Geoffrey Kent, founder and co-chairman of Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), is credited with launching the safari experience as high-end travelers and travel advisors know it today. But even before the founding of A&K in 1962, Kent already experienced an extraordinary number of adventures — from a rambunctious childhood spent on his family’s Kenyan farm, to being kicked out of school at age 16 for getting caught with a forbidden motorbike. (Shortly after, Kent rode said motorbike on an action-packed, two-month trek from Nairobi, Kenya to Cape Town, South Africa.) 

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Kent vividly chronicles these escapades, in addition to the many more that followed after he and his parents formed A&K as a safari company. He also shares stories about the early days of A&K, such as being the first safari outfitter to introduce refrigeration in the bush and how he initially attracted luxury clientele.  

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE  

Abercrombie & Kent: www.abercrombiekent.com

Geoffrey Kent’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/geoffrey_kent

Abercrombie & Kent’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/aktravel_usa

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Digital Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print and online magazine for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human. 

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