Africa's Most Jaw-Dropping Swimming Pools
Nothing quite says luxury travel like an infinity pool: it’s a striking pinnacle of architectural design and is also indicative of an extraordinary location. After all, what would be the point of having a pool like this unless the views were worthwhile staring at?
Nothing quite says luxury travel like an infinity pool: it’s a striking pinnacle of architectural design and is also indicative of an extraordinary location. After all, what would be the point of having a pool like this unless the views were worthwhile staring at?
Nothing quite says luxury travel like an infinity pool: it’s a striking pinnacle of architectural design and is also indicative of an extraordinary location. After all, what would be the point of having a pool like this unless the views were worthwhile staring at?
Nothing quite says luxury travel like an infinity pool: it’s a striking pinnacle of architectural design and is also indicative of an extraordinary location. After all, what would be the point of having a pool like this unless the views were worthwhile staring at?
Whether an infinity pool looks out to sea, a lake, or across wide open plains, you’re guaranteed to be enthralled. Feel the heat of the sun on your head, cool your skin in the tranquil water, and immerse yourself in the beauty around you.
At Journeysmiths our destination specialists have trawled the length and breadth of the African continent to find you a selection of infinity pools – plus a couple of finite but special ones too – which will take your breath away.
From The Team
Ross Cambray
Master Journeysmith
“Even those of us who come to Africa primarily for the wildlife appreciate a great swimming pool. It’s a place to spend some chill-out time between early morning and late afternoon game drives. And if it comes with a superb view, all the better!”
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Lodo Springs, Laikipia, Kenya
The View: This is the Ewaso Ecosystem, a diverse wildlife-rich landscape preserved by more than 23,000 hectares within the Loisaba Conservancy of the northern Laikipia. Managed by the Loisaba Community Trust, this area is a beacon of community development partnered with pioneering wildlife research and world-class ecotourism. With more than 350 bird species and 60 mammal species – including the ‘Big Five’, Loisaba is one of Kenya’s crucial wildlife corridors.
The Place: The infinity pool at Lodo Springs is backed by the shady canvas veranda of the camp’s luxury communal area. There are just eight guest cottage-tents here, and it is a haven of hushed calm from which to venture out on fascinating adventures.
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The Place: The infinity pool at Lodo Springs is backed by the shady canvas veranda of the camp’s luxury communal area. There are just eight guest cottage-tents here, and it is a haven of hushed calm from which to venture out on fascinating adventures.
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The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa
The View: Africa’s most sophisticated city is laid out before you from the vantage point of this incredible pool. From the vibrant waterfront to the immediately adjacent Zietz MOCAA art museum, and the iconic presence of Table Mountain, there are few places in Cape Town to rival this outlook.
The Place: Stunningly unusual and modern, The Silo occupies the upper six floors of what was once a grain silo. The conversion is superb, and the vibe is amply complemented by striking and inspirational African art. In addition to the awesome infinity pool, there’s a rooftop restaurant for those wonderful views. Come here for the architecture alone, but with the added benefit of a luxurious pool with a view.
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The Place: Stunningly unusual and modern, The Silo occupies the upper six floors of what was once a grain silo. The conversion is superb, and the vibe is amply complemented by striking and inspirational African art. In addition to the awesome infinity pool, there’s a rooftop restaurant for those wonderful views. Come here for the architecture alone, but with the added benefit of a luxurious pool with a view.
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Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa, Zambia
The View: To look out over this landscape is to do exactly as President Kenneth Kaunda once did, for Chichele Presidential Lodge was the site of his retreat. From his vantage point of Chichele Hill, he gazed towards the Luangwa River and the Chindeni Hills contemplating the future of Zambia. Perhaps you too will be inspired to think of the bigger picture of life from the cool waters of a pool fit for a president.
The Place: As it happens, many of the luxury perks at the lodge are things that President Kaunda could only dream of because the whole place was totally modernised and transformed in recent times. To put it mildly, the lodge takes comfort to a level that was unknown in the 1970s. Without a time machine, we will never know whether the president would approve. We suspect he would soak in the pool while deciding.
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The Place: As it happens, many of the luxury perks at the lodge are things that President Kaunda could only dream of because the whole place was totally modernised and transformed in recent times. To put it mildly, the lodge takes comfort to a level that was unknown in the 1970s. Without a time machine, we will never know whether the president would approve. We suspect he would soak in the pool while deciding.
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Singita Milele, Serengeti, Tanzania
The View: This is the grandeur of the Serengeti at its very best. A huge rolling golden plain stretches out before you and you have a front row seat to the Great Migration, arguably the most impressive wildlife spectacle on the planet. From cool, calm waters, you can watch herds of a million zebra and wildebeest on their epic annual cycle.
The Place: Perched on Sasakwa Hill in the Grumeti Reserve, the five luxurious suites at Singita Milele share exceptional facilities, including a curved infinity pool that defines the serene foreground to an epically enormous scene of wilderness at its most African.
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The Place: Perched on Sasakwa Hill in the Grumeti Reserve, the five luxurious suites at Singita Milele share exceptional facilities, including a curved infinity pool that defines the serene foreground to an epically enormous scene of wilderness at its most African.
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Elsa’s Kopje, Meru, Kenya
The View: It’s hard to get more iconically African than the vista of lush riverine woodlands that this pool looks out over, for it is the site where George Adamson raised and released orphan lions amid what is now Meru National Park. Yes, this is where Elsa the lioness, star of Born Free, roamed. It’s a place that’s vitally important in the public consciousness of conservation.
The Place: Opened in 1999 by none other than Virginia McKenna, the human star of Born Free, Elsa’s Kopje is a cluster at the peak of Mughwango Hill. Made inventively out of adobe, stone, timber and thatch, the luxury cottages were built with minimal environmental impact.
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The Place: Opened in 1999 by none other than Virginia McKenna, the human star of Born Free, Elsa’s Kopje is a cluster at the peak of Mughwango Hill. Made inventively out of adobe, stone, timber and thatch, the luxury cottages were built with minimal environmental impact.
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La Cigale, Seychelles
The View: From this semi-circular infinity pool, the outlook is into the lush palms and manicured lawns of the splendidly historic and refined La Cigale Estate. Just about 20 metres away through the trees are the perfect sands of the Cote d’Or beach. Offshore is the island of Curieuse, with its national park home to two amazing spectacles: giant tortoises and Coco de Mer trees.
The Place: La Cigale Estate has been in the hands of the same family since the 17th century, so this is part of the historic fabric of the island of Praslin. It’s an exclusive-use, fully serviced villa perched between lush mountains and the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. La Cigale has nine bedrooms, so plenty of space for a multi-generational family to spread out in a house that comes with 25 members of staff.
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The Place: La Cigale Estate has been in the hands of the same family since the 17th century, so this is part of the historic fabric of the island of Praslin. It’s an exclusive-use, fully serviced villa perched between lush mountains and the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. La Cigale has nine bedrooms, so plenty of space for a multi-generational family to spread out in a house that comes with 25 members of staff.
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Tsala Treetop Lodge, Garden Route, South Africa
The View: Perhaps not surprisingly, the view from each of the private infinity pools of the six villas here at Tsala Treetop Lodge is into the canopy of the surrounding Tsitsikamma Forest. Rest your elbows on the side of the pool and quietly observe the abundant birds flitting between the branches. There are 260 species of forest-dwelling birds to spot. If this whets your appetite, the lodge is near the Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary.
The Place: There are 16 tree-house-style villas and suites at the lodge, all connected by elevated wooden walkways. With abundant use of stone and wood, there’s a contemporary African feel to this place which is only 10 kilometres from Plettenberg Bay. Tsala means ‘elevated resting place’, and it is the ideal place to stay for a while on the Garden Route.
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The Place: There are 16 tree-house-style villas and suites at the lodge, all connected by elevated wooden walkways. With abundant use of stone and wood, there’s a contemporary African feel to this place which is only 10 kilometres from Plettenberg Bay. Tsala means ‘elevated resting place’, and it is the ideal place to stay for a while on the Garden Route.
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Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
The View: With a swaying palm tree growing from a small island on its lip – perhaps to remind you that the foreground waters are actually separate from Lake Kariba – the elevated soaking spot at Bumi Hills is exquisite. You’re looking out over the world’s largest man-made lake, and buried beneath its depths is the Kariba Gorge, home to the river god Nyami Nyami.
The Place: When you stay at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, you’re on an escarpment on a private concession within the Matusadona National Park. This protected area has no fewer than 80 black rhinos, and there are plentiful lions and cheetahs too. The ten enormous and luxurious suites at the lodge are great bases for land- and water-based safaris.
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The Place: When you stay at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, you’re on an escarpment on a private concession within the Matusadona National Park. This protected area has no fewer than 80 black rhinos, and there are plentiful lions and cheetahs too. The ten enormous and luxurious suites at the lodge are great bases for land- and water-based safaris.
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Saruni Samburu, Kenya
The View: The outlook from this cool, curvaceous pool is the Kalama Conservancy, a tract adjacent to the Samburu National Reserve. This is rugged northern Kenya, with golden rounded rocky hills above acacia woodlands that are home to the Samburu Special Five: reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk.
The Place: Between – and that means literally – the boulders of the hilltop location of Saruni Samburu, are six large villas that melt into the landscape. Open to the cooling convective breezes rising up the escarpment, these abodes have magnificent views over the plains below. Tiptoe through the rocks, and you’ll be soaking in a gorgeous naturalistic mountain pool.
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The Place: Between – and that means literally – the boulders of the hilltop location of Saruni Samburu, are six large villas that melt into the landscape. Open to the cooling convective breezes rising up the escarpment, these abodes have magnificent views over the plains below. Tiptoe through the rocks, and you’ll be soaking in a gorgeous naturalistic mountain pool.
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Miavana, Madagascar
The View: Slip into the waters from the deck nestling between two stone lookout towers, and you’ll be looking along the northeastern coast of Madagascar. This is the island of Nosy Anko, once the refuge of pirates, and one of the tropical gems in an archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The shallow channels between these islands are an environment of fringing reefs and sandbars: perfect for every water sport you can imagine.
The Place: The pirates are gone, and ecotourism has arrived. This island is rapidly regenerating, thanks to the planting of more than 10,000 native trees and the reintroduction of lemurs. Expert guides will help you to spot these delightful creatures and will start their tour at Miavana’s brilliant and quirky natural history museum, the Cabinet de Curiosities.
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The Place: The pirates are gone, and ecotourism has arrived. This island is rapidly regenerating, thanks to the planting of more than 10,000 native trees and the reintroduction of lemurs. Expert guides will help you to spot these delightful creatures and will start their tour at Miavana’s brilliant and quirky natural history museum, the Cabinet de Curiosities.
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Melia Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The view: More than 20 kilometres from one side to the other, and over 600 metres deep, Ngorongoro is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. It’s a Big Five location and the crater floor is home to 25,000 animals. This 2-million-year-old Garden of Eden is one of Africa’s great safari locations, and it is breathtaking to look at.
The Place: With 60 rooms and suites, all with vast windows overlooking the awesome spectacle of the Ngorongoro Crater, Melia Ngorongoro occupies one of Africa’s most spectacular locations. Light-filled spaces enhanced by natural materials and local art blend harmoniously with the majesty of the vista stretching to every visible horizon.
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The Place: With 60 rooms and suites, all with vast windows overlooking the awesome spectacle of the Ngorongoro Crater, Melia Ngorongoro occupies one of Africa’s most spectacular locations. Light-filled spaces enhanced by natural materials and local art blend harmoniously with the majesty of the vista stretching to every visible horizon.
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Somalisa Camp, Hwange, Zimbabwe
The View: When you enjoy Somalisa Camp’s pool and deck, you’ll see groups of more than 40 elephants drawn to something that they took over by force of persistence, size and numbers: the camp’s former pool! We may say that someone’s loss is normally someone else’s gain, but in this case the elephants have gained a great waterhole, and the humans have gained exceptional close-up views of happy herds.
The Place: Close to the Kennedy Vlei Line, known to be one of Africa’s best locations for watching big herds and predators, Somalisa Camp and its adjacent Acacia Camp have luxurious tented accommodation. Acacia is perfect for exclusive use by groups of up to 12 in size, making it ideal for a heavenly multi-generational family trip. Excellent guiding, superb game viewing – including plenty of lions – and delightful camp staff, make Somalisa one of our firm favourites.
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The Place: Close to the Kennedy Vlei Line, known to be one of Africa’s best locations for watching big herds and predators, Somalisa Camp and its adjacent Acacia Camp have luxurious tented accommodation. Acacia is perfect for exclusive use by groups of up to 12 in size, making it ideal for a heavenly multi-generational family trip. Excellent guiding, superb game viewing – including plenty of lions – and delightful camp staff, make Somalisa one of our firm favourites.
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Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia
The View: The vista is almost Martian, or perhaps computer-generated, but it is real, and it is Namibia. Astonishingly arid, a place where only the hardiest of drought-adapted species can survive, it is nonetheless a place where you can enjoy the luxuriant coolness of a spectacular infinity pool. By day, you gaze over gravel plains, shifting red dunes and ruggedly rocky hills, but by night your attention will be upwards to the myriad of stars that are visible in this dark sky location.
The Place: While the main infinity pool is gorgeous in its own right, you’ll find that some of the ten private villas at Sossuslvei Desert Lodge come with their own private plunge pools. In case you are wondering, the water comes from an underground spring. For those who have come here for the stars, the lodge has a Celestron CPC 1100 GPS telescope.
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The Place: While the main infinity pool is gorgeous in its own right, you’ll find that some of the ten private villas at Sossuslvei Desert Lodge come with their own private plunge pools. In case you are wondering, the water comes from an underground spring. For those who have come here for the stars, the lodge has a Celestron CPC 1100 GPS telescope.
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Jack’s Camp, Makgadikgadi, Botswana
The View: Float on your back here and you’ll be looking up at the plush deep red folds of a magnificent marquee, for this is (as far as we know) Africa’s only swimming pool pavilion. Through its sides, you gaze out over the bushlands of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Depending on the season, the view is either bone-dry or lush green. Each has its appeal for the style of safari that you can have.
The Place: One of only three accommodation options in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Jack’s Camp is a flamboyantly glamorous and luxurious cluster of tents. While it may be Africa, the camp feels fit for the expectations and tastes of a maharaja. What other camp could boast its own natural history museum?
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The Place: One of only three accommodation options in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Jack’s Camp is a flamboyantly glamorous and luxurious cluster of tents. While it may be Africa, the camp feels fit for the expectations and tastes of a maharaja. What other camp could boast its own natural history museum?
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Chobe Game Lodge, Chobe NP, Botswana
The View: Staying in one of the luxury suites at Chobe Game Lodge, you’ll find yourself soaking in a private infinity pool looking out over the Chobe River. A few kilometres downstream to your right, and this river joins the mighty Zambezi and then onwards down to the plunging chasm of Victoria Falls. It may be hard to believe, but you’re also gazing into another country because the Chobe River is the border between Botswana and Namibia.
The Place: If you want the option of another pool, there’s also a naturalistic boulder-surrounded oasis at the centre of the lodge’s communal area. It comes complete with a waterfall! Wander down the 250-metre-long riverside boardwalk, and you’ll probably see elephants coming to the banks to slake their thirst. Chobe is home to the largest of Africa’s elephant populations.
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The Place: If you want the option of another pool, there’s also a naturalistic boulder-surrounded oasis at the centre of the lodge’s communal area. It comes complete with a waterfall! Wander down the 250-metre-long riverside boardwalk, and you’ll probably see elephants coming to the banks to slake their thirst. Chobe is home to the largest of Africa’s elephant populations.
Enquire now >
Grootbos, Garden Route, South Africa
The View: Gaze out over the dunes to Walkers Bay and the Cape of Good Hope beyond. In the immediate vicinity, the Grootbos Private Nature area contains 650 indigenous plant species, of which 50 are on the red list. There’s also South Africa’s largest private fynbos garden and one of the largest milkwood forests in the world. If you’re a horse rider, it’s ideal terrain for saddling up.
The Place: There are two options here: Grootbos Forest Lodge (the location of the fabulous infinity pool) and Grootbos Garden Lodge. The forest lodge, with 16 luxury suites, is the place for couples seeking romantic sophistication. The Garden Lodge is equally stylish, but two of its 11 villas are perfectly set up for families and there is a host of activities for all ages.
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The Place: There are two options here: Grootbos Forest Lodge (the location of the fabulous infinity pool) and Grootbos Garden Lodge. The forest lodge, with 16 luxury suites, is the place for couples seeking romantic sophistication. The Garden Lodge is equally stylish, but two of its 11 villas are perfectly set up for families and there is a host of activities for all ages.
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Little Ongava, Etosha, Namibia
The View: Peer over the edge of this heavenly semi-circular pool, and you’ll be looking over the mature trees of the 30,000 hectares of the Ongava Private Game Reserve. It’s amazing to think that this lush idyll was once depleted farmland, devoid of most native creatures. It has now regenerated enough to be one of the few locations where both black and white rhinos can be seen, and along with them come a host of others: lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe and numerous antelope species.
The Place: There are three suites at Little Ongava, each perched with a view to rival that of the infinity pool’s. Even better, perhaps, is a secluded thatched gazebo lookout that affords a 180-degree vantage point over the landscape. Down below is a wonderful ground-level hide for awesome photos.
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The Place: There are three suites at Little Ongava, each perched with a view to rival that of the infinity pool’s. Even better, perhaps, is a secluded thatched gazebo lookout that affords a 180-degree vantage point over the landscape. Down below is a wonderful ground-level hide for awesome photos.
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Sausage Tree, Lower Zambezi, Zambia
The View: From the north bank of the Zambezi River, Sausage Tree Camp looks out over the languid braided channels and islands that separate it from Zimbabwe. On this side of the river, it’s Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park; and on the other side, it’s Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, but the wildlife doesn’t respect borders. From the 25-metre lap pool, you’ll have wonderful views of yawning, snorting hippos, along with elephants wading and swimming to the islands.
The Place: Unfenced and wild, Sausage Tree Camp sits in the shade of mahogany and – of course – sausage trees. It has seven tented suites and the larger Kegelia House for families or groups. The pool is great for lengths, but there are private plunge pools a-plenty too.
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The Place: Unfenced and wild, Sausage Tree Camp sits in the shade of mahogany and – of course – sausage trees. It has seven tented suites and the larger Kegelia House for families or groups. The pool is great for lengths, but there are private plunge pools a-plenty too.
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Elewana Kilindi, Zanzibar
The View: Looking west over the channel between Zanzibar and the outlying island of Tumbatu, these crystal-clear tropical waters are a calm and sheltered extension of the great Indian Ocean. Beyond Tumbatu, about 25 kilometres away, is mainland Tanzania. Closer at hand are pristine sandy beaches and the supreme snorkelling and diving site of the local Kendwa Reef.
The Place: Originally built to the vision of the ABBA star Benny Andersson, Elewana Kilindi is inventive and interesting, with a clean white style that one might expect from the Scandinavian influence. There are fifteen domed pavilions here, each with butler service so that you can unwind completely.
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The Place: Originally built to the vision of the ABBA star Benny Andersson, Elewana Kilindi is inventive and interesting, with a clean white style that one might expect from the Scandinavian influence. There are fifteen domed pavilions here, each with butler service so that you can unwind completely.
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Matetsi Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The View: Could there be any greater contrast than between the mirror-like surface of an infinity pool and the thundering power of Victoria Falls? This is a comparison that you’ll be considering during a day at Matetsi River Lodge. From its bankside location, the pool looks over the relentless flow of the Zambezi as it heads downstream to its fateful plunge as part of one of the world’s great landforms. For those who want the ultimate natural bathing experience, we suggest the Devil’s Pool, right on the lip of the falls.
The Place: Each of the 18 super-luxury suites at Matetsi River Lodge has its own plunge pool overlooking the river, but the pick of the bunch is the rim-flow one that comes with the exclusive-use spacious four-bedroom villa. With a dedicated vehicle and guide to explore the Matetsi Private Game Reserve, the daily bathing schedule is entirely flexible.
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The Place: Each of the 18 super-luxury suites at Matetsi River Lodge has its own plunge pool overlooking the river, but the pick of the bunch is the rim-flow one that comes with the exclusive-use spacious four-bedroom villa. With a dedicated vehicle and guide to explore the Matetsi Private Game Reserve, the daily bathing schedule is entirely flexible.
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9 Reasons To Travel With Journeysmiths
Knowledge, Experience & Passion
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.
Beyond Tailor Made - Your Personal Travel Designer
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.
Logistical Expertise & Extraordinary Service
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.
24/7 Support
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.
Almost Nothing Is Impossible
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.
Privacy And Discretion
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.
Flexibility
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.
Financial Security
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.
Positive Impact
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.