Africa & Beyond

Botswana is Africa’s most exclusive safari destination. Each enormous private reserve has just one or two luxury lodges guaranteeing a series of private experiences as you travel from one exquisite location to the next. Expert guides will take your family on safari among big cats and vast elephant herds in beautiful deltas and deserts.

Imagine gliding silently along an Okavango waterway in a mokoro canoe as zebra and impala graze the grasslands. Or cantering on horseback with your guide alongside giraffe. In the Kalahari, take an early morning walk with a San Bushman as he explains the ancestral secrets of survival.

Here’s something you might not expect. The people looking after you on safari might create some of your happiest safari memories. You’ll remember laughter and those after dinner stories and jokes around the campfire. During a three-night stay in a luxury camp, you’ll get to make friends with your guide, the chef, the vegetable gardener and the other people who love their work.

Botswana is a great choice for an exclusive family safari. Roaming the spectacular deserts, deltas and savannahs are literally millions of animals. The fertility and abundant water of the Okavango and Linyanti Deltas supports an incredible 200 different mammal species. The Government’s high value, low volume tourism policy helps conservation and enables you to enjoy a top quality private safari.

Between safaris there is plenty for children to do in camp while the adults relax. Safari lodges may be small and in remote locations, but they have excellent facilities and your hosts’ purpose is to give you the best possible time. In this section we also suggest a couple of places that combine easily to complement your Botswana safari.

In this article we’ve put together a list of our top ten recommended highlights to whet your appetite and show you what’s possible in Egypt.

With opportunities to see the Big Five of both land and sea, along with incredible scenery, enormous national parks, world-class vineyards, a fascinating history and vibrant, friendly people, South Africa frequently tops the lists of the world’s best holiday destinations. Even so, less than 1% of the world's travellers make it here, so it’s a place where you’ll find yourself with a few select, like-minded and discerning adventurers who have discovered this gem of a country. It’s a place you could return to for the whole of your life and never tire of it.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.

In 2022, we took on an epic fundraising challenge to celebrate our 30th anniversary.

We will ensure you can enjoy the best of Africa in the exclusivity of Kenya’s private conservancies where walking, riding and other expertly guided activities enable the richest safari experience.

Go behind the scenes of modern conservation on this Small Group, Big Impact journey through Kenya's wild places.

Here’s our list of ten wonderful experiences to consider including in your Namibia safari:

The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are truly spectacular settings filled with great herds and big cats. We take you far from the crowds and minibuses with your own private guide, staying in exclusive accommodation. Families with older teenagers will love the wildly remote Selous, Ruaha and Mahale, where you can walk, canoe and even track chimpanzees. Round it off on exotic Zanzibar.

Young children delight to see wild animals in their natural environment. With Journeysmiths your safari will be expertly designed to match your family’s needs and interests. We use the best guides and arrange superb accommodation in the wilds of Africa.

We’ve collated a list of our ten favourite Tanzanian experiences to show you what’s possible in this incredible country.

Here’s our list of ten wonderful experiences that you might consider having whilst you are in Uganda:

The best way to give your family the facilities it seeks may be to book out an entire camp or lodge. Perhaps you are planning a multi-generation safari. Or you may want to fulfil a dream of walking, mokoroing and camping out in the Okavango. You may simply crave an extra degree of privacy. Most lodges we use take fewer than 16 guests, some take only eight, so booking a whole lodge is a viable option.

Kenya has the ingredients for an amazing family safari. Your children will love seeing vast numbers of animals in iconic African settings. Stay in amazing and exclusive accommodation on private reserves. Enjoy adventures on foot, horseback and by open vehicle with Africa’s finest guides. Your children can see pioneering conservation work in action and meet remote tribal communities. Maybe end with a few days by the coast.

If your young explorers are hungry for an adventure, look no further than Peru. The diverse landscapes range from the vibrant jungles of the Amazon Rainforest to the jagged peaks of the Andes Mountains. Needless to say, you’ll have the chance to experience the unique mountain top setting of mysterious Machu Picchu.

Treat your family to an extraordinary wildlife adventure holiday in the Galapagos and Ecuador. It’s a place you’ll likely visit just once so be sure to do it well. We have access to the finest yachts, lodges and expert guides. This way your family can visit remote islands in comfort and privacy encountering amazing wildlife.

If you’re looking for a country that’s got everything, choose South Africa. Renowned for the spectacular views of the Garden Route, vibrant Cape Town, malaria free safaris, fascinating history and outstanding wildlife, the whole family will fall under the alluring spell of this diverse country.

Are you feeling inspired to travel after watching Planet Earth Three?
Coasts offer the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife both at sea and on shore and are excellent destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. Follow in the footsteps of the Planet Earth crew and journey along the picturesque Garden Route coast to see Cape fur seals gathered in their thousands in South Africa. Head to the eerie Skeleton Coast of Namibia to find the desert-adapted lions that laze on its sand dunes. Or hop on a boat in Chile and watch the enormous barnacled body of southern right whales emerge from the water as they breach a matter of metres from your eyes.

Many of Africa’s best safari regions are low to very low risk of malaria, particularly if you travel during the summer holidays.

Without freshwater, life on land wouldn't exist.
Freshwater is the most precious resource on our planet, but it's finite. Vital to life, only 2.5% of all Earth’s water is fresh and less than 1% of that is accessible. Planet Earth Three’s episode on freshwater documents its importance for selection of species.

Mountain gorilla can be found in Rwanda and Uganda, both superb destinations but each offering something slightly different. Read on to find out which is best for you.

The school holiday cycle is full of opportunity; there is a safari for every season, whether it’s during the Christmas, Easter or Summer holiday period.

Namibia has a diverse cultural heritage and is home to one of the most distinct African tribes — the Himba — a group of semi-nomads who live in the Kunene region.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the first person to call South Africa “the rainbow nation”. It’s a reflection on the fascinating diversity of this country, not only in the identities of its people but in the landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and activities it offers. South Africa is a country which, because of its variety, can be all things to all people, truly a rainbow of varied opportunities and experiences.

Without a shadow of a doubt, South Africa is one of the very best places to watch wildlife in the world. The Kruger National Park — a protected area the size of Wales — is certainly the most famous and popular safari destination, but with Journeysmiths you’ll escape the crowds to explore vast, wildlife-filled private reserves, in the company of the best guides.

Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities with a unique setting beneath Table Mountain.

To experience a little bit of everything that South Africa has to offer, you can hardly do better than to drive along the coastal road of the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It’s an extraordinary journey, and there’s wildlife on both land and shore, endless beaches, historic battlefields, and the vineyards are never far away. One day you might be whale spotting at Hermanus — renowned as one of the best whale watching locations in the world — and the next you could be learning about the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, handling antique weapons and scrambling over the British and Zulu positions.

Formerly the Zulu Kingdom, the province of KwaZulu Natal runs along South Africa’s dramatic Indian Ocean coastline. The Drakensberg Mountains create a natural border between Lesotho and the Eastern Cape, and offer some excellent hiking routes.

It is not only the Galapagos which has giant tortoise! You can find them in the Seychelles too. These extraordinary reptiles grow up to four feet long, weigh as much as 770 lbs, and some of them are more than 100 years old. They’ve survived here because their populations were isolated, protecting them against predators. Spotting them is a rare treat, as they are found in so few other places.

Three of Africa’s great rivers set the scene for your Zambia safari. The Zambezi, the Luangwa and the Kafue rivers are all of different character and have national parks named for them.

Astro-tourism is travel with a star gazing theme, and it’ll take you to some of the last great wildernesses in Africa.

Everyone has heard of the Rio Carnival, which takes place each year just before Lent, but such festivities are by no means a Brazilian speciality. At Journeysmiths we have a particular sweet spot for the fiestas in Chile.

What kind of creatures actually live in the Amazon Basin, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

Our team has been compiling a list of incredible travel destinations around the world to consider for the year ahead.

The birdlife in Brazil is especially impressive, with feathers reflecting every single colour of the rainbow. Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or a serious birder, the Amazon Jungle is breathtaking in the variety of the species which live there. You’ll find the richest birding hotspots along with the very best birding guides in Latin America.

If you’re seeking an active family holiday of natural wonders and vanilla sand beaches we recommend Costa Rica. Choose between Pacific and Caribbean beaches where turtles nest and the reefs abound with colourful fish. Rainforests cascade down mountainsides to the ocean.

Not sure where to start? We have answered frequently asked questions we’ve received over the past decades about our bespoke safaris. Here we discuss everything from pre-planning information to responsible travel. We hope you will find this useful, but if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Slowing down and staying longer is the new way of travelling and there are huge benefits to this approach. People, wildlife and the environment directly benefit from you staying a little longer; but in equal measures, so do you.

For families of all ages there is so much to see and do in South Africa, making it an excellent and diverse travel destination. We’ve chosen 20 of the best experiences to immerse you in the culture, wildlife and beautiful places of this remarkable country.

7 Secret Places to Spot Leopards in Southern and East Africa

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite leopard viewing destinations for the best chances of guaranteed sightings.

We highlight some of the places filmed in Planet Earth Three’s Deserts and Grasslands episode; view elephants in Zakouma National Park and Arabian camels roaming the Ennedi plateau in Chad, ostriches and chacma baboons in Namibia.

If you’re looking for a place where you can embrace adventure, learn more about our planet’s incredible wildlife and truly connect to nature, Ecuador has it all.

We highlight the top ten must-do activities for your family to enjoy in Costa Rica.

We highlight the top ten Tanzania family safari adventures.

What To Do In Kenya With Children? We’ve chosen our best experiences for a luxury family safari to Kenya.

Booking your family safari to Botswana opens a door to a world of exciting adventure. From the minute your Cessna touches the bush strip, your family will be in the wilds with expert guides. We curated the top 10 family experiences in Botswana to whet your appetite.

Are you feeling inspired to explore the oceans after watching Planet Earth Three?

From exclusive lodge accommodation, to comfortable wilderness camps and sumptuous hotel suites - these properties will take you beyond the path well trodden.

Come away with us to northern Norway, ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. A land on the edge, framed by mountains and greeted by sea. Suspend your cares and embrace Friluftsliv — free air life — the Norwegian philosophy of living harmoniously with nature. Let us show you the wilds of Scandinavia as you’ve only imagined.

When one of TV’s best-known wildlife enthusiast, Steve Backshall, tasked us with crafting an unforgettable father-son safari in celebration of his son’s 5th birthday, we knew exactly how to create a trip that would excite and inspire both in equal measures.

To show you what’s possible, our Latin America travel experts have put together a list of their favourite Peruvian activities.

We’ve created an enticing list of the most memorable things to do in Ecuador.

We’ve created an exciting list of the most memorable things to do in the Galapagos Islands.

A fortress-like insistence on maintaining their cultural heritage despite the pressures of the modern world makes Bhutan a fascinating place.

The young poet and playwright Kiran Millwood Hargrave said "India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues you could drown in." It's a quote that captures the marvellous intensity of experiencing India. You’ll flit like a butterfly from a gilded palace to a sun baked fortress, to a bustling bazaar, to an encounter with a big cat, all the while drinking in the colours, sounds, aromas and the relentless energy of Indian life. That collage of glimpses will be there to savour years after you return. Here we share 10 unmissable experiences while travelling in India.

At Journeysmiths we are constantly searching for exciting new travel experiences. Here we highlight some of our top trends and destinations for 2024.

Watching elephants on a safari is pure joy. We’ve compiled nine of our favourite elephant spotting locations from the savannahs, deserts and great rivers of Africa.

The vast majority of people think about India primarily as a cultural destination. Yes, the Taj Mahal is a must-see, and the country boasts dozens of UNESCO-listed ruins and monuments, not to mention dazzling festivals and other events. But the landscapes and wildlife were here long before the people, and the subcontinent still has extraordinary wild places you can explore, from the sands of the Thar Desert to the backwaters of Kerala; the high Himalayas to the jungles of Northeast India.

Botswana is one of the best places for a family holiday of a lifetime! There are millions of animals across plains, deserts and deltas.

South Africa is an excellent choice for family travel with children of all ages. Its wildlife is abundant, with a great diversity of species, including the Big Five: rhino, leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo. There are vast malaria-free reserves and it’s easy to get from safari regions to Cape Town and the beach.

How much purr-suasion do you need to agree to a feline themed adventure? We promise that we’ll drop the puns as we help you discover the most extraordinary big cats in the world.

Our world is extraordinarily diverse.

Deserts, wetlands, forests and islands in different parts of the world may have similar rainfall statistics or comparable geographic features.

Look closer though and we find that every place has its distinctive character, wildlife and human culture.

From the Seychelles to the Skeleton Coast, the coastlines, islands and lake shores of Africa are striking and unforgettable.

Namibia is a spectacularly unusual place for a family holiday. You can see enormous numbers of elephant, rhinoceros, big cats and plains game, yet the main attraction is the incredible variety of desert landscapes.

A sighting of any one of the Big Five is a cause for great excitement. But spotting a rhino in the wild? It is one of those things that dreams are made of. At around a tonne in weight, and generally considered to be the second largest land mammal, they shouldn’t be hard to see, but poaching has devastated population numbers. Park authorities have to be very cautious with any information they share about rhino numbers and regarding their whereabouts. An encounter, therefore, truly is a privilege.

A safari in the wilds of Africa allows you space to pause and wonder – to gaze and reflect. Epic landscapes, the balanced beauty of creation, the absence of hurry. You would imagine that the day’s adventures end with the setting sun. But as one star disappears and the heavens turn indigo to black, millions more appear, filling the unpolluted skies. We’ve chosen a few of our favourite spots for safari stargazing.

A safari holiday gives your family a wonderful chance to meet local communities and experience their culture.

Zambia is the perfect place for a real family safari adventure. You can track elephants and giraffe on foot with an expert guide. You can paddle a stable Canadian canoe down the Zambezi watching zebra and antelope drinking at the water’s edge.

The only travel company to have access to a huge moment in conservation history, our Kenya Conservation safari group got to watch a rhino release!

An Exploration of Unforgettable Experiences at My Favourite Camps in Kenya

It’s Laura’s deeply-rooted enthusiasm for exploration, combined with her desire to protect the world’s wild places through meaningful connections with local communities, that is the driving force of Journeysmiths’ vision.

Coming face to face with a quarter ton silverback is something you just have to do sometime in your life. This is one of the single most emotional animal encounters that you can have and is something you’ll never forget.

The Kalahari is a fascinating place for a family safari. The children can sit by a meerkat den watching these curious little creatures foraging and playing as one stands guard on its hind legs looking out for eagles. They can watch enthralled as a San Bushman reveals hidden secrets that have enabled them to survive here for thousands of years.

Are you celebrating a big birthday, a retirement or special anniversary? Maybe you have a plan to take your whole family, children and grandchildren on a trip that will delight and inspire them. Any reason will do!

Laura is an encyclopedia of all things Journeysmiths travel, so who better to quiz on her hidden gems and most memorable wildlife encounters.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we wanted to spotlight travel experiences that empower women in the world’s wild places. When we create journeys, supporting local communities is of paramount importance - this is especially true of women and girls who across the globe face many gender-related obstacles.

We may use the term ‘travel trends’ but these destinations won't be crowded. Here we're showcasing the most stunning experiences to ignite your next Latin America holiday.

Each offers a unique blend of adventure and indulgence, so whether you're seeking a multi generational trip, a romantic couples getaway or a unique solo adventure, we have something special in store for everyone.

Perfect your photography skills with Emmy award-nominee and Big Cat Diaries cameraman and naturalist guide, Warren Samuels.

We’ve created an exciting list of the most memorable things to do in Brazil.

Brazil is vast, known for its lively cities, heavenly beaches and glorious wildlife areas. We’ve put together a set of FAQs that cover the basic need-to-know tips when starting to plan your holiday. If you’d like more tailored advice, contact our Journeysmiths today and we’ll be happy to help.

Antarctica is so far removed from our everyday landscapes it feels as though you could be on another planet entirely - the epitome of wild. Read on for our top tips to help you develop a deep connection to the white wilderness.

Discover a trio of biodiverse and gloriously beautiful wilderness areas to encounter wildlife in Brazil.

From the classic walking safaris, spotting wildlife on Africa’s iconic plains, to hiking dense forests in search of gorilla families or meeting people who call these wild landscapes home, a walking safari is the best way to experience the call of the wild. Explore our top 10 walking experiences in Africa.

Working in partnership with globally recognised conservation organisation; Care for Wild, the world’s largest rhino orphanage, we have curated a truly unique and exclusive experience giving a privileged few behind-the-scenes access to this otherwise incredibly private sanctuary.

From the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, to the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this Botswana safari will leave you with incredible memories from beginning to end. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this epic journey from plains, to delta to desert.

This memorable safari combines a journey through one of Africa’s most game rich areas, with a visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Experience Botswana’s abundant wildlife in the spectacular Okavango Delta and Linyanti, before heading to the winding Zambezi River to see the astonishing Victoria Falls.

Embark on an extraordinary safari journey through Zambia's remote wilderness. Discover luxurious accommodation amid untouched landscapes. Traverse untamed plains, witness incredible wildlife, and unwind in exclusive camps offering unparalleled luxury amidst the raw beauty of remote Zambia.

Travel across Southern Africa in complete luxury, staying at some of the most exclusive properties on the continent. With every single detail taken care of by exceptional guides and staff at each location, you can concentrate on what really matters - immersing yourself in an exclusive African safari experience.

Indulge in a luxurious Zambian getaway. Start with the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, then venture into the wilderness for an exclusive safari, encountering Zambia's diverse wildlife while unwinding in stunning accommodations, creating an unforgettable African adventure.

Embark on a journey through the wild terrains of Botswana and Namibia, experiencing the epitome of a luxury safari. Encounter majestic wildlife in the Okavango Delta, traverse the surreal landscapes of Namibia's deserts, and unwind in opulent lodges amidst nature's grandeur.

The only country able to offer malaria-free safaris, South Africa is a wonderful choice for many looking for a luxury safari experience. Enjoy the abundance of wildlife on offer in some of the most exclusive private reserves, before exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, where the glamour of the city meets the rugged outdoors.

An expedition that marries the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration with lesser-known treasures. Explore iconic wonders and uncover hidden gems, blending bucket list adventures with thrilling discoveries for an unforgettable journey of contrasts.

Merge thrilling safari experiences amid iconic wildlife-rich landscapes with tranquil beachfront relaxation along the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean, creating an unforgettable journey of contrasts and indulgence.

Experience a safari holiday like no other, with a journey across the remarkable landscapes of Rwanda and Tanzania. Be captivated by big game, search for primates in the rainforest, enjoy spectacular birdwatching and see the epic migration of wildebeest and plains game - all in one unforgettable trip you will regale for a lifetime.

Embark on an opulent Peruvian odyssey, indulging in breath taking landscapes, exclusive accommodations, and culturally immersive experiences.

Peru is the perfect place for an exhilarating adventure. Immerse yourself in thrilling activities, from trekking majestic peaks to exploring ancient ruins, for an adrenaline-fuelled experience.

Explore uncrowded, beautiful landscapes on a luxury holiday, journeying through Chile. The perfect destination for an unforgettable adventure, this volcano dotted country promises astounding wildlife, incredible scenery and memories lasting a lifetime.

Experience the unbelievable diversity of Chile, on an epic one month long adventure. From shimmering glaciers and aquamarine lakes, to jagged mountain peaks and mars-like deserts - immerse yourself in countless spectacular vistas, while enjoying the rich wildlife on offer.

From the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, to the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this family friendly safari will leave you all with lifelong memories. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this spectacular journey from Delta to Desert.

See the splendour of South Africa as a family on this exclusive safari. Spend your days exploring captivating Cape Town, enjoying the delights of the Winelands and on safari, seeking out the abundant wildlife that roams the wilderness. No matter your age, this iconic safari will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

From the iconic Masai Mara to the awe-inspiring Laikipia, explore Kenya as a family. Witness breathtaking wildlife and immerse yourselves in rich traditions for an unforgettable adventure in a land where the untamed wilderness thrives alongside vibrant cultures.

Create memories of a lifetime together on an epic family safari in Tanzania. Witness the endless, game-filled plains of the Serengeti, explore the natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater and experience the magnificent wildlife in Tarangire.

Set off on a captivating family adventure in Peru, where ancient wonders and vibrant culture await. From exploring the mystical Machu Picchu to navigating the Amazon rainforest, this itinerary promises unforgettable moments that will weave the rich tapestry of Peru into the fabric of your family's cherished memories.

Chloe’s trip took her off well-trodden paths and into the remote corners of Northern Kenya. Staying in Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy and Laikipia, the trip’s slow pace allows time to forge deep connections with the remote, wild landscapes and its people.

This experiential itinerary allows you to go deeper in some of Costa Rica's most spectacular regions. Embark on a hands-on conservation adventure, take to the ocean for a private yacht adventure, explore wildlife filled forests and contribute to the future of Costa Rica's sea turtle population.