Imagine carrying out a mission with former intelligence agents in the dusty North African desert, a private tour of the Pyramids, a helicopter trip for an intimate interaction with the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda. These are once in a life time experiences typical of London-based luxury experience company, Quintessentially Escape. Of late they have endeavoured to create a peerless selection of the world’s finest sporting experiences, with a particular emphasis on the finest opportunities available close to home in the British Isles.

This month they are delighted to offer a selection of seasonal sporting escapes for those looking for the opportunity to take part in some spectacular sport in some of the world’s most incredible destinations.

Nick Samuels and Tim Wace have been hunting and fishing since they could walk and are passionate about providing their clients with the ultimate sporting experiences available worldwide throughout the year.

The Glorious 12th
‘The Glorious 12th’ of August is looming ever closer, consequently, many of the available days shooting on the top grouse moors are already being booked up for the season ahead. This widely admired country pursuit attracts unrivalled attention across the shooting world and is regarded by many avid sportsmen as the pinnacle of all country sports.

Both Scotland and the North of England are well known for their sporting excellence and boast the finest grouse shooting available anywhere in the world. Driven grouse provides you with a fusion of breathtakingly beautiful natural surroundings and an overwhelming sense of achievement associated with shooting this testing game bird.  Grouse are arguably the most exciting game bird to shoot; regularly exceeding mid flight speeds of 80mph, providing those who participate in this electrifying sport with a challenge like no other.

Eager sportsmen have been pursuing grouse for centuries, primarily as a result of their unrivalled sporting finesse. Not only do grouse provide excellent sport, but also superb eating and will occasionally be seen featuring on the menus of only the finest restaurants.

The last decade alone has not only seen grouse numbers steadily rising but its popularity as a quarry has been highlighted by the fierce competition among shots to secure driven grouse shooting before it is booked up. The increase in numbers has largely been down to the radical improvements in land management techniques and a greater emphasis on all round conservation.

Quintessentially Escape has unique and exclusive access to a portfolio of only the finest sporting estates, grouse moors and luxurious lodges as well as a wealth of expertise in the area. Their individually handpicked sporting destinations allow them to tailor a bespoke sporting escape to one’s exact needs and requirements.

A game fishing adventure
Fishing as a sport is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating experiences available on the face of the earth. Game fishing will take you to all corners of the globe in pursuit of the numerous wonderful species on offer. One will encounter some of the most enchanting natural environments, teeming with an abundant diversity of wildlife.

Without fishing for sport, many of these stunning habitats would sadly be things of the past and as unlikely as it may sound, game fishing has actually been the ultimate protector of these rare and fragile ecosystems, largely down to the ever increasing popularity of game fishing and the unlimited pleasures associated with the very sport.

Whatever the motive, whether its salmon fishing in the rugged wilderness of Northern Russia or the highlands of Scotland, bonefishing amidst the tropical waters of the Bahamas, or big game fishing for the legendary and elusive ‘grander’ black marlin  in the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef; Quintessentially Escape will tailor the bespoke fishing experience of a lifetime.

Little in this world can be compared with the sound of a screaming reel, the sight of a leaping sailfish in the distance or the sheer strength of an Atlantic salmon. Game fishing provides you with the ultimate sporting challenge. The skill, patience and persistence sometimes required to catch many of the world’s most exciting game fish is rewarded by an overwhelming sense of achievement.

Quintessentially Escape has exclusive access to some of the finest fishing destinations worldwide. Their portfolio of handpicked lodges and fantastic fishing destinations has been chosen by on the grounds of their sporting excellence, unique location, luxurious accommodation and exceptional cuisine. Quintessentially Escape’s in-depth knowledge and expertise within this sector enables them to provide holidayers with the most customised of fishing Escapes.

A luxury highland retreat
Deer stalking is one of the most ancient of all country pursuits. For centuries deer have been hunted for both meat and for their sport, and were once under the exclusive ownership of the monarchy. Today Scotland boasts around 750,000 red deer, which roam freely across the nations Highlands and Islands.

Over the last thirty years or so, the population of red deer, which are indigenous to Britain, has risen by a staggering 600 percent. The lack of natural predators, milder winters, and an increase in all round agricultural activities, have all played their part in allowing this species to thrive. Consequently, many Scottish sporting estates now offer some of the finest stalking available anywhere in the world.

The art of stalking is fast becoming the most fashionable of all country pursuits. In recent years Scottish sporting estates have seen red deer become an increasingly important commodity within the local economy, not just by providing quality sport, but also by supplying a delicious high quality sustainable meat for the restaurant trade.

The stalk itself is by no means the highlight of a day spent on the hill. Both you and your professional stalker will encounter some of the most unique and awe inspiring landscapes, boasting an abundant diversity of wildlife. During the course of the day the stalker will educate hunters on the flora and fauna in the local area and provide you with an interesting insight into the ways of highland life.

Nothing quite beats the sheer thrill of creeping up on a wild herd of red deer, which will vanish in the blink of an eye, should they pick up the faintest scent of the pursuer or catch the slightest glimpse of a stalker’s advance. Crawling over a highland peak, you will witness first- hand the skill that is required to bag the legendary stag.

Quintessentially Escape has exclusive access to only the finest sporting estates. Our portfolio contains the most luxurious lodges set in the most stunning surroundings. Each of our chosen estates has their very own stalker, who will ensure you have the most memorable of stalking experiences.

The ultimate African safari
Africa is without doubt one of the world’s most beautiful continents. No other place on earth offers such intriguing cultures, or such a diversity of wildlife in the most unique habitats. With soaring rugged mountains, luxurious wine lands, dramatic desert landscapes, natural bush, vibrant cosmopolitan cities and beautiful beaches. Africa is an area where Quintessentially Escape has particular prowess; Nick Samuels’ family have been in Africa for over 100 years and he enjoys nothing more than using his passion and experience to create truly extraordinary Safaris and enduring memories of Africa’s unparalleled splendour.

To the north you have the vast deserts, many still occupied by nomadic tribesman and ancient cultures. The 3500 mile long Great Rift Valley stretches from Northern Ethiopia down to Mozambique, and meanders through lush private game reserves teeming with an abundance of wildlife. East Africa’s annual great migration from Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara across the border to Tanzania’s Serengeti national park is one of nature’s great events. The Jungles of Rwanda and Uganda are home to the last of the worlds silver back gorilla population. While the fertile rich Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the last true wildernesses left in the world, home to Africa’s largest elephant population. Miles of unspoiled coastline and stunning private lodges provide for the perfect balance between adventure and luxury.

Africa has it all, whether it is a rugged bush experience, a vibrant cultural immersion, sumptuous romantic voyage or the ultimate big-game hunting safari, Africa has the unique ability to cater for just about anyone.

Quintessentially Escape brings you the finest safari experiences available on the face of the earth. Whether it is a week sleeping under the stars in a luxury mobile tented camp or a one-off, 4 week, African safari holiday which sets out to create a royal visit in the style of the early pioneering days of exploration. Every journey will be completely free from tourists, specially created for you and carefully planned to utilise the very best logistics, will allow holidayers to discover the wonderfully contrasting locations in Africa. Quintessentially Escape’s first hand experience and unrivalled expertise in this area allow them to tailor the most extraordinary African escape. The very best of Africa in utter privacy.

For more information about Quintessentially Escape, or for tailor-made inspiration and detail on how to book an escape,  email: enquiries@quintessentiallyescape.com; tel: +44 (0) 845 224 2506; web: quintessentiallyescape.com; 10 Carlisle Street, London, W1D 3BR