Classic Portfolio
UK Based Representation
Address: Suite 5, The Square, 36 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek, 7690 Member Number: 2390432 Email: info@classic-portfolio.com Tel: +27 21 876 2153Classic Portfolio is the leading collection of independent lodges and camps in Africa's wild (and not so wild) places. With our passion for seeking out the unique, we have moved beyond traditional luxury and brought back adventure, fun and purpose by driving sustainability through conscious travel across Africa.
Classic Portfolio and our members are a collective endorsement of each other. We celebrate the identity of each of our members and their unique characteristics. We are not a one-size-fits all portfolio, we are a collaboration of individual passions committed to a common purpose.
Our ethos of accountability and transparency supports commercial sustainability and through the services we offer our members we have been a strategic partner providing sustainable business solutions for over 25 years.
Our members include:
SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE: Sundy Príncipe
REPUBLIC OF CONGO & CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Congo Conservation Company
NAMIBIA: Wolwedans Premier Camps
SOUTH AFRICA: La Clé des Montagnes, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Marataba Conservation Camps, Tanda Tula, RETURN Africa, Coot Club
ZAMBIA: Chiawa Safaris, The Bushcamp Company
MOZAMBIQUE: Azura Retreats
TANZANIA: Chem Chem Safaris, Legendary Expeditions
KENYA: The Safari Collection
SEYCHELLES: Blue Safari Seychelles
ETHIOPIA, MADAGASCAR, ZIMBABWE: Wild Expeditions
Where we operate
- Central African Republic
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Seychelles
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Tanzania
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Congo
Activities offered
- Accommodation
- Ballooning
- Beach Holidays
- Bird Watching
- Canoeing
- Diving
- Fishing
- Flying Safaris
- Mobile Safaris
- Photography
- Safaris - Fixed Camp
- Self-Drive Holidays
- Weddings
- Walking Safaris
- Guided flying safaris
- Eco tourism
- Cultural activities
- Honeymoon safaris
News
14 September 2022
IMPACT Workshop 2022
Classic Portfolio will be hosting a 3 day IMPACT Workshop at Boschendal Farm from 20th September. The event ends on 22nd September, World Rhino Day, and has over 90 participants with 42 tour operators and private guides together with 17 Classic Portfolio members, Ellerman House, our host Boschendal Farm and WEEVA Sustainability participating.
Read More13 September 2022
Classic Portfolio welcomes new member Wild Expeditions
Classic Portfolio is delighted to welcome WILD EXPEDITIONS as the latest member to join our leading collection of privately owned lodges and camps across Africa.
Read More03 June 2022
TUESDAY TALK - 7th June: Congo Conservation Company
Classic Portfolio invites you to REGISTER for our TUESDAY TALK with Congo Conservation Company REPUBLIC OF CONGO & CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Read More04 May 2022
[SOUTH AFRICA] Launching Coot Club
With the growing demand for simplicity and connection, we are delighted to launch the latest addition to Classics Portfolio: COOT CLUB.
Read More02 March 2022
Classic Portfolio welcome new sales team members
At Classic Portfolio we are confident about the future of the African tourism industry and committed to building on partnerships with our key tour operators and agents across the globe.
Read More16 February 2022
TUESDAY TALK Islands in Africa
Join us as we discover Seychelles, Príncipe and Mozambique. From remote coral atolls and a marine reserve archipelago to a volcanic paradise covered in a rainforest.
Read More17 January 2022
Tuesday Talks: Insider updates from our South African property owners
JOIN US AS WE REDISCOVER SOUTH AFRICA Suzanne will be hosting a panel of 6 owners and managers who will share insider updates on their products and discuss how best to combine these locations in seamless itineraries.
Read More08 November 2021
Classic Portfolio - Improvements to trusted web portal
Classic Portfolio strives to be the most trusted resource of information for our trade partners across our collection of truly unique experiences. We take a multitude of content styles and formats, condense the information and design easy to use documents.
Read More22 October 2021
RETURN Africa joins Classic Portfolio
Classic Portfolio is delighted to welcome RETURN Africa as the latest addition to our independent collection of lodges and camps in Africa's wild (and not so wild) places.
Read More15 September 2021
New website. New narrative. New chapter.
Classic Portfolio is delighted to launch IMPACT OF YOUR STAY.
Read More26 July 2021
Odzala Reopening In 44 Days
After an 18-month pause, CONGO CONSERVATION COMPANY will be reopening on the 2nd of September. Here your imagination becomes a reality as Africa's finest rainforest discoveries, Odzala Discovery Camps and Sangha Lodge, are once again welcoming travellers.
Read More28 June 2021
HBD Príncipe To Reopen on October 1st, 2021
We are delighted to announce the reopening of HBD Príncipe, with Sundy Praia and Roça Sundy welcoming guests again from 1st October 2021.
Read More02 February 2021
Launching Conscious Journeys
Classic Portfolio launches Conscious Journeys showcasing life-changing holidays across Africa which highlight how our Classics members are contributing to sustainability from the ground up.
Read More01 February 2021
Kwaheri (Goodbye) Cara!
After 7 years as a trusted and highly valued member of the Classic Portfolio team, we very sadly bid farewell to Cara Carr (Prettejohn). Cara will be leaving us in March to begin a new chapter with her husband Henry, as they plan to move back home to Kenya.
Read More24 November 2020
Classic Portfolio - Quick Question!
Reflecting on the past, present & future 2020 is certainly a year we will never forget and there are only 37 days left! We have created 21 questions asking for your input on how we can build better business together in 2021 and beyond.
Read More21 September 2020
Classic Portfolio - Marataba Conservation Camps Now Open!
We are delighted to announce the opening of Marataba Conservation Camps, a new, conservation-focused safari experience giving guests the chance to be part of hands-on wildlife management and ecological conservation, and to travel with a purpose. In a post COVID-19 world, the way people travel will be changed forever and this reimagining of the traditional bush experience offers guests the opportunity to be part of the future of conservation.
Read More21 August 2020
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve - Welcoming Galpin Tented Camp
Adapting. That is one thing we have certainly been doing in these strange times. And it is with great pleasure that Kwandwe Private Game Reserve announce the opening of their new, eco-friendly camp, Galpin Tented Camp.No Wi-Fi, just a quiet, calm setting in the remote southern part of the reserve, Galpin is designed to immerse you in nature, allowing your spirit to drift in time with the rhythms of the wilderness.The camp strikes a balance between comfort and adventure. There are 4 bedroom…
Read More17 August 2020
Classic Portfolio - Tuesday Talks - Women's Month
TUESDAY TALKS || In August we celebrate Women's Month in South Africa, a great opportunity to honour the achievements, courage and strength of women. For our next Tuesday Talk, we have lined up an amazing panel of inspiring women, who all own businesses and have made their mark in the tourism world.
Read More27 July 2020
Classic Portfolio - Tuesday Talk - Take a walk on the wild side in Zambia
TUESDAY TALKS || In this week’s Tuesday Talks, we’re inviting you to talk a walk on the wild side in Zambia! Zambia offers some of the most authentic, connected and inspiring wildlife experiences amongst breath-taking natural beauty. From the well-known South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi to the remote North Luangwa, Bangweulu Swamps and Kafue, we have another panel of experts discussing what I consider to be one of the finest safari destinations in Africa.
Read More03 July 2020
Classic Portfolio - Tuesday Talk - The Congo Basin & beyond...
The Congo Basin makes up one of the most important wilderness areas left on Earth. At 500 million acres, it is larger than the state of Alaska and stands as the world’s second-largest rainforest. This week, our Tuesday Talk features a fabulous line-up of passionate companies striving to establish conservation based tourism in spectacular locations, under very challenging circumstances.
Read More19 June 2020
Classic Portfolio - Tanzania Tuesday Talk
With COVID-19 protocols firmly in place, we are happy to announce that our properties in Tanzania opening up! Chem Chem is ready to welcome guests to Little Chem Chem and in Arusha, Legendary Lodge will be open from August. We have therefore decided that there would be no better time to have a Tuesday Talk on Tanzania – and that’s exactly what we’ll be doing on the 23rd June.
Read More08 June 2020
Classic Portfolio - Tuesday Talks
Last week, we had another fabulous Tuesday Talk and the response has been amazing! We heard an owners' perspective, as 4 visionaries discussed their responsibilities on the ground and gave insight into gearing for the future. We appreciate your tuning in and every question, chat, and email before and after.
Read More01 June 2020
Classic Portfolio Launching Marataba Conservation Camps
Classic Portfolio are delighted to announce the launch of Marataba Conservation Camps. Due to open in September 2020, the camps offer a new safari experience giving guests a backstage pass to dynamic and innovative conservation in action, whilst also immersing themselves in the vast, wild spaces of Marataba.
Read More11 May 2020
Classic Portfolio: Transparent. Accountable. Sustainable.
After this crisis over, we all know we need to face a few hard questions… For those of you who know Classics, either through meeting me, Suzanne, in person, or following our weekly communication, you will know that we like to challenge and think beyond where we are now.
Read More28 April 2020
[COVID COMMENT] Navigating A Way Forward Together
The past few weeks have rattled us all to the core and challenged us both personally and professionally. Every day we face a new unexpected turn of events. Quite frankly we have ask ourselves what next? And while there has been endless talk and social media comment about how we should use this as a 'reset', I am beginning to wonder what this could look like for our African tourism industry.
Read More13 March 2020
Classic Portfolio & Machaba Safaris
Classic Portfolio is delighted to announce that Machaba Safaris are welcoming two camps into the fold - Ingwe Pan in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park and Kiri Camp in a private concession in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Both camps embody the Machaba ethos of 'eco-luxury safaris that capture the spirit of an authentic African experience'.
Read More20 February 2020
More ways to create memories at Chem Chem Safaris
In our quest to include the most unique memories in awe-inspiring locations, we are so excited to announce the latest experience from Classic Portfolio member, Chem Chem Safaris. New and immediately available for guests staying at Little Chem Chem and Forest Chem Chem is the option to enjoy their very own #ChemChemMoment with the remarkable bull elephants on the concession.
Read More04 December 2019
Journey planning made easy with live availability
Our Classic Portfolio AVAILABILITY PORTAL has evolved to drive easy itinerary building across 15 individual reservation systems. You can access 45 camps, lodges and villas, underpinned by conservation and long term sustainability, and start your itinerary planning across 11 African countries. No time zone delays. Build itineraries with live availability any time of the day and any day of the week.
Read More08 November 2019
A Once-Off Intellectual Discovery of the Congo Basin
Classic Portfolio is thrilled to announce the launch of a special once-off discovery into the Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic in March 2020, hosted by conservation legends Paul Telfer and Rod Cassidy. Paul Telfer is the CEO of the Congo Conservation Company, an American-born primatologist with a foundation in research investigating primate viruses and the origins of the HIV epidemic in West Africa.
Read More12 September 2019
Classic Portfolio's Popular 'Sustainable Africa MegaFam' Embarks on its Third Year in 2020
12 countries, 23 sustainable companies, 56 authentic experiences, 63 adventurous travel partners, 9 MegaFam trips, and 1 Mega workshop A new way of engagement between privately owned experiences and key trade partners, building a community of like-minded businesses fully committed to long-term sustainability 2020 dates: 27 September to 15 October
Read More26 March 2019
Classic Portfolio - new members and new countries
In keeping with our core values of Private. Unique. Committed, Classic Portfolio is delighted to welcome Machaba Safaris in Botswana and Zimbabwe and Wolwedans Private Camp and Boulders Safari Camp in Namibia as our newest members. Now extending over 12 countries with 17 companies encompassing over 50 camps, lodges, hotels and island escapes, we are the most extensive portfolio of privately owned experiences, offering truly unique experiences while being fully committed to long term sustainability.
Read More31 January 2019
Classic Portfolio welcomes a new camp in Zambia
We love wild, remote and untamed wilderness areas, and the North Luangwa National Park has always been one of our ultimate safari, pure escapism destinations. With this in mind, we are very excited to launch the latest camp operated by Remote Africa Safaris. Opening July 2019, Takwela - meaning 'we have taken off' - offers a rare opportunity to visit an unexplored area of the vast North Luangwa wilderness.
Read More21 November 2018
Launching: Deeper discoveries in the Congo Basin
Launching 3rd January 2019 Effective from January 2019, CONGO CONSERVATION COMPANY, who has pioneered tourism in the Congo Basin, expands beyond ODZALA DISCOVERY CAMPS in the Republic of the Congo, to partner with SANGHA LODGE adjoining CAR's Dzanga-Sangha National Park. This partnership, together with the new access route directly from Odzala to Sangha, will turn one of the most inaccessible and untouched corners of Africa into a viable tourism destination for conscientious travellers.
Read More31 October 2018
CLASSICS 25
The journey over the past 25 years has led Classic Portfolio through the savannahs of Africa, across powerful rivers, over mountains, beyond the shore, and into equatorial rain forests. Behind the vision of this collection of ‘best in class’ destinations throughout southern, east and west Africa is Suzanne Bayly-Coupe. It is with an unbridled passion that she guides the lodges and camps in her care alongside a remarkable team, founded on a collaborative approach to securing Africa’s future in tourism through privately owned, unique and authentic experiences committed to sustainability.
Read More09 August 2018
Classic Portfolio new member: Blue Safari Seychelles
In our quest to include the most unique experiences in spectacular locations, we are delighted to welcome Blue Safari Seychelles as the latest member of Classic Portfolio.
Read More17 April 2018
New rate structure for the exclusive-use Tanda Tula Field Camp
Excellent news for families or friends wanting authenticity and an exceptional experience where you are immersed in pure wilderness: Tanda Tula Field Camp announces a per-person rate structure while keeping the exclusivity of the camp.
Read More16 April 2018
Mwiba's new fly-camping experience
Mwiba in Tanzania has just become more fly... New and immediately available for guests staying at Mwiba Lodge is the option of a night under star-studded skies in a truly luxurious fly-camp. Set-up on the escarpment of the Rift Valley, overlooking Lake Eyasi, this is an unforgettable African experience.
Read More01 February 2018
Odzala Discovery Camp - NB Updates 2018
The Congo Conservation Company (CCC) and Odzala Discovery Camps has a strong commitment to protecting the Congo Basin. With this clear purpose in mind, we are delighted to share an important update for the year ahead. Keep in mind for every guest you send to Odzala, you are making a significant contribution to conservation of the Congo Basin.
Read More23 January 2018
Classics Roundup - What's new for 2018
Classics Roundup: As we look ahead at 2018, we would like to share a round-up of our unique experiences and adventures. Through supporting our privately owned members, and their commitment to conservation and communities, you contribute to a sustainable Africa.
Read More01 December 2017
Classic Portfolio expands into West Africa
Recently announced, Classic Portfolio expanding into São Tomé and Príncipe off the coast of Gabon in West Africa with Sundy Príncipe. With its sheer volcanic peaks rising out of the ocean, densely forested vegetation, secluded bays and high density of endemic species, the island of Príncipe is a planet in miniature. Remote and pristine, uncover a volcanic wonderland just off the west coast of Africa.
Read More
