Who Are Journeysmiths?
Today our team of Journeysmiths arranges the finest possible holidays to amazing places across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Antarctica and Australasia. We are also passionate about working alongside local communities to conserve the planet’s precious wildlife and fragile habitats for future generations.
Like mankind, Journeysmiths roots are in Africa. Expanding first into Latin America, then Asia and the Polar regions. Today our knowledgeable and passionate team craft exceptional trips to over 50 countries around the world, while helping to protect the often fragile environments in which we work.Like mankind, Journeysmiths roots are in Africa. Expanding first into Latin America, then Asia and the Polar regions. Today our knowledgeable and passionate team craft exceptional trips to over 50 countries around the world, while helping to protect the often fragile environments in which we work.
John Burdett and Warwick Hoffman founded safari specialist Africa Exclusive. Their mission, to carefully craft unique itineraries for their clients to go beyond the path well trodden and discover Africa’s wild places in privacy and in the company of expert guides.
John’s earlier work with the international aid organisation World Vision guides the development of the company’s values: to behave ethically and honourably and support the often vulnerable communities, wildlife and natural environments in which they work.
The company expands into Latin America with the launch of Exclusive Americas where the Amazon, Patagonia and the Galapagos Islands await.
While unique wildlife encounters continue to feature in all itineraries, the addition of Latin America also introduces authentic cultural experiences.
The call of India’s tigers beckons John and Warwick into Asia where the team also explore Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Borneo and Nepal. This third continent gives rise to the third 'exclusive' brand, Exclusive Adventures.
And you can't have exclusive adventures without voyages to the white continent. Expedition cruising in the Antarctic and later the Arctic brings encounters with polar bears, penguins, whales and so much more.
An epic six week expedition along the 1,600 mile course of the Zambezi River is meticulously planned to celebrate our 30th anniversary. When the this incredible adventure finally takes place in 2022, all profits are donated to charities supporting conservation and communities in Africa.
The three ‘exclusive’ brands unite as Journeysmiths and the company looks forward to the next 30 years.
Today, our knowledgeable and experienced team craft bespoke itineraries across five continents, maintaining the same values, level of care and creative flair as we did in 1990.
We continue to be fuelled by a passion for travel and a commitment to protecting the incredible places in which we work.
You can read more about our commitment to positive impacts in The Journeysmiths Mission.
Journeysmiths is one of the world’s leading specialist travel companies. For 30 years we have created extraordinary, unique itineraries for our discerning clientele. Each holiday is expertly arranged to exactly meet each client’s requirements and interests. Born from a passion for the world’s wild places we remain under the inspired private ownership of our founders.Journeysmiths is one of the world’s leading specialist travel companies. For 30 years we have created extraordinary, unique itineraries for our discerning clientele. Each holiday is expertly arranged to exactly meet each client’s requirements and interests. Born from a passion for the world’s wild places we remain under the inspired private ownership of our founders.
Returning to Britain overland in the 1970s after a couple of years voluntary work in the South Pacific instilled John’s love of places and peoples.
‘My advice is to walk slowly, pause frequently and be thankful, whether your sun rises over the South Luangwa, Machu Picchu or Varanasi.’
John Burdett, Founding Director
Warwick started his career in the travel industry as a wide eyed 17 year old and immediately fell in love.
‘Travelling the world has defined my entire life and I cannot imagine a day without the anticipation of the next exciting journey to a far flung corner of our wonderful world!’
Warwick Hoffman, Founding Director
Passionate and determined sums Laura up pretty well. Watching elephant beside the Zambezi at 14 ignited her love affair with wildlife in wild places - and it just keeps growing.
‘This amazing travel company which my family set up has been in my blood. I'm determined to keep driving it forwards so that you too can experience and help protect the wonders of our natural world.’
Laura Burdett-Munns, Managing Director
Julia’s career in travel began leading overland safaris across Africa in the 1990s. This beautiful continent still holds a particularly special place in her heart.
‘I will never tire of going on safari in Africa. The incredible wildlife, the breath-taking landscapes and the warmth of the people are the reason why I have returned so many times.’
Julia Morgan, Sales Director
Having an elephant feel for seed pods at his foot, its tusk inches from his face, was Paul’s first (and still closest!) wildlife encounter.
‘Whether tracking tigers in India or canoeing past hippo in Zambia, spectacular experiences like these continually enrich and deepen my love for this unique planet.’
Head of Safari Design
From frolicking with lemurs in Madagascar, to strolling around Cape Town, to trekking in the Himalayas, to traversing Russia by train in winter, Ross has an unquenchable wanderlust.
‘I love adventure, I love travel, I love new experiences – and I love working with clients to create their own unique journeys and amazing memories.’
Senior Travel Designer
Riding with gauchos in Argentina and coming face to face with the mountain gorillas in Uganda are some of Emily’s favourite travel experiences, fueling her fascination for the world’s wilderness and wildlife.
‘Helping my clients to uncover their own marvels is an essential element for me when creating their adventures.’
Emily Lowther, Travel Designer
From an early age, Alexandra spent her summers climbing mountains and discovering new destinations with her family. She has always been fascinated by language and culture.
‘In today’s technology focussed world, it is such a privilege to be able to escape and explore remote and wild places. There is nothing like hiking in the mountains, or snorkelling amid myriad coloured fish to reconnect with the natural world.’
Alexandra Harmat-Magee, Head of Marketing
After university Lucy set off on the familiar backpacker route through South East Asia and Australia. Returning to the UK her mind was set, a career in travel was her future.
‘I love the freedom of travel, but more importantly, the connections with people that you make, learning from them and ultimately inspiring more travel. There’s so much to see out there!’
Lucy Tyler, Senior Marketing Executive
Inspired by the great explorers, including Reinhold Messner for his summit of Everest with no oxygen in 1978, Rory has a thirst for adventure. It is perhaps no surprise that Nepal is his favourite travel destination.
‘Exploring new places is my favourite thing to do so to be immersed in that in my job is great! I am also passionate about sustainability and take great pride in our work protecting these incredible natural environments.’
Rory Wood, Head of Sustainability
Taking her first safari at four years old, it was perhaps inevitable that Philippa would end up working in the travel industry.
‘Truly great travel experiences have the power to be life changing. I love that our work brings people together to enjoy incredible shared moments in such unique places.’
Philippa Page, Head of Operations
Hayley’s journey with the company began at the beginning when she ran our office in Zimbabwe. As a Zimbabwean, who still struggles with the British winters, it is perhaps no surprise that her home country is her favourite travel destination.
‘I love the country, the warmth of the people and I’ve had the best safari experiences there!’
Hayley Manuel, Senior Operations Executive
Holly has always been committed to providing clients with the highest levels of service. Her attention to detail and gentle nature make her a huge asset to our operations team and a great person in a crisis.
‘South Africa is one of my favourite travel destinations, its incredible diversity mean it is often said to be a world in one country; I wholeheartedly agree.’
Holly Peace, Operations Executive
In 1990 we encountered Africa and fell in love with its awesome beauty. Ever since, we’ve been exploring the planet, seeking out its treasures; spreading the word and sharing our passion so that you too can experience the best of the wild world.
Over 30 years we have discovered the finest properties and most reliable partners and developed an appreciation for the nuances of each region. Our knowledge and understanding continually evolves through travel and our network of deep relationships.
We want you to share our passion for travel, this means matching your individuality to a unique blend of places and experiences that extend your horizons. When you first contact Journeysmiths you’ll speak with a member of our travel design team, who between them have over 100 years of experience.
This conversation will form the foundations for your itinerary, giving us the chance to get to know you and understand your aspirations for your holiday. We’ll combine this with our extensive knowledge to create your perfect itinerary.
When you book your holiday much of our work is just beginning, your Travel Designer will liaise with our operations and support teams to ensure that every last detail of your holiday runs “like a Swiss clock”.
Our support team also performs the role of a concierge, so if you want to add tours, need assistance with your visas or would like us to make restaurant reservations, we are happy to do so.
It’s rare that we hear from our clients while they are away due to the accuracy of information we provide. However, if you need us, we are here 24 hours a day and act swiftly to resolve any issue in a way that is most convenient to you.
At Journeysmiths we revel in discovering the wonders of the world, those which are well known, but just as importantly those which scarcely anyone has ever seen. We know that marvels can be found in the most unexpected places.
With us there is no ceiling to the degree of exclusivity, no constraint upon what is possible. Whether we take you to the ends of the earth or fly you by private plane into the finest lodges, booked exclusively for you. Everything is devoted to making this your ultimate holiday, by any standards.
The essence of a Journeysmiths holiday is that you can enjoy luxury combined with a real wilderness experience, in seclusion and high comfort. Staying in remote properties on exclusive reserves you are guaranteed maximum privacy at all times.
We appreciate that like our trips, each client is unique. As such, our service focuses on flexibility, so that you can relax and look forward to your holiday in the knowledge that should the unexpected happen, we are here.
You have complete financial security when you book with Journeysmiths. We are fully bonded and licenced under the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL scheme, licence number ATOL 2883. In addition, we maintain a Total Payment Protection Policy with Travel and General Insurance Services, policy number AELI/topp/22/16.
We believe that travel to the world’s fragile places should benefit the habitats, the wildlife and the people who live there. We call this “Travelling Well” and it is a feature of every holiday we arrange.