Blended Luxury, Safaris and Beaches
Best Safari & Beach Holidays Around the World
If anything can elevate the unforgettable experience of a luxury safari holiday, it’s the chance to extend it with a relaxing beach escape before returning to everyday life. Whether you're travelling as a family, couple, solo adventurer or group of friends, we've handpicked the finest safari and beach combinations for the perfect balance of wildlife, relaxation, privacy and style.
If anything can elevate the unforgettable experience of a luxury safari holiday, it’s the chance to extend it with a relaxing beach escape before returning to everyday life. Whether you're travelling as a family, couple, solo adventurer or group of friends, we've handpicked the finest safari and beach combinations for the perfect balance of wildlife, relaxation, privacy and style.
If anything can elevate the unforgettable experience of a luxury safari holiday, it’s the chance to extend it with a relaxing beach escape before returning to everyday life. Whether you're travelling as a family, couple, solo adventurer or group of friends, we've handpicked the finest safari and beach combinations for the perfect balance of wildlife, relaxation, privacy and style.
If anything can elevate the unforgettable experience of a luxury safari holiday, it’s the chance to extend it with a relaxing beach escape before returning to everyday life. Whether you're travelling as a family, couple, solo adventurer or group of friends, we've handpicked the finest safari and beach combinations for the perfect balance of wildlife, relaxation, privacy and style.
The Perfect Balance: Wildlife and Coastal Luxury
Pairing a luxury safari with a beach destination is the final flourish in an already exquisite journey. It’s a time to relax and rejuvenate, to savour the memories of thrilling wildlife encounters, and to enjoy a contrasting environment with new opportunities and experiences. Diversity is, of course, the spice of life; and the rewards of a holiday add up to more than the sum of their parts.
Beach combinations are perfect for groups such as families and friends of all ages and interests. The excitement of the safari is equalled by bonding time over meals of complete relaxation on the coast, with days filled with activities – or inactivity – to suit everyone.
Beach combinations are perfect for groups such as families and friends of all ages and interests. The excitement of the safari is equalled by bonding time over meals of complete relaxation on the coast, with days filled with activities – or inactivity – to suit everyone.
Beach holidays offer a sense of freedom that many children and teens relish, while parents and grandparents often value the chance to slow down and reconnect.
Couples can’t beat the romantic possibilities of beachside settings, with picture-perfect landscapes, private villas nestled in secluded locations, and barefoot luxury offering the perfect tonic for busy lives. These holidays are also ideal for solo travellers who want the guarantee of the best fusion of experiences tailored to their interests.
Whether you're looking for connection, contrast, or just a slower pace after the thrill of the bush, combining safari and beach offers the best of both worlds.
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Couples can’t beat the romantic possibilities of beachside settings, with picture-perfect landscapes, private villas nestled in secluded locations, and barefoot luxury offering the perfect tonic for busy lives. These holidays are also ideal for solo travellers who want the guarantee of the best fusion of experiences tailored to their interests.
Whether you're looking for connection, contrast, or just a slower pace after the thrill of the bush, combining safari and beach offers the best of both worlds.
Enquire now >
Combine an Iconic Safari in Kenya…
Wildlife destinations don’t come much better than Kenya, a country that has been leading the way as a luxury safari destination for generations. It’s the perfect place for a group or family trip, with accommodation such as the warm and welcoming private villas at House in the Wild.
With the relaxation inherent in accommodation that defines ‘home-away-from-home’, you’ll also have your own exclusive vehicle and guide. This allows you to have exceptional flexibility when exploring the private conservancy in Kenya’s wildlife-rich Masai Mara.
For couples and solo travellers, we think Cottar’s 1920 Camp and Mara Plains Camp have the perfect blend of luxury and quiet exclusivity.
With the relaxation inherent in accommodation that defines ‘home-away-from-home’, you’ll also have your own exclusive vehicle and guide. This allows you to have exceptional flexibility when exploring the private conservancy in Kenya’s wildlife-rich Masai Mara.
For couples and solo travellers, we think Cottar’s 1920 Camp and Mara Plains Camp have the perfect blend of luxury and quiet exclusivity.
...with the Island Paradise of the Seychelles
After the exhilaration of Kenya, the perfect place to unwind is Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles. This luxurious development on the private island of Félicité offers stunning villas with private sundecks and infinity pools, all set amidst lush tropical vegetation for complete privacy.
With numerous nearby islands to explore, a stay here doesn’t have to be completely about doing nothing. You can snorkel on pristine reefs, enjoy an array of watersports, get close to the Aldabra tortoises on Curieuse, watch turtle hatchlings, and cycle around the idyllic island of La Digue.
With numerous nearby islands to explore, a stay here doesn’t have to be completely about doing nothing. You can snorkel on pristine reefs, enjoy an array of watersports, get close to the Aldabra tortoises on Curieuse, watch turtle hatchlings, and cycle around the idyllic island of La Digue.
Tips from the Team
- Best Time to Go: June to October are the months when Kenya's dry season corresponds with idyllic weather in the Seychelles.
- Ideal Length: Four to five days on safari followed by a week discovering the wonders of the Seychelles is perfect.
- Great For: This combination works perfectly for multi-generational families, groups of friends and families with kids or older children. Also, couples will find that the Seychelles offer just the setting for romantic seclusion. In short, this combination is great for anyone.
A Family Adventure
Tim Archer
We used Journeysmiths to organise a safari trip for us...The holiday itself surpassed all expectations. We were met at every step by someone to help us to the next destination. It was seamless. And the safari lodges were breathtaking. The itinerary that was put together for us made sure that there was always something new and the perfect blend of different environments and adventure and relaxation.
Sloths & Toucans in Costa Rica’s Lush Forests...
The Osa Peninsul is home to more than 2% of the world’s biodiversity, so it’s the perfect place to spend time if you are crazy about wildlife. Not only can you see chilled-out sloths and characterful toucans, but all four of Costa Rica’s monkeys swing through the lush forests. Then there are tapirs, giant anteaters, poison-dart frogs, macaws, peccaries, and perhaps even jaguars, to name just a few highlights.
If conservation is your thing, then there’s no more appropriate place to stay than Lapa Rios, Costa Rica’s very first eco-lodge. All these years later, it still blends luxury with sustainability and hosts phenomenally knowledgeable guides.
If conservation is your thing, then there’s no more appropriate place to stay than Lapa Rios, Costa Rica’s very first eco-lodge. All these years later, it still blends luxury with sustainability and hosts phenomenally knowledgeable guides.
…Followed by Surf on Costa Rica’s Pristine Coast
The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica’s northwestern Guanacaste region is one of only five ‘Blue Zones’ on the planet, where people are said to live longer than anywhere else. When you stay at one of the villas at Sendero, you may start to understand why, because it’s a haven of youthful tranquillity.
Luxurious yet laid-back with cool, beautifully appointed rooms, it’s also a place of lush gardens, fantastic food, great coffee, and a healthy obsession with yoga. Sendero means ‘short path’, which is all there is to one of the best surf beaches in the Americas: Playa Guiones, which has waves to suit all abilities. Hang out on land, hang ten on a surfboard, or a bit of both; you choose.
Luxurious yet laid-back with cool, beautifully appointed rooms, it’s also a place of lush gardens, fantastic food, great coffee, and a healthy obsession with yoga. Sendero means ‘short path’, which is all there is to one of the best surf beaches in the Americas: Playa Guiones, which has waves to suit all abilities. Hang out on land, hang ten on a surfboard, or a bit of both; you choose.
Tips from the Team
- Best Time to Go: December to April are the driest months for the Osa Peninsula and Guanacaste. From May to November is the ‘Green Season’, which has its own lush appeal, and this is when you’ll find the largest surfing waves.
- Ideal Length: This combination works perfectly for a 10-day trip, so 5 days in each location is ideal.
- Great For: With the surfer charms of Guanacaste, this is a perfect trip for couples and solo travellers. The amazing wildlife of Osa will appeal to all ages, though, so families can also have a great time with this combination. Teenagers, of course, love Sendero!
A Latin American Adventure
Amanda Johnson
My trip was tailored to my specific requirements taking into account the advice and experience of Joanna who was amazingly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. All the travel arrangements went perfectly and I was well looked after at each destination throughout the trip with excellent service.
When you’ve enjoyed a Luxury Safari in Tanzania…
With superb safari possibilities year-round, but with the amazing seasonal spectacle of the Great Migration, Tanzania’s Serengeti grasslands are among the best wildlife destinations on the planet. It’s a place where the voice of David Attenborough and tunes from the Lion King will inhabit your mind as you watch the epic spectacle of life before your eyes.
Within this awesome region is the Grumeti Reserve, home to a river crossing for vast herds of wildebeest. It’s also the location of Singita Serengeti House, a luxurious exclusive-use lodge. It comes with enviable perks such as a 25-metre infinity lap-pool, a tennis court, and a dedicated staff and guiding team do that you can have a safari adventure tailored perfectly to your interests and needs.
Within this awesome region is the Grumeti Reserve, home to a river crossing for vast herds of wildebeest. It’s also the location of Singita Serengeti House, a luxurious exclusive-use lodge. It comes with enviable perks such as a 25-metre infinity lap-pool, a tennis court, and a dedicated staff and guiding team do that you can have a safari adventure tailored perfectly to your interests and needs.
…You can Relax on a Private Island near Zanzibar
Less than a mile in circumference, the tiny private island of Mnemba is just off the northeastern tip of the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean lap its brilliant powdery white sands, and its deep blue waters are home to fringing coral reefs teeming with life.
With a distinct air of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ to it, Mnemba Island has twelve thatched open-fronted bandas that are thoroughly luxurious despite their shack-like ambitions. After a few days here, you’ll forget where you’ve put your shoes.
With a distinct air of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ to it, Mnemba Island has twelve thatched open-fronted bandas that are thoroughly luxurious despite their shack-like ambitions. After a few days here, you’ll forget where you’ve put your shoes.
Tips from the Team
- Best Time to Go: Even though the Grumeti Reserve is a wonderful safari location all year, the Great Migration reaches its peak in the area in March. If you come later in the year –June to October – the weather is guaranteed to be dry, and you’ll have a perfect beach holiday to round it off on Mnemba.
- Ideal Length: This combination is great for a 10-day holiday, with five days in each location.
- Great For: This kind of combination is great for everyone. Solo travellers, couples, families, and groups of friends can all have a superb time in Tanzania. If you stay in the above properties, Mnemba Island has a family banda, and Singita Serengeti is a spacious house with enough room for everyone.
Galapagos: The Ultimate Wildlife Destination
As we all should know, the Galapagos Archipelago inspired Charles Darwin to join the dots of his earth-shattering concept of evolution. Things have never been the same again. And nor will you be, if you follow his footsteps to discover what he saw: giant tortoises, penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, a blue-footed booby or two, and – of course – the finches that made all the difference.
We’ve moved on from the discomfort of H.M.S. Beagle, and nothing quite demonstrates how technology and expectations have evolved than the superyacht Aqua Mare. Breathtakingly luxurious, 50 metres in length, and with a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio, this vessel even has the largest cabin of the Galapagos fleet.
We’ve moved on from the discomfort of H.M.S. Beagle, and nothing quite demonstrates how technology and expectations have evolved than the superyacht Aqua Mare. Breathtakingly luxurious, 50 metres in length, and with a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio, this vessel even has the largest cabin of the Galapagos fleet.
Galapagos: Also a Place to Unwind
Each Galapagos Island has its own character, which is why they are best seen on board an island-hopping boat. There is an additional way to experience the Galapagos, though: by staying for a while on land. To unwind, take stock, and have some time moving at your own pace, we recommend a stay on Santa Cruz Island, in Pikaia Lodge.
Perched on the rim of an extinct volcano, it’s within striking distance of Tortuga Bay, where you can swim, snorkel and body-surf on a beach populated by seals and blue-footed boobies. And if you still need some oceanic adventure, Pikaia Lodge has its own 30-metre yacht.
Perched on the rim of an extinct volcano, it’s within striking distance of Tortuga Bay, where you can swim, snorkel and body-surf on a beach populated by seals and blue-footed boobies. And if you still need some oceanic adventure, Pikaia Lodge has its own 30-metre yacht.
Tips from the Team
- Best Time to Go: The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination. Between December and May, the weather is warmer and wetter, with green vegetation and comfortable sea temperatures. From June to November, it’s cooler and drier. The seas are calmer but chilly enough to need a wetsuit.
- Ideal Length: This is perfect as a 10-day trip. A week of that would be visiting the various islands, and the rest would be spent relaxing on the island of Santa Cruz.
- Great For: A luxury adventure to the Galapagos is a trip of a lifetime for couples and solo travellers in particular. It’s a great destination for families with kids and teens too, and exclusive-use yachts are ideal for multigenerational families and groups of friends.
You've done it again, Journeysmiths!
Ian Funnell
Most people book Ecuador and the Galapagos a year or more in advance. We did it in under 3 months, thanks to Joanna Hussey @Journeysmiths. As usual, a few calls and emails were all that was needed to craft the perfect holiday - 5 days in Ecuador, 10 in the Galapagos. In spite of this being over the Christmas and new year holidays, the trip was expertly arranged, contacts with local tour operators were seamless, and the holiday was magical.
Borneo: A Primeval Jungle Safari Destination
The rainforest in the Danum Valley of Borneo’s Sabah region has been standing for the last 130 million years, and this stable environment has accumulated a rich array of fascinating species, many of which are not found together anywhere else.
Adventurers come here particularly to seek out our close relatives, the wise old men of the forest: orangutans. Spend long enough here and you may well also discover banteng, clouded leopards, slow loris, proboscis monkeys, the critically endangered Bornean pygmy elephant, and sun bears. Borneo Rainforest Lodge merges into the dripping canopy from its riverbank location, giving its guests front-row seats into an ancient world of 100-metre-high yellow meranti trees and flitting iridescent birds.
Adventurers come here particularly to seek out our close relatives, the wise old men of the forest: orangutans. Spend long enough here and you may well also discover banteng, clouded leopards, slow loris, proboscis monkeys, the critically endangered Bornean pygmy elephant, and sun bears. Borneo Rainforest Lodge merges into the dripping canopy from its riverbank location, giving its guests front-row seats into an ancient world of 100-metre-high yellow meranti trees and flitting iridescent birds.
Tranquil Beach-side Borneo
Within sight of the looming presence of Mount Kinabalu on the northeastern coast of Sabah, Palau Gaya is the island home of Gaya Island Resort. It’s only a 10-minute speedboat ride from the bustling settlement of Kota Kinabalu but is worlds apart in terms of tranquillity.
Accommodation in the stilted villas is luxurious, and the food is phenomenal, but when your appetite for nature has been stoked by time in the Danum Valley, you’ll want to see the marine life in this piece of paradise. We suggest you kayak through the mangroves, snorkel amid the dazzling corals in some of the 25 local locations and spend time learning from the resident turtle conservationists.
Accommodation in the stilted villas is luxurious, and the food is phenomenal, but when your appetite for nature has been stoked by time in the Danum Valley, you’ll want to see the marine life in this piece of paradise. We suggest you kayak through the mangroves, snorkel amid the dazzling corals in some of the 25 local locations and spend time learning from the resident turtle conservationists.
Tips from the Team
- Best Time to Go: The dry season of Sabah extends between April and October. It’s then that you stand the best chance of seeing amazing animals such as orangutans. They come close to the ground between May and September, during the fruiting season.
- Ideal Length: Four to five days at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, followed by the same on Gaya island adds up to a wonderful trip.
- Great For: The diversity of things you can see with this combination makes it ideal for all types of travellers, from those going solo, to couples, to families with kids of any age.
From The Team
Alex Harmat
Head of Marketing
"Borneo is special for so many reasons. One of them is that Alfred Russell Wallace travelled through here in the 1850s, collecting more than 120,000 specimens. He came up with his own theory of evolution, independent from Charles Darwin. Borneo’s rainforest has existed for twice as long as its Amazon equivalent, which is why it’s such an amazing biodiversity hotspot. This extends to far more than orangutans!"
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Gorillas & Volcanoes in Rwanda
Occupying a 72-hectare reserve that shares a boundary with the Volcanoes National Park of the Virungas, Singita Kataza House is a luxurious sole-use property that’s ideal for families with older teens or groups. Spacious and beautifully designed, with four suites, a dedicated chef, two pools and even a cinema, it’s almost worth going to Rwanda just for this house. And if you don’t need the space of Singita Kazaza, next door’s Singita Kwitonda is perfect for couples. However, the real appeal of this location is what you will find in the mists of the volcanoes above: the gorillas.
This is the home of one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and experts at the national park will take you on a trek to find them. Cautious and deferential as any group needs to be in the presence of animals of such majesty, this is a life-changing experience.
This is the home of one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and experts at the national park will take you on a trek to find them. Cautious and deferential as any group needs to be in the presence of animals of such majesty, this is a life-changing experience.
Chimps & Beach in Tanzania
For encounters with more of our close primate relatives, but with the added benefit of a gorgeous and relaxed beach location, there’s nothing quite like staying in one of the six thatched banda houses at Greystoke Mahale. The sands are as golden as one would expect at the sea, but this is Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-oldest and second-deepest body of fresh water. Looking into the depths from a glass-bottom kayak, you won’t see marine life; you’ll see hippos.
Lush forests descend the slopes of the Mahale Mountains right to the shore, and this is the habitat of the chimpanzees that are sometimes known to enjoy a bit of time on the beach too. More likely, you will encounter them in the company of expert naturalists who know their habits and favourite spots inland.
Lush forests descend the slopes of the Mahale Mountains right to the shore, and this is the habitat of the chimpanzees that are sometimes known to enjoy a bit of time on the beach too. More likely, you will encounter them in the company of expert naturalists who know their habits and favourite spots inland.
Add in the Serengeti
Between unforgettable encounters with gorillas and then chimpanzees, it almost seems rude to be in Tanzania without a few days having a more classic safari. The perfect place for families and groups is Mkombe’s House, in the heart of the Serengeti, with adjacent Lamai Serengeti as a great option for couples.
Mkombe House is a home away from home that comes with a dedicated guide and private vehicle so that you can make the most of your time and set your own agenda. The plains are home to iconic wildlife including lions, leopards and elephants at all times of year, and the ground thunders during the Great Migration.
Mkombe House is a home away from home that comes with a dedicated guide and private vehicle so that you can make the most of your time and set your own agenda. The plains are home to iconic wildlife including lions, leopards and elephants at all times of year, and the ground thunders during the Great Migration.
Tips from the Team
- Best Time to Go: The most comfortable months for gorilla trekking in Rwanda are from June to September and December to February. Combining this experience with chimps in the Mahale National Park is best done from June to October. Mahale works as a destination by itself in all months except April and May.
- Ideal Length: A week in each location allows enough time for primate encounters, general safari experiences, and the necessary relaxation.
- Great For: This is the most amazing experience for families with older teenagers. What could be better for a post-exam celebration? Couples and solo travellers will also love these locations.
We highly recommend the gorillas!
Paula and Eric
We spent 10 days on safari in Tanzania (Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Sergengeti). Our guide was incredible with an endless knowledge base, and we saw everything! Following our safari, we went on to Rwanda for four days to gorilla trek and sight see. It's beautiful, unbelievably clean... with amazing scenery and we highly recommend the gorillas!
Having now experienced JourneySmiths, and Ross, there's no one else that I would travel with!
Start with a Jaguar Safari in Brazil’s Pantanal…
Set within a reserve of more than 50,000 hectares of seasonally-flooded Pantanal grassland, Caiman Ecological Refuge was the region’s first ecotourism venture to bring guests to this extraordinary yet little-known Brazilian ecosystem.
The highlight of staying here is to participate in an Onçafari Jaguar Safari, to seek out the largest feline on the American continent. There’s a great deal more to see too; from giant anteaters and capybaras to hyacinth macaws and a wealth of other birds. Getting around involves walking safaris, canoe trips, excursions in modified vehicles, and trekking on the back of a Criollo horse. This is a place of genuine research and conservation, so the guiding is excellent, and you’ll find plenty to talk about during the hearty communal ranch-style meals.
The highlight of staying here is to participate in an Onçafari Jaguar Safari, to seek out the largest feline on the American continent. There’s a great deal more to see too; from giant anteaters and capybaras to hyacinth macaws and a wealth of other birds. Getting around involves walking safaris, canoe trips, excursions in modified vehicles, and trekking on the back of a Criollo horse. This is a place of genuine research and conservation, so the guiding is excellent, and you’ll find plenty to talk about during the hearty communal ranch-style meals.
…finish in a Hammock on the Green Coast
There’s nothing quite like the seclusion of a place that can only be accessed by boat, and that’s exactly what you can enjoy at Casa Cairucu, a treehouse-style private villa perched above rounded granite boulders and crystal-clear waters. The charming UNESCO-listed town of Paraty is only 20 minutes away if you need some culture, but there’s every chance that most of your time here will be spent snoozing in a hammock on one of the decks, or diving off the jetty.
The house has space for up to eight guests, and with a housekeeper, remote concierge and a private boatman versed in the attractions of the local bays, there’s flexibility for everyone to relax in their own way. Walks through the local forest and excursions on paddleboards will help you to discover the local wildlife, which includes dolphins, hummingbirds, kingfishers and turtles.
The house has space for up to eight guests, and with a housekeeper, remote concierge and a private boatman versed in the attractions of the local bays, there’s flexibility for everyone to relax in their own way. Walks through the local forest and excursions on paddleboards will help you to discover the local wildlife, which includes dolphins, hummingbirds, kingfishers and turtles.
Tips from the Team
- Best Time to Go: The dry season in the Pantanal is from May to October. During these months, wildlife is easier to see, and the climate is comfortable. Jaguars are often seen along the riverbanks. Paraty’s dry season extends from April to November.
- Ideal Length: Five nights to a week in each location is enough get the most out of both the wildlife and the chill-out opportunities.
- Great For: Casa Cairucu is perfect for families or groups of up to eight people. Of course, couples could enjoy it with lots of space! The experiences of the Pantanal and the Paraty coast are great for all types of groups and individuals.
From The Team
Rory Wood
Journeysmith
“The Pantanal, home to enormous cattle ranches and the ‘pantanieros’ cowboys, is being redefined by inspirational ventures such as Caiman Lodge. Together with Oncafari, they have created one of the greatest jaguar-viewing destinations on the planet, proving that an ecotourism model where people and wildlife coexist can work.”
Enquire now >
South Africa: Perfect for Family Safaris
Bordering Botswana, the malaria-free game reserve of Madikwe is a place of grassy plains, riverine forest and dramatic granite inselbergs. With the spectacular Dwarsberg Mountains rising to the south to complete the picture, this is the dramatic setting of three luxury family villas at Morukuru. The accommodation options range from the Owners House, with space for four, to the River House (ideal for families) and the capacious Farm House, which suits multi-generational families or groups of adults.
With a private vehicle and guide to ensure perfectly tailored safari experiences, you’ll be discovering the Big Five – and that includes both white and black rhino – and even desert-adapted species in the north of the reserve. Specialising in activities for all ages, the staff at Morukuru will engage children with fascinating activities throughout the day, so every moment will be treasured and never forgotten.
With a private vehicle and guide to ensure perfectly tailored safari experiences, you’ll be discovering the Big Five – and that includes both white and black rhino – and even desert-adapted species in the north of the reserve. Specialising in activities for all ages, the staff at Morukuru will engage children with fascinating activities throughout the day, so every moment will be treasured and never forgotten.
Malawi: Beach & Island Delights
Take a short hop by plane from Madikwe and you’ll find yourself on golden beaches of the island of Likoma on Lake Malawi. This is Kaya Mawa, a luxurious paradise where all accommodation either has direct beach access or a private plunge pool. There are four houses that are ideal for families, and for those that want even more space and seclusion, there’s the super-desirable Ndomo House, set apart from the rest of the lodge.
Kids will love to learn to snorkel on the freshwater reefs of Lake Malawi, which are home to 400 species of cichlid fish. Enormous fun can also be had plunging into warm crystal-clear water from paddleboards, and for the more adventurous, there are also sailing boats and opportunities for wakeboarding and waterskiing. Venturing around the island, the stately baobab trees are fascinating for all ages, and there’s also the interest of vibrant local markets and the huge St Peter’s Cathedral.
Kids will love to learn to snorkel on the freshwater reefs of Lake Malawi, which are home to 400 species of cichlid fish. Enormous fun can also be had plunging into warm crystal-clear water from paddleboards, and for the more adventurous, there are also sailing boats and opportunities for wakeboarding and waterskiing. Venturing around the island, the stately baobab trees are fascinating for all ages, and there’s also the interest of vibrant local markets and the huge St Peter’s Cathedral.
Tips from the Team
- Best Time to Go: The dry and sunny season on Lake Malawi is from May to October. Madikwe is at its driest from May to September. Families can have a great time in both locations in the school holidays, and couples and solo travellers enjoy visiting in May and June. This combination is also an excellent Christmas option.
- Ideal Length: Four to five days in South Africa is the minimum that any family should spend on safari. While Likoma Island could be a short break at the end, your kids will thank you for as long as possible here!
- Great For: These two locations are perfect for families of all shapes and sizes, and groups of friends too. Don’t let the family focus put you off, though; we can curate excellent variations to suit couples or solo travellers.
Madikwe and More
Cathy Tebbutt Smith
The most amazing holiday ever!! From our initial call, Paul listened carefully to what we wanted and provided us with numerous options to achieve our dream holiday. He organised everything to perfection and we didn't need to worry about a thing. Our holiday to South Africa on Safari for 4 days at Madikwe Reserve followed by 3 days in Cape town was absolutely incredible. We were so impressed from start to finish, flights, accommodation, transfers, day trips in fact everything was top class...
Zimbabwe for Elephants, Rhinos & More…
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s original safari destination, remains an iconic and revered wildlife haven. Bomani Tented Camp is within the Ngamo Forest area of Hwange, where the Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary is a key player in the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative (CRCI). You can visit the rhino sanctuary and even walk alongside enormous Thusa and Kusasa in the company of rangers.
There’s way more to Bomani Tented Camp than just rhinos, including a fabulous ‘look up’ hide for amazing wildlife encounters and photographs from ground level. The ‘pump run’ safari, taking supplies to waterholes, is an intrepid adventure, as is one of the ways of arriving: the Elephant Express train. Hwange has the second-largest elephant population in Africa and the park teems with other species, including lion, leopard, zebra and giraffe.
There’s way more to Bomani Tented Camp than just rhinos, including a fabulous ‘look up’ hide for amazing wildlife encounters and photographs from ground level. The ‘pump run’ safari, taking supplies to waterholes, is an intrepid adventure, as is one of the ways of arriving: the Elephant Express train. Hwange has the second-largest elephant population in Africa and the park teems with other species, including lion, leopard, zebra and giraffe.
…Such as a Houseboat on Lake Kariba
At almost 140 miles in length and 25 miles wide, the banks of Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba are home to the Matusadona National Park, full of wildlife that is drawn to the fresh waters of the world’s largest man-made lake. Game viewing here is best done by small launches heading out from a private vessel such as the luxurious Karabezi Houseboat. For the rest of the time, this place to stretch out on a deck, or perhaps dangle a line to attempt to catch one of those famed striped tiger fish.
Barbeques on remote sandy beaches have the feel of complete removal from the modern world, and the sight of the sinking sun over the waters of the lake is timeless. That doesn’t mean you should deny yourself all modern perks, particularly the on-board jacuzzi!
Barbeques on remote sandy beaches have the feel of complete removal from the modern world, and the sight of the sinking sun over the waters of the lake is timeless. That doesn’t mean you should deny yourself all modern perks, particularly the on-board jacuzzi!
Tips from the Team
- Best Time to Go: Hwange and Lake Kariba are best during the months of April to December (the dry season). The drier it gets around on Lake Kariba – such as in September and October – the more the animals are drawn to the water. These months are great times to combine with other destinations too. Consider places like Victoria Falls and Chobe.
- Ideal Length: A week in Hwange is ideal, and three days on Lake Kariba is the best way to get yourself ready for returning to the real world.
- Great For: : Bomani Camp is fully set up for all ages, so it’s a perfect option for families. Kids from age seven to teens will love all the activities. Multi-generational groups, groups of friends and couples will also find it perfect. Karabezi Houseboat is exclusive-use and can sleep up to 14 people.
Why Travel with Journeysmiths
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.