another brilliant MegaFam day with some desert sundowners.

Today, the final 3 Fam trips set off on their adventure. And with that, MegaFam2023 is well and truly underway. This promises to be an unforgettable journey, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Africa while fostering meaningful partnerships that will shape the continent's future.

Remember to check in on our Instagram Stories for live updates on the trips.

28/09/2023

Day 1 of … and what a start it was!

Our first three fam groups arrived at their respective destinations and the excitement could be felt all around. The Congo group had their first taste of the vibrant, colourful Brazzaville and took to the streets where they received a warm welcome from locals and savoured the sights, sounds, and tastes of Congolese culture. Today they are off to the rainforest!

Group 2 had a warm, dusty arrival in the stunning NamibRand Nature reserve. The first time seeing the red plains from above is always a memorable experience. At Dune Camp, ice cold drinks waited…

The Zambia/South Africa group arrived safely in South Luangwa National Park and settled in at Kukaya. Today it’s off to the magnificent Bilimungwe Bushcamp and spectacular wildlife watching awaits…

Today, 3 more fam trips kick off with groups arriving in Botswana, Tanzania and Madagascar. Head to our Stories for live updates!

07/06/2023

THE BUSHCAMP COMPANY: We are delighted to share that the 's Chamilandu Bushcamp is officially open, just in time for safari season. If we could go anywhere, we'd go to Zambia, especially between June and November (when Chamilandu is open!), and visit Mishek and the team to experience their beautiful, open-fronted thatch chalets that elevate on 2m high stilts offering a bird’s eye view over the Luangwa River.

It's not too late to book a trip to Chamilandu and take advantage of their 30% last minute travel offer on any stay booked within 2 months of travel.

Get ready for an intimate, secluded, and unrivalled wildlife experience.

📍South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

30/05/2023

HANDS ON CONSERVATION: Recently, the team at Marataba Camps had their hands full with two male lions, who were relocated from Marataba Contractual National Park to the lowveld, close to Hoedspruit, to diversify genetics in a new reserve.

The lucky guests at Founders got to experience this conservation initiative first hand and enjoyed learning and working alongside the team of wildlife vets and guides at Marataba Camps.

This is truly extraordinary conservation work and Marataba offers a unique chance to get involved in such experiences.

📍 Marataba Camps

24/05/2023

RETURN AFRICA: Regarded as the jewel of the Kruger, the Pafuri area is also widely recognised as one of Africa's leading walking safari destinations, and with access now easier than ever, we urge you to consider including Pafuri in an itinerary for a well-traveled guest seeking a truly unique safari.

ACCESS TO PAFURI:
✔️ Scheduled daily seat-in charter flight flying from Hoedspruit directly to Pafuri, connecting Airlink to incoming flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
✔️ A comfortable 45 minutes flight.
✔️ Minimum 2 passengers per flight ( min 3 night stay).
✔️ Standard departure time from Pafuri airstrip is at 11:45
✔️ Standard departure time from Hoedspruit Civil is at 14:00

With access being easier than ever, why not combine 7 nights between Pafuri Tented Camp and Welgelegen House (Cape Town) and receive 1 night free at Welgelegen House.

For the full update on rates, changes, and flights, make your way to the link in our bio.

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11/05/2023

VILLAGE OF THE ELEPHANTS: “When we reach the clearing, at least 60 elephants have already gathered, a number that will nearly triple as the day wears on.”

A massive thank you to David Pilling and Will Jones () for this fantastic article for the about their journey through Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park to the great forests of the Congo Basin and Central African Republic. The pair travel up the Sangha River, stopping at Wali Bai, Mbeli Bai, and finally Dzanga Bai and a few nights at Sangha Lodge.

Make yourself comfortable, click on the link in our bio, and be inspired to travel to the Congo Basin. And remember, if you’re interested in visiting Sangha, offer a fantastic 7-night Odzala Discovery itinerary with the option of adding 4 nights at Sangha at the end.