Sally Kirby
When Alice met Sally, wonderful things happened in the world of travel. Sally & Alice Travel Co. is a new, London-based bespoke travel company launched by travel veterans Sally Kirby and Alice Agar (Sally is pictured on the left). The women hatched the idea for the company while on a motorbike safari on Alice’s family farm in Australia. They specialize in luxury travel to Africa and the Middle East, and the duo have traveled extensively through out Kenya, Namibia, Morocco, Mozambique and Turkey (to name just a handful of destinations) to scout the best game lodges, hidden beaches and unique experiences. But they deliver much more than a typical luxury holiday. Unlike most travel companies, all of their itineraries are custom made; they don’t do packages or web bookings. So whether you’re looking to go on your first safari, or your tenth, or just want to unwind on the most remote beach on Zanzibar, give them a ring. And in the meantime, co-founder Sally Kirby shares her travel tips with iTraveliShop.
What is the last place you visited, and where is the next place you’re going?
I’ve just come back from Benguerra Island in southern Mozambique. Next I am off to Edinburgh for Al’s wedding in July!
When you need to relax and get away from it all, where do you go?
On safari. Or for a long bike ride in the New Forest.
What inspired you to launch Sally & Alice Travel Company?
We have been extremely lucky to have traveled the world and experience some incredible places. We wanted to be able to share these experiences with our friends and family, as well as support the people who run these lodges and give so much back to their local communities.
How do you pack to look stylish (but practical) while on safari or in the desert?
I always take my cashmere travelwrap on safari. It is lightweight and wrinkle free and perfect for bundling up and squeezing in your bag; it keeps you warm on early morning and evening game drives and is also an easy way to dress up for dinner back in camp.
Which destination is the next big thing and why?
Mozambique! It is no longer just a beach ‘add-on’ but a one stop destination with amazing safari and cultural experiences to be had, as well as endless white powder sand beaches and pristine coral reefs to enjoy – not to mention some of the best seafood I have ever tasted. With new flight routes opening every day as well as exciting new properties such as White Pearl, Mozambique is definitely the new hot spot in Africa.
If a client is planning a first time safari, where should they go?
The most quintessential first-time safari that comes to mind would be the northern circuit in Tanzania. Flying in to Kilimanjaro Airport, you would start with a few nights in the Ngorongoro highlands (we love the owner run Plantation Lodge) and have a day trip to both Lake Manyara National Park and the Crater itself - for breathtaking views and also to give you an idea of the sheer scale and size of Africa - before heading out for a classic tented camp experience in the Serengeti at Serengeti Safari Camp, a mobile camp which moves throughout the year to remain as close to the migrating herds as possible. We recommend that our clients do the northern circuit with an expert private guide/driver as it ensures you get the most from your game-viewing experience.
Where should you go for a classic safari experience, as well as a glam one?
For both a classic and glam safari experience you really can’t look past the Singita properties, both in the Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania and Sabi Sands in South Africa. The lodges have incredible design features, beautiful interiors, ‘bush’ spas, and all suites comes with private plunge pools. The Singita properties are all located on private concessions which makes for very exclusive game viewing.
What is your favorite hotel?
My favorite hotel is Ellerman House Cape Town for the stunning sea views and impeccable service. I also love that they support local artists and have a fabulous in-house gallery.
Your favourite travel accessory is….
I never leave home without my travel journal and my SLR camera - Alice and I write up extensive notes on all the properties we visit and use all our own photos for our website etc
What is the best thing you’ve bought on your travels?
My leather holdall bag from the souk in Marrakech
What are your favorite cities for shopping?
I would have to say Marrakech, for clothing/shoes and accessories. My favorite shop there is Michele Baconnier in Gueliz. One day when I am fitting out my dream house I plan to return to the homeware shop at Beldi. I also love the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town and browsing through the little boutique shops in Kalk Bay.
All images courtesy of Sally & Alice Travel Co.
