“Classic Safari Camps of Africa 2008 AGM”……well that
does not sound that exciting except that this year
Stefano and Liz of
Cheli and Peacock invited us all to
Elsa’s Kopje for the meeting. For a number of years in
the past we visited various Classic Camps for these
meetings but somehow the world speeded up, inboxitis
became a serious illness (do you have too many emails
too?) and our businesses were all growing. We decided to
forego the great times we had at amazing locations in
Africa for a conference room in the Hilton, Durban.
Where were our priorities? So as Stefano flew me (yes –
he is still piloting) past the towering Mount Kenya on
our left and miles of bush on our right I did mentally
make a note to find a cure for my apparently incurable
inboxitis and remember to “get out there”. |
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Elsa’s Kopje is a wonderful lodge – with the vast rooms
scattered around the boulders and trees of a massive
kopje in Meru National Park. The central area looks
across such a wide view you feel you're seeing the “Horn of
Africa”. As each of us were shown our room, we inspected
all the details (an occupational habit) and were duly
impressed by the standard that Stef and Liz had set.
Elsa’s Kopje is a truly fabulous lodge. And as I
unpacked I could hear the laughter growing at the bar as
each group arrived and so the tone of the meeting was
set. |
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Over the next two days between excellent game viewing,
dawn walks to the top of the Kopje, sundowners with
views and ending in a superb bush breakfast in a grove
of acacia trees – we managed to fit the work in. In fact
when you get a group of like-minded souls together, all
with a passion for their businesses there is lots of
shop talk but it was wonderful to share ideas,
experiences and problems. |
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One of the highlights for everyone was a flying visit to
Joy’s Camp (only 20 mins by small plane) in the Shaba
area. The chic and at times funky camp stunned the top
safari operators in Africa to a person. Quite superb
Stef! |
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During the official meeting the new Classic Coffee Table
book was viewed for the first time by the members. David
Rogers, the photographer/author, has done a superb job
and Jaci has valiantly directed the production. What a
great record of all the camps and stories. Copies will
be available at the lodges. Being aware of the paper
involved in producing a book we have all pledged to
plant ten trees to cover the carbon footprint ! |
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Many exciting ideas fly around during these meetings and
so watch this space….you will be hearing about our
project soon - the Classic Club. And so after far too
much food, lots of laughter and a wonderful feeling of
closeness we all flew off to Indaba for the annual
ritual of meetings and play! What a great “club” to be a
part of. |
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Jo Pope 
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