Personal Collection by Thompsons Africa

CONTENTS 2 Introduction 4

Evolution of the African Safari

6

Introduction to Private Guiding

10

Our Take on Conservation

12

Unique Experiences

14

Specialised Safaris

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Bells and Whistles

‘Born in Africa, I am blessed to be part of a continent like no other. For so many arriving into Africa for the first time, you immediately feel like your soul belongs here, and during the course of your journey, she will steal your heart as you fall in love with her. Our history is intriguing. From the mysterious rock churches of Lalibela, the ancient pyramids of Egypt, to the reshuffling of the earth’s plates to create Ngorogoro Crater, Great Rift Valley and the Okavango Delta, to list a few. All of this creates a natural oasis for wildlife and their migrations across terrains.

And then, of course, there are the colours and sounds of our many cultures, each with their own traditions that will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager for more of their captivating stories. Combine this with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes that haven’t changed at all over centuries, and you will start to understand my love of Africa and why it is most definitely worth visiting, not just once, but over and over again.

Africa won’t let you forget her gentle sounds of tranquillity, and her absolute beauty. Africans won’t let you forget how friendly and accommodating we are. And as for our wildlife, well there is simply nothing more beautiful than the sight of wildlife on the great plains roaming free.

JANINE SOUTHWOOD To fully describe my love of Africa and how it captivates me would be the start of an incredibly long story.

Instead, within the pages of this catalogue, we have attempted to capture just a snapshot of this glorious destination. Let Africa touch your soul.

Janine Southwood – Head of Personal Collection

INTRODUCTION Africa... A word that conjures a million images in the mind of intrepid travellers the world over – breathtaking landscapes, fascinating ancient cultures, wide savannahs dotted with iconic wildlife, snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, palm-fringed beaches... Africa is the birthplace of humankind, where we all began.

It's a continent that gets under your skin and speaks to your soul, filled with mind-boggling diversity and a wealth of delightful contradictions, where no two days are ever the same. It's the unending inspiration for Personal Collection by Thompsons Africa – our unique tribute to the land we call ‘home’, that brings you a range of customised travel options designed to help you explore some of the most magical destinations Africa has to offer.

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INTRODUCTION TO PRIVATE GUIDING Make the most of your safari with a private guide, who will tailor an itinerary to your specifications, leaving you free to enjoy every single minute of the journey. All of our private guides have been handpicked based on their qualifications, experience, in-depth knowledge and incredible passion for Africa, all of which will help to take your safari to the next level.

WHY HAVE A PRIVATE GUIDE?

dreamed possible about each place that

Forget stressing about whether the lodge

you visit and each face that greets you. This

or camp you have chosen will live up to

enthusiasm and deep understanding will open

expectations and leave the aggravations of

your eyes to an Africa you never even knew

sticking to a complex itinerary to someone

existed and will leave you wanting to return

else. With a private guide, there’s no need to

again and again.

worry about flight times, transfers and getting to the airstrip on time as everything will be

...AND EXPERIENCE

taken care of, meaning that you are free to

Years of travelling Africa’s incredible wild

absorb everything you see and experience

places, devoted to learning about both its

and

vibrant cultures and iconic wildlife and guiding

appreciate

the

nuances

you

may

otherwise miss.

at the highest levels, are what a private guide brings to your safari. This experience gives

IT’S ABOUT KNOWLEDGE...

rise to ultimate professionalism, extreme

A private guide’s knowledge and passion

composure and unsurpassed competency,

for sharing everything that makes Africa so

leaving you assured that you are in the best

special adds a unique dimension to your

hands possible.

safari, allowing you to learn more than you

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IT’S ABOUT CONSISTENCY...

You may be travelling to a host of different lodges and destinations across Africa, but your private guide will ensure that everything runs smoothly, consistently and without the need for repetition. Your private guide will be familiar with your interests, what you’ve already seen and what you want to see and will work with everyone on your journey to ensure that you have the ultimate safari experience.

...AND PERSONAL SERVICE Hours and hours of planning go into a safari, but once you arrive the days seem to fly by. Your private safari guide will help to maximise every moment you have in the bush and their years of experience in 5-star lodges gives them an in-depth understanding of lodge operations, enabling them to work with the camps and lodges you stay at to create a truly extraordinary experience. Your private safari guide is also available to you throughout the day, and is on-hand to help with editing photographs, answer any questions and generally help make your safari as memorable as it can be.

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IT’S ABOUT PEACE OF MIND...

IT’S ABOUT CHOICE...

Knowing that you’ll be in the hands of an African expert, who will meet you

Personal Collection, have, over the years formed partnerships with some of the

on arrival and accompany you throughout your journey, is one of the greatest

continents finest guides and photographers. Their knowledge of flora and fauna,

advantages a private safari guide can give you. Your guide is on hand throughout

history and most of all, Africa’s animals, will amaze you. We have carefully selected

your safari to manage any issues that may arise, ensure smooth transitions

some guides that we know will lead you on a safari with not only expertise of

between destinations and alleviate the worry of handling sometimes challenging

guiding but together with passion that will have you booking them over and over

logistics.

again.

...AND HAVING FUN

Private guides can either tailor an itinerary especially to suit your interests, or

More than anything, your private safari guide is there to make sure you enjoy the

you can join one of their specialised, privately guided safaris. Our fully qualified

most thrilling, wonderful and eye-opening authentic African experience possible.

private guides are hand-picked for their in-depth knowledge, considerable

You’ll learn about Africa’s wildlife, people and cultures in a fun and engaging way

experience and limitless passion for what they do, allowing you to take your

and you will build up a wonderful rapport with your private guide, as they share

safari to the next level and create incredible lifelong memories.

the incredible knowledge they have acquired. With entertaining fireside stories, your private safari guide will also appreciate that time with family, friends and loved ones is important. This is all about you, and making sure that you have the ultimate African experience.

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OUR TAKE ON CONSERVATION We are so privileged to reside in a continent as beautiful as Africa. As ambassadors

BLOOD LIONS

of our beautiful Earth, we in the tourism sector, have a particular responsibility to

The Blood Lions Goal is to bring an end to canned hunting and the exploitative

ensure we take care of our continent and leave her in the condition we found her

breeding of lions and other predators on farms across South Africa. The award

in for the generations to come. Her beauty is made up of pure endless landscapes

winning Blood Lions® feature documentary premiered in 2015. At the same time

occupied by plentiful and beautiful creatures of all shapes and sizes, as well as

the Blood Lions Campaign was launched to create global awareness around the

magnificent jaw dropping waterfalls and mountain ranges. Our goal is to show off

captive predator breeding, canned hunting and lion bone industries as well as

her beauty to every traveller. And we are so blessed to be the caretakers of an

the related exploitative wildlife interactive tourism practices. Furthermore, the

abundance of wildlife that brings so many travellers to our shores. But first and

campaign encourages viewers of the film, visitors to Africa and followers on social

foremost we need to ensure our footprint preserves our unique vast Africa.

media to make responsible choices about visiting or supporting wildlife interactive tourism facilities and activities. Through awareness and by reducing demand for

Personal Collection proudly associates our brand with partners and products that

exploitative products, the campaign aims to bring an end to the exploitation of

put conservation and the environment at the forefront of their business model.

captive-bred wild animals.

Our compassion for wildlife and their environments is our first love. We join forces with organisations that are vocal with their fights to “protect and preserve”. To

PANGOLIN AFRICA

name just a few of the organisations we have joined forces with:

Pangolin Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the survival of the most highly trafficked wildlife species on the continent – the African Pangolin. Through

TREADRIGHT

our three-pronged approach of Publicity, Participation and Protection we are

We are a proud member of the TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit foundation

working with partners in the tourism, conservation and corporate fields to increase

promoting sustainable tourism within our own family brands. TreadRight is Personal

education and awareness around all four African pangolin species; contribute

Collection by Thompsons Africa’s vehicle for all corporate social responsibility

towards much-needed research; and implement protection and rehabilitation

efforts, and manages a long-standing grants program that benefits sustainable

projects on the ground. We also play an integral role in bringing together and

tourism projects. To date, TreadRight has committed more than USD 2million to

supporting other individuals and organisations across Africa who are working in

projects worldwide, and encourages industry best practice through their support

the pangolin conservation space.

for the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, The Travel Foundation & Tourism Cares. TreadRight has helped support some 40 sustainable

Personal Collection does not support any wildlife interaction that we deem to be

tourism projects worldwide and in Africa, helps to support WildAid, The Wilderness

unethical in either its purpose or in any way results in cruelty as a side effect.

Foundation, Bushmans Kloof Rock Art, Clanwilliam Cedar Trees, The Cape Leopard

We encourage our customers to consider this when requesting activities in our

Trust and the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

quotations.

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UNIQUE EXPERIENCES Our journeys to Africa offer far more than just exciting destinations, they offer

Africa offers a myriad adventure and exciting opportunities. Our Africa Specialists

life-enriching experiences. When you arrive at your chosen destination, we want

have put together a selection of unique experiences, every one hand-crafted

to ensure you truly live that destination to the fullest; giving you the freedom

around a person’s particular travel dreams. These experiences will teach you

to completely immerse yourself in Africa and capture the true essence of that

whatever you’d like to learn, whether it’s how to surf the waves or cook like a

specific location, while absorbing the culture of both people and place.

local. If you’d enjoy a really immersive African experience, connecting with the people and the wildlife that the continent is so famous for, we have a stunning

We want to connect you to Africa in ways you would never have thought possible,

selection of packages that we can tailor make especially for you. Plant a tree,

through individually tailored activities and unique experiences that will change

build a local home, or put up a fence to protect wildlife. Use your profession or

the way you view the world around you. These activities are impactful, both

skills to assist less privileged communities, or get involved in actively assisting

emotionally and spiritually, and perhaps physically too. We keep it simple but

endangered species and conserving wildlife.

exciting.

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams” These are the things you won’t find in a brochure or online - the incredible feeling

- Oprah Winfrey

of walking through a remote village, interacting with a local community, making your own wine, or sleeping out under the velvet canopy of the Milky Way.

Discover new horizons in this sought-after adventure destination, whether it’s hiking, trail running or mountain biking through some of the world’s most

This is our way of encouraging travellers to step away from everyday life as

breathtaking scenery, enjoying the ultimate adventure – a Big Five safari – in

we know it and engage ‘Mind, Body & Soul’. Invariably you will not just see life

either game viewing vehicles or on foot. Cycle across magnificent savannahs or

differently, but will also get to tick experiences off your Bucket List with a sense of

galloping on horseback through the spectacular Okavango Delta, watch predators

achievement and satisfaction.

on a kill from the safety of your four by four vehicle… we can take you further than you’ve ever been before. And that’s just a taste of what’s in store when you travel

“You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.”

- Karen Blixen

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with us on one of our incredible hand-crafted adventures.

SPECIALISED SAFARIS Africa offers a wide selection of diverse safaris. Over the years, Personal Collection’s safari experiences have evolved from a simple offering involving a game drive to track the Big Five to so much more. Choose a specialised safari experience that suits your specific requirements. Whether it involves a luxury package travelling from one reserve to the next in style, or an exclusive honeymoon safari adventure, we will tailor-make the perfect experience for you. Keen to take stunning wildlife photographs? We can arrange a specialised wildlife photographer guide who will show you how to take the perfect picture in an African setting. Prefer to travel independently? We can create a perfect solo itinerary for you. Travelling with family is priceless and offers wonderful opportunities to collect memories and stories you will share for years to come. Personal Collection will tailor-make a bespoke trip for your family, a safari that will connect you as a family.

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CHARTERED SAFARIS

glittering cities below you. You’re on an adventure,

Boarding an aircraft that has been exclusively booked

which comes complete with being pampered with

to fly you from one destination to the next is a unique

food and drink in the comfort of your seat. This is

experience. You miss the long wait as well as queues

what a Private Charter is all about.

at check-in and when boarding, there are no layovers at airports and you’re unlikely to ever miss a flight.

Ready, set, lift off… Personal Collection has a variety

Instead, you are travelling at leisure and in style,

of options to fit a guest’s budget. We offer fully

which is the perfect experience to complement any

licensed and maintained private aircraft to suit the

journey. Your mindset moves from ‘affordability’ to

particular journey, whether it’s a Cessna Caravan or

‘accessibility’ – this equates to saving time and also

a twin-seater helicopter for photography. There are

offers a travel experience without interruptions, a

also executive options – the Pilatus PC12, single

synergy between ground, air and hospitality services.

engine, pressurised, turbo-propelled aircraft with

We suggest a Private Charter because we know that

a pilot or the Beechcraft King Air 200, twin engine,

it will be a smooth transition from one part of your

pressurised, turbo-prop aircraft with two pilots.

travel experience to the next.

The options are as extensive. We can tailor your Private Adventure. Imagine a bird’s eye view. This is an

Charter to suit your budget, without compromising

exceptional and privileged experience if you’re on

on comfort or safety. Our partner aviation specialists

safari, travelling in Africa. The whole point of having a

can offer anything from a Safari Charter to a truly

dedicated aircraft and crew at your personal disposal

executive Private Charter experience, one that

is even more alluring when you’re 30,000 feet up in

complements Personal Collection’s on-the-ground

the air, enjoying 360-degree panoramic views of the

support and services. All this, to ensure your African

African landscape, beautiful white sand beaches or

journey is hassle-free and truly memorable.

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HONEYMOONS

are wedged between scenic mountain peaks and dotted with historic wineries.

Africa has it all: iconic wildlife, epic landscapes, ancient wonders and an incredible

Explore the country’s most charming historical wineries at leisure, sample some

variety of cultures that have intrigued intrepid adventurers for centuries. To add

of the cellars’ best vintages, and experience the lifestyle of one of the world’s

to its appeal, this vast and beautiful continent also has its sweet side; it’s a perfect

premier wine regions.

location for newlyweds wanting to experience the ultimate romantic getaway on a honeymoon. This type of holiday is arguably a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so why not make it unforgettable?

There’s also stunning Cape Town, with its sights, scents, sounds and the iconic 8th Wonder of the World, Table Mountain, its turquoise waters and numerous luxurious hotels. Complement all of this with world class cuisine and you’ll find

For the more spirited honeymooners seeking an adventurous getaway, a good option is an exclusive experience at one of Southern Africa’s game reserves, where

that Cape Town unabashedly lives up to its reputation as a truly cosmopolitan and glamorous city.

you can languish in an outdoor bubble bath or hear the lions roar at night while glamping it in your private hideaway. Embark on game drives and have sundowners

The gorgeous coastal nation of Mozambique has all the ingredients for a perfect

in the middle of nowhere. Your privacy is our priority and your comfort, our promise.

beach getaway. Nestled on a tranquil bay looking out over the Indian Ocean,

Daytime provides opportunities for some self-indulgence: relax with a book at the

the pace of life is slow as syrup and the ocean air is filled with the scent of fresh

poolside, enjoy an afternoon siesta or book a pampering spa treatment to pacify

grilled lobster. Mozambique is home to one of Africa’s most responsible and

your soul. After all of these spoils, feed your appetite with delectables from the High

sustainable marine tourism industries. Spend lazy days on the beach, perhaps

Tea offerings before heading out on a scenic sunset game drive.

after a few nights in the South African bush.

Why not opt for the rugged mountains and rolling vineyards of South Africa’s Cape

The options are endless and the romance unforgettable.

Winelands for your honeymoon? The green valleys that make up the Winelands

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PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS

These specialised Photographic Safaris can be

Photographic Safaris offer an experience

enjoyed on a game vehicle or boat that has been

like no other. They give you the opportunity

specifically adapted for cameras and provides

to take a regular safari to the next level,

extra room for equipment and extended booms

combining

with

and include the guidance of a professional guide.

adventure and creativity. Capture the finest

Various elements and principles of photography

wildlife photography while enhancing your

will be discussed throughout the Photographic

photographic ability by focusing on technical

Safari, including important factors such as lighting,

and practical skills during a selection of

backlighting, action shots, space, composition,

exciting game drives. This safari experience

shooting techniques and panning. An important

is designed for those enthusiasts who venture

aspect of photography that is essential to this

out as amateur photographers, but will learn

particular type of photographic experience is

the skills of the professionals. Where better to

vehicle placement and animal behaviour. This is

be the best photographer you can be than in

why it is vital that you are provided with a guide

the natural environment of the organic African

who has the level of expertise to be able to assist

bush? Our locations in Africa are some of the

you. A Photographic Safari comes at a premium

finest travel destinations offering dramatic

price, but it offers some of the most exclusive

photographic experiences.

wildlife

a

focused

environment

in Africa.

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photography

experiences

available

FAMILY TRAVEL

At Personal Collection we believe that Family Travel is the benchmark of quality

“Travelling in the Company of those we love is Home in Motion”

family time. Travelling as a family in Africa presents the perfect opportunity for kids to learn the importance of nature and wildlife and how we all co-exist. It is

Today, family travel has evolved to encompass different experiences that cater to

a fun-filled holiday with an education, showcasing life as we live it, appreciate it

everybody, from grandparents all the way down through the generations to their

and nurture it together.

youngest 6-year-old grandchild. It gives parents the opportunity to disconnect from their daily routine, explore unchartered territory with family in tow and enjoy

SOLO TRAVEL

numerous options for adventure as a unit.

Standing true to the ideology of Solo Travel we at Personal Collection assist in curating Solo Travel experiences that are completely off the beaten track,

When it comes to Family Travel, nothing beats an African adventure. The delight

uncovering Africa’s hidden gems and offering experiences in magnificent natural

and appreciation of seeing wildlife up close, or meerkats bobbing in and out of

settings, all with one goal in mind – to give the Solo Artist a soulful journey with

their little burrows is unmatched. Appreciating the undulating African landscape

memories that will last a lifetime.

from the vantage point of a hot air balloon is a bucket list experience, as is watching the children’s wonder and excitement when they receive their first

With a G&T in hand, scour through our website to find your bucket list adventures.

‘Little Ranger’ certificates.

When you’ve chosen what you want, contact us, your African Specialists, to tailor a journey that will satiate your soul and your personal legacy, an opportunity to

Africa is an untouched paradise, with so much to do and see. It literally offers

leave your footprint behind in Africa.

the ultimate family holiday experience. Travelling together gives families the opportunity to create memorable moments across generations. This is

Whether you are an active or not-so-active Solo Artist, Personal Collection offers

how memories are made. These reflections make us realise that those often-

a multitude of experiences that will resonate with your passion. Take the leap into

overlooked moments are life’s real treasures, and family time, both at home and

an unforgettable African Adventure with us.

away, should never be taken for granted.

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BELLS & WHISTLES There’s a holiday…and then there’s ‘Personal Collection’. An out of this world-class

Private Safari Guides – We work with some of the best in the business and will

travel concept finely crafted and honed by Personal Collection by Thompsons

hand pick a guide/s to accompany guests throughout their safari. Our guides

Africa.

will assist in every way possible – whether it be local history or geographical information, conservation questions or purely assistance with steps along the

Our ‘Personal Collection’ invites you to set foot on African soil and leave the finer

way.

detail to us.

Snacks and drinks on transfers – For all transfers we provide guests with a list of Multiple layers of luxury, seamless levels of service, and the most sublime

drinks and snacks to choose from.

accommodation and extraordinary adventures that only Africa has to offer.

Immediate hotel check ins – For guests arriving on early flights, we will confirm Experience unimaginably romantic world-class game lodges in the heart of the

early check in’s so that guests can freshen up and begin to relax from the minute

African bush, with sumptuous cuisine. Dine under the stars, shower under the

go.

sun, and sip sundowners in unforgettable settings. Arrive in style and step onto red carpets whilst Champagne awaits… you name it, we will do all we can do

Tipping and porterage – Tipping in a foreign country can be confusing. We

deliver it.

eliminate the need by handling all the tipping. We arrange to prepay on the guest’s behalf.

Personal Collection allows you to design your journey by handpicking our given offerings. From this we will tailor-make your safari into the unforgettable journey

Exclusivity – Private transfers and private accommodation is, wherever possible,

that exceeds your expectation and deliver a superbly opulent safari experience.

available under our Bells & Whistles service.

Our guest profile questionnaire will assist us in ensuring guests are constantly surprised and delighted.

Accessories for a comfortable safari – We offer a few little accessories to add to the journey that will prepare guests perfectly to look the part and feel comfortable

OUR RANGE OF DELUXE OPTIONS Platinum Africa welcome – Your guests are met on arrival straight off the aircraft by our personnel who have official airport clearance to be there. Guests will therefore feel completely at ease, knowing they’ll be escorted from the moment they step onto African soil. Note this service is available only at selected airports.

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on safari – a winning Instagram post.

© Scott Ramsay

EXTRAS WE ALWAYS INCLUDE

conservation of the African Pangolin, the most

Personalised Surprise and Delights – In order

trafficked animal on earth. The organisation was

to ensure that, along their journey, your guests

founded in 2018 by Pangolin Photo Safaris, who

are constantly thrilled with special little touches,

has committed to funding the operational needs

we send you, prior to their arrival, a request for

of the NGO.

a guest profile so as to learn about their likes and dislikes. This information helps us enhance

Project Rhino – Project Rhino is an association

your guests’ experience, so we can surprise them

of leading conservation agencies, state and

with mementoes as wonderful keepsakes of their

community game reserves, rhino owners and

extraordinary time on tour.

anti-poaching specialists working together to conserve South Africa’s wildlife.

Luggage delay – Should luggage be delayed off international flights, we will have a back-up bag

Send a child to school for a year - Tholathando

for guests that will be equipped with toiletries and

Childrens Home - Tholuthando is a children’s

a change of clothing as well as a stress ball.

home based in the Embo/Ndada Community (KZN) and is home to approximately 52 children

Further to that we give guests the opportunity to

between the ages of 12 months to 18 years

play a small role in the growth and protection of Lionscape Coalition – The Lionscape Coalition

Africa.

allows Africa’s top tourism operators to take a Included in our safaris we give guests the option

leadership position to support on-the-ground

to pick one of the four below organisations and

conservation work and encourage clients to

(in their name) we will contribute.

support the future of lions.

Pangolin Africa – Pangolin Africa is a registered

‘Of Course’ – it’s the motto we live by.

non-profit

organisation

dedicated

to

the

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