An Interview with Kent Redding, Co-Founder of Africa Adventure Consultants, a 2017 Travel & Leisure Top Safari Outfitter
First, congratulations on placing on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Top 10 Safari Outfitters’ list.
Thank you! All of us at Africa Adventure Consultants are thrilled to be included. On behalf of all of us at AAC, I’d like to thank the voters. We appreciate our past clients trusting us with their safari adventures and for taking the time to vote.
This is actually the second year AAC has been named to Travel + Leisure’s top safari outfitter list. What makes this year so meaningful?
Last year was exciting, but placing again this year proves what we’ve known for years, which is that AAC is one of the top safari designers around. We work hard to ensure that the customized African safaris we’re creating are the right fit for our client, and it’s great to see it’s working.
Why should travelers go on safari in Africa?
There are so many reasons people should go on safari! First, because it will likely be one of the most memorable travel experiences of your life. I can’t even count the number of times returning guests have told us that their safari with us was their best vacation ever. For some, like me and Kelly, our first safari was life changing.
But it’s much more than that. When one of our guests visits the Serengeti or Kruger or the Okavango Delta or any of our other top destinations, they are helping to preserve ecosystems, to protect wildlife from poaching, and to provide much needed jobs and education for local people. There’s much more, but these are the reasons that motivate and inspire us here at AAC.
Can I take my family/kids?
Absolutely! Going on a safari is, in my opinion, the best vacation experience you can give your family. Kids of all ages can have a great time on safari, as we craft itineraries and experiences to please the whole family. Family safaris are our top sellers, along with luxury safaris, celebration safaris for anniversaries, birthdays and graduations, and also honeymoon safairs.
What makes Africa Adventure Consultants special?
We know people have options, but very few travel companies have the experience that we do. After we moved back to the United States from Tanzania, my wife Kelly and I opened AAC in 2001. We travel regularly to Africa and we make sure our team is traveling overseas as well. We know our destinations inside and out, which helps us create the perfect customized itinerary for each client. I’m proud of the time we spend with each client to make sure their trip meets their travel style and is the trip they’ve been dreaming about.
We focus on quality, and always offer our guests the best guides, accommodations, vehicles, and experiences available within their budgets. We’re licensed and insured in the U.S., and we give back to the community by donating a portion of our profits to help people and animals in Africa.
What would you say to people thinking about going on a safari?
It’s worth it! I hear so often of people who have always dreamed of going on safari, but they never have. Being there in person is a million times more exciting and meaningful than watching a nature program on video. And, it’s not as hard as you think, as long as you work with the right people. You don’t have to know where you want to go or exactly what you want to do when you’re there. We’re here to provide great ideas and to plan seamless safaris that avoid common pitfalls! Give us a call and we can do the planning for you.