Wild Expeditions, a unique venture from eco-tourism leaders Chris Roche and Amy Azoulay, is the latest member to join the Classic Portfolio group of independently owned lodges and camps.

In late 2019, Roche and Azoulay left Wilderness Safaris to start Wild Expeditions, which offers camps and immersive tourism offerings in Africa’s wildest places. Wild Expeditions partnered with three operating camps, Lale’s Camp in Ethiopia, Masoala Forest Lodge in Madagascar and Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe. 

“The future of Africa’s wildest places and traditional tribes increasingly requires brave stakeholders who are committed to providing meaningful and immersive travel experiences together with conscious and intrepid travellers seeking these bucket-list journeys. It is for this reason that we are delighted to welcome Wild Expeditions as the latest member to join Classic Portfolio,” said Suzanne Bayly, Classic Portfolio MD. 

The brand’s expeditions include two in Ethiopia, exploring the volcanic Danakil Depression and seeking out the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf, and explorations of the unspoiled forests and beaches around Masoala Forest Lodge. The company also has a strong focus on cultural experiences and community involvement. 

Lale’s Camp, only available for exclusive-use bookings of at least two pax for a minimum of three nights, features a central dining and lounge tent, campfire and seven large en-suite Meru tents surrounded by riverine forest.

Accommodation at Masoala also includes seven traditional African tents raised on stilted decks and located in thick forest along a pristine beach. The tents are situated around a ‘beach house’ with a dining area, natural history library and sea deck overlooking the ocean bay.  

Overlooking a natural waterhole, the camp in Hwange is a rustic, thatched camp with eight canvas-walled units and a central lounge, dining and campfire area.  

Classic Portfolio now comprises 17 member companies, operating 56 camps and lodges in 30 protected areas across 13 African countries. 

2023 rack rates

• Lale’s Camp: from US$760pps per night (minimum three-night stay), with meals, drinks and activities (river cruises, cultural interactions, game drives, fly-camping) included.     
• Masoala Forest Lodge: from €354pps per night (minimum three-night stay), with meals, drinks and activities (forest walks including night walks, snorkelling, kayaking, traditional pirogues, whale watching (seasonal: mid-June to mid-September), fishing, and interactions with the local Malagasy community) included. Longer packages include additional activities.  
• Camp Hwange: from US$480pps sharing per night, with meals and drinks, game drives and walking safaris included.