Bengal tiger, jaguar of the Brazilian Pantanal, snow leopard of the Himalayas and the lion of the African plains are amongst creatures that we all long to see, and nothing can prepare you for seeing them up close in their natural habitat. Guests often tell us it’s an unexpectedly emotional experience, especially if they witness a kill.
Journeysmiths attaches a great deal of importance to intimate encounters, and we constantly monitor cat populations with our partners to ensure you’ll be in the heart of the action. Here we share the best places for a big cat safari in Africa, Asia and South America.
Best Places to See Africa's Big Cats on a Safari
We Make Sure You See Your Favourites
Although there are big cats across Africa, many of the species are notoriously shy — leopard, caracal, and serval for example — so you need to choose your destination carefully to give you the best change of getting the sightings you want. At Journeysmiths, we know which parks and reserves will give you the best chance of encountering your favourite cat, so we can tell you with confidence where you are most likely to see them in any given season.
South Africa’s Sabi Sands and the South Luangwa offer some of the highest chances to spot the solitary and elusive leopard while families of cheetah favour the Serengeti’s vast open plains and the arid oases of the Kalahari.
Tell us what you’d like to see and we will create a unique sequence of accommodation and experiences that’s exactly right for you.
Kenya's Private Reserves for Tailored Game Drives
The Masai Mara is the best place for seeing cheetahs. These amazing creatures can reach speeds of 0-60 miles per hour in three seconds flat — a very impressive speed that surpasses most supercars. It is a magnificent sight, watching them run, using their tails as rudders to make sharp turns. The flat open plains are favoured by cheetahs, as they like to crouch low when stalking their prey.
In Kenya’s Masai Mara, we also know that the private wildlife reserves are home to large populations of leopard, the most elusive of Africa’s big cats. Seeing a mother playing with her cubs, keeping them safe from predators, is one of life’s great joys, and we want you to be able to enjoy it to the fullest.
To this end, we book you into small, exclusive camps so that when you do go out on safari and chance upon such wonders, you won’t be sharing it with crowds of other spectators. You can take as long as you want to soak up the experience, and will get the very best angles for your photographs.
Lions are the largest of the African cat species, but also the laziest. They spend most of their day sleeping and the females do all the hunting. They are slower than the leopard and cheetah species, so prefer to work in a team to hunt their prey. It is a very rewarding experience to watch them working together in perfect harmony — separating zebra and wildebeest from their herds.
The Meru Reserve is known for its large prides of black-maned lions that are best seen in the afternoon when they are getting ready to hunt. Some of our favourite camps for lion watching are Saruni Samburu, Ol Seki, Tortilis Camp and Cottars 1920s Camp.
For your tailor made Kenya itinerary leave a message here.
Big Cats & Big Five in South Africa
Solitude and exclusivity are just two of the reserves’ benefits over national parks; they often have additional strengths, such as stronger partnerships with local communities, permission for night drives and nature walks, and support for experimental conservation initiatives.
At Sabi Sands you can opt to stay either at Singita Ebony Lodge, or at Singita Boulders Lodge. The reserve is renowned for its high concentration of big game, and in particular for the frequency of leopard sightings, something you may struggle to get elsewhere.
For a luxury South Africa Big Five safari get in touch.
High Cat Concentrations in the Serengeti
Leopard are also present, slinking shyly through the undergrowth, but occasionally enticed out into the open when their curiosity gets the better of them. The immense kopjes are favoured haunt of lion prides as they survey the grassy landscapes.
Where to Stay in the Serengeti
Following a 20-year closure to visitors for research, the verdant grasslands of the Eastern Serengeti teem with wildlife. Namiri Plains stands alone here on its vast, private concession; the perfect base from which to explore this extraordinary region, in complete privacy. The camp only accepts a select number of visitors yearly.
The rich habitats support cheetah, leopard and lion making this a top quality big cat camp. The closure allowed the resident cheetah population to flourish, and when you stay at the camp, you can spend time with the local cheetah research team.
For a private Serengeti cheetah safari leave a message here.
Botswana’s Big Cats in Diverse Landscapes
The abundance of antelope, zebra and plains game in Botswana means that there is plenty to attract the big cats. On a game drive, look out for the camouflaged rosettes of a leopard relaxing in a sausage tree. This deceptively powerful cat can drag an antelope 30 feet into a tree to keep it from lions.
The lions are everywhere, roaming in large prides in Savuti, Chobe and the Linyanti. Cheetah are harder to spot. They favour the shorter grass plains and you may see one sitting atop a termite mound.
Expert guides, with instincts fine-tuned to the habits of the big cats, will reveal leopard and lion as they stalk the diverse and fertile Okavango environment. This is their domain, and, for the evening, you will glimpse their dominance.
For a tailor made, luxury Botswana safari itinerary get in touch with the team.
Big Cats Along the Rivers in Zambia
The Kafue River is clear and beautiful, meandering through the enormous Kafue National Park before joining the Zambezi. It floods large parts of the Park from November to April. Then the waters recede leaving a magical land of floodplains filled with antelope and plains game.
Tree climbing lions watch on from “islands” of trees scattered across the plain. Further south is a diversity of woodland plains and lagoons which supports a rich variety of wildlife and birds. Lion, leopard, cheetah, serval, caracal and African wildcat and among the cats you might see – and there are also packs of wild dog.
The South Luangwa is one of the best places in Africa to experience a classic walking safari. Quietly creeping, listening for sounds, smelling the air, feeling the textures, watching for hand signals from your expert guide, calmed by the presence of an armed guard: these are some of the features of a walking safari.
You’ll be shown the difference between lion and leopard prints, how to sense wind direction as you follow elephant, which plants are medicinal and which are to be avoided, even small-scale wonders of animals such as termites and the predatory antlion.
The unforgettable experience of a walking safari owes its origin to the legendary Noman Carr, who may well have trained the guide who is taking you through the Valley of the Leopard in South Luangwa. Countless people owe their most treasured safari experiences to the legacy of this place.
You have a very good chance of seeing big cats in the Lower Zambezi as well, including elusive leopard and cheetah. Even the rare African wild dog can be spotted by those with a keen eye.
Admire the lovely sausage and mahogany trees – and don’t forget to check their branches for leopard – as you cruise along in an open vehicle. Better yet, hop in a canoe for a safari along the shallow waterways of the Lower Zambezi.
For your unique Zambia safari itinerary enquire here.
Have You Considered Mozambique?
In addition to the prides of lion, unfazed by the presence of humans and jeeps, you will also see herds of elephant, and sable. It is possible to explore the parks, and see the wildlife up close, on a walking safari, as well as by jeep or by boat.
For a tailor made itinerary to Mozambique talk to the team.
The Best Experience
"We were very impressed that our trip across five African countries went like clockwork in complete accordance with the very detailed itinerary which had been developed for us. Transfers between locations were seamless and we felt that everyone wanted us to have the best experience."
Best Places To See Big Cats in Asia
Keen to spot an imposing athletic tiger move stealthily through the jungle? Or a shy, yet agile snow leopard in the heights of the Himalayas? Asian leopard prowl the rocky mountains of Rajasthan whilst fierce Asiatic lion roam the scrublands of the Gir Forest. Wildlife lovers will relish seeing these magnificent creatures in some of Asia’s most striking landscapes. And best of all? You can see all four in one trip.Keen to spot an imposing athletic tiger move stealthily through the jungle? Or a shy, yet agile snow leopard in the heights of the Himalayas? Asian leopard prowl the rocky mountains of Rajasthan whilst fierce Asiatic lion roam the scrublands of the Gir Forest. Wildlife lovers will relish seeing these magnificent creatures in some of Asia’s most striking landscapes. And best of all? You can see all four in one trip.
Best Time to Visit India to See 4 Big Cats in One Trip
This is when you’ll have the best chance of seeing the most elusive big cat, the snow leopard, and you’ll enjoy cooler and more comfortable temperatures while going in search of asiatic lion, bengal tiger and asian leopard.
Luxury Safari in India: In Search of Bengal Tigers
Best Time To Go
Most tiger reserves are open between October and June.
October to January the temperature is cooler, starting with cold mornings then rising to mid 20s in the afternoons. You can expect lush green scenery with flowers blooming. Though sightings will require a bit more effort with the denser vegetation, wildlife activity will tipically be higher throughout the day. If you are a keen birder, this is a great time to visit - the spectacular scenery combines with amazing birdlife.
We consider February to April the best time to go on a tiger safari. The combination of temperature and scenery make for comfortable game drives and fantastic wildlife viewing. The rising temperatures draw predators and prey to congregate around the permanent sources of water. You have a great chance of seeing tigers wading through or bathing in the cool rivers and lakes.
Throughout May and June daytime temperatures can rise up to 45°C. Parks are generally quieter this time of the year. Early morning and evening wildlife sightings are still fantastic.
While some parks and sanctuaries in India are busier than others, you can avoid the crowds and head into the lush landscapes of the Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore and Kanha National Parks, world-renowned for being the best places to see Royal Bengal Tigers in their natural habitat.
The dramatic ravines and wild thickets of sal and bamboo forests of the Kanha National Park is a land that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his classic novel ‘Jungle Book’, and is home to the Kanha Tiger Reserve, while the Bandhavgarh National Park as the highest density of tiger populations in India. Ranthambore National Park is not only home to 90 tigers, but is brimming with other wildlife too, including leopard, crocodile, sambar deer and hundreds of bird species and it’s also a convenient destination when combining your tiger safari with a luxury stay in Delhi, Agra or Jaipur.
Where to Stay for a Luxury Tiger Safari
Unsurpassed luxury doesn’t come better than Sujan Sher Bagh – the tiger’s garden – on the borders of Ranthambore National Park.This beautiful camp, pitched under a canopy of indigenous trees, celebrates the heyday of the Raj with its 1920s styling. On game drives you can hope to see not only tiger but wild boar, jackal, leopard and antelope.
Samode Safari Lodge<, set in 35 acres of private land in Bandhavgarh, is a superbly comfortable private base for your safari. Luxurious raised villas with large wooden decks and open-air bath courts are a haven for relaxation. Warm and personal service combined with expert guiding and varied activities creates a unique experience.
For a tailor made tiger safari in India get in touch.
Go in Search of Snow Leopard: The Ghost Cat of the Himalayas
This is why if you want to see snow leopard in the wild, you need an expedition with precisely planned logistics. Journeysmiths works with expert partners in Ladakh to track these elusive cats through the snow and ice of their high altitude habitat. It’s challenging but starkly beautiful terrain, especially in the winter when the snow leopard are most likely to be seen. With the right guides and expertise, we can make it possible to get a glimpse of these stunning big cats.
Best Place to See Snow Leopards
Though there are snow leopard populations in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, it is in the Indian Himalayas that you are most likely to see them. In the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh, an extension of the Tibetan Plateau, there are still significant numbers of wild snow leopard.
This surprising haven for wildlife is also home to lynx, ibex, Tibetan wolf, brown bear, blue sheep, Himalayan fox, marmot and more.
Best Time to Go Snow Leopard Tracking
The best time to spot snow leopard in Ladakh is during the winter months, from January to March, when it is truly a winter wonderland and the cats are found hunting on the lower slopes.
To track snow leopard, we recommend staying at the aptly named Snow Leopard Lodge in the Ulley Chhu Valley. There are just four guest bedrooms and you will be living with your hosts — a Ladakhi family — so you’ll have a unique view into Ladakhi culture and hospitality.
Your guide is a local authority on snow leopards and knows the valley’s terrain like the back of his hand. This knowledge is essential as it is a battle of wits: the guide must keep a step ahead of the snow leopard if you are to spot him in his remote habitat, but the effort is a large part of the attraction. This is an expedition, not a tour packed with creature comforts. For many hours, there will be just you, your guide, and the natural wonders of the great outdoors.
Conservation and Community
Historically there has been conflict between farmers and snow leopards in the Ulley Valley and so the Snow Leopard Conservancy India (SLC India) was set up to help find a solution. The conservation objectives focus on helping to protect the snow leopard by supporting local communities and providing opportunities through conservation tourism. The charity works to recruit trackers from the local areas, some of which have opened their homes to guests in search of leopards, one such farmer was Tchewang Norbu, who’s homestay evolved into Snow Leopard Lodge.
For a bespoke itinerary to track snow leopards in Ladakh contact the team.
Spot Asiatic Lion in Sasan Gir Forest, India
You’ll wake early and hop into your vehicle as the sun rises, illuminating the skies above the forest, before venturing out to find prides of lion. Your guide will choose a picturesque place to stop and before you know it, your hot coffee and breakfast is served in the midst of the towering forest.
Best Place to See Asiatic Lion
The Gir Forest National Park in western India spans over 1400 square kilometres and is one of the largest tracts of unbroken wilderness in India. Created to protect the habitat of the world’s only remaining Asiatic lion population, the park has seen lion numbers increase from just 200 to over 500 individuals in recent years, while its other endangered inhabitants have naturally flourished alongside them.
The low, hilly terrain and vast, dry deciduous forest forms the perfect environment for the lions and their principal prey species of spotted deer, wild boar, blue bull and India’s largest deer - the Sambar. You’ll also have the chance to spot the world’s only four-horned antelope, the Chowsingha. There are over 300 species of birds recorded in this bio-diverse area. Striped hyena and golden jackal shadow the big cats, grey langurs swing through the canopy and porcupine appear after sunset.
You can visit the Gir Forest between November and May.
March is the best time to visit the Gir Forest for a lion safari. It's the turning point between the winter and summer. The weather is comfortable but the warming temperatures and drying vegetation drive the lion and other wildlife to the waterholes providing great sightings.
The winter months of November to December are great if you prefer cooler temperatures. The scenery is verdant green and there is increased wildlife activity during the day.
April to May wildlife sightings are great, but day temperatures rise over 40°C.
Where to Stay in Gir Forest?
Woods at Sasan is a stunning, luxury lodge set in an orchard of mango trees on the fringe of the Gir Forest. It’s a serene, peaceful retreat, dedicated to well-being, bringing guests a sense of peace and helping you to connect with the forest.
Unwind and enjoy safaris at a slower pace, taking in every sight and sound. After a day in the forest, return and immerse yourself in yoga, meditation and holistic treatments.
For a tailored itinerary to see Asiatic Lions contact the team.
See Asian Leopards in Rajasthan, India
Best Place to See Asian Leopard
Rajasthan is a particular haven for Asian leopards, thanks to conservation efforts of six national parks protecting them. Jawai, a unique wilderness of game-rich grasslands, granite outcrops, caves and thickets of trees, is home to India’s biggest leopard population.The waters of the Jawai Bandh - the largest water reservoir in western Rajasthan - attract an abundance of wildlife. Jungle cat, hyena, jackal, langur, wild boar, jungle hare and a variety of antelope species are frequently spotted whilst flamingo, Sarus crane, pelican & over 170 other species of bird can also be found around the bandh.
Best Time to See Asian Leopards
You can visit Rajasthan throughout the year, but the best time to discover this vibrant state is during the winter months between November and February, when the temperatures are most comfortable.
Sujan Jawai's sumptuous tents are surrounded by the otherworldly landscape of remote Rajasthan where leopard roam wild and free. The camp can be taken down without a trace and has minimal impact on the wildlife, a remarkable feat for such a luxurious retreat. The camp plays an integral part in conservation initiatives and guests learn how the leopards and the local shepherds have learned to live alongside each other in a centuries old relationship.
Families or larger groups can choose their own secluded encampment, complete with a private pool and dedicated butler, for ultimate privacy.
In the Aravalli Hills between Udaipur and Jodhpur is another hidden retreat: Bera Safari Lodge. 10 acres of private land and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. The rocky outcrops on which the lodge sits are a haven for Indian wildlife, and for leopard in particular. The relative inaccessibility of the site means that the leopard have been unaffected by human development.
Your host at Bera, Shatrunjay Pratap, is locally renowned as a tracker, and under his guidance you’ll not only find the leopard but also learn about their habits and how to photograph them. His passion for these elegant big cats is contagious.
For your unique itinerary to see Asian Leopards leave a message here.
Seven Leopard in Two Game Drives
“In all my travels, numerous safaris in Africa included, I have never seen this abundance of leopard, and certainly never in quite such a dramatic setting. Perched in an open jeep atop a boulder the size of a cathedral, scanning cliff faces and hillsides across river valleys and ravines, suddenly comprehending stunning eyes and iconic black rosettes on gold. Returning to a camp fit for a maharaja and enjoying exquisite Indian cuisine to nature’s evening chorus only enhanced my simultaneous feelings of awe and contentment.”
South America's Best Big Cat Experiences
From the untamed beauty of the Andes' rugged peaks to the tropical wilderness of the Pantanal, nature's magnificence awaits. Read on, as we unveil the region’s best big cat encounters.From the untamed beauty of the Andes' rugged peaks to the tropical wilderness of the Pantanal, nature's magnificence awaits. Read on, as we unveil the region’s best big cat encounters.
Ultimate Jaguar Safari: Spot the King of Brazil's Pantanal
Best Place to See Jaguars
The jaguar population is especially healthy in the Pantanal of Brazil; a vast watery paradise ten times larger than Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Conservation efforts in the Pantanal’s Caiman Ecological Refuge have seen sighting numbers soar in recent years, so although it is not a guarantee, the likelihood of seeing one here is 90%. But it’s not just jaguar, the Pantanal has the highest concentration of wildlife anywhere in Latin America.
Best Time to Visit the Pantanal
From April the waters of the Pantanal recede, leaving a wild wonderland of lakes, plains and forest. Through this dry season, until late November, you will encounter jaguar, caiman, maned wolf and many other species.
Where to Stay in the Pantanal
Along with jaguar, the Pantanal has the largest population of caiman in the world. These alligatorid crocodilian are the namesake of Caiman Ecological Refuge, the first such ecotourism project in the region. We recommend staying at the lakeside Casa Caiman, which brings you into direct contact with Pantanal fauna, flora and culture.
What Combines Well with Your Jaguar Safari
- Iguazu Falls: At 1.7 miles wide the Iguazu Falls has 275 cataracts spanning great curved panoramas. Explore the Falls, then travel upstream to explore the wider Iguacu National Park where the wildlife population includes tapirs, ocelot, primates, myriad birdlife and butterflies.
- Brazilian Amazon: The Brazilian Amazon is remarkable. From Cristalino Lodge, one of the best eco lodges in the world, head out in search of the Amazon’s exotic wildlife. Cristalino’s private reserve is significantly larger than Manhattan, and it was established specifically to help conserve Brazil’s biological diversity.
- Rio de Janeiro: Rio is Brazil’s most colourful city, immediately recognisable by the Sugarloaf Mountain and the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer. Revel in the vibrancy and pulsing life; explore dramatic granite peaks, relaxing beaches and a city full of history, culture and music.
- The Cerrado: Despite being the world’s most biologically rich and diverse savannah, the Cerrado is often overlooked. Spot the Cerrado’s own Big Five: the long-legged and large-eared maned wolf; the tapir; the prehistoric-looking giant armadillo; the giant ant-eater; and the Americas’ biggest and most famous big cat, the jaguar as well as 850 different bird species
For a tailor made wildlife holiday in Brazil leave a message here.
From the Field
“Spending time with the Onçafari team was inspiring, hearing about the success they’ve had in re-wilding two orphaned jaguars. Then to actually find one of these two sisters in the wild was truly awe-inspiring. In fact, we enjoyed four different jaguar sightings during our stay, each a slightly different experience, which made my time there even more memorable."
Encounter Andean Puma in Patagonia
Puma are among our world’s most elusive big cats, so the chance to encounter one is a true privilege. Yet deep within Chilean Patagonia, an expert puma tracking team offers you exactly that. All Chilean - some local and others from further afield – the team are dedicated to Patagonian wildlife. Using hidden cameras in conjunction with a range of other monitoring techniques, they have studied the day to day life of Torres Del Paine’s pumas.
Puma tracking usually takes place at sunrise or sunset when they are most active. You will need a calm disposition and a certain level of physical fitness, as you safari the open steppe by vehicle and on foot to get the best views of these beautiful creatures.
Where to Stay in Patagonia
Base yourself at Awasi Patagonia, which works with the scientists and researchers of the Awasi Puma Foundation to study puma in their protected biological corridor. There’s no better place to observe them than in their natural habitat.
Set within a private reserve on the outskirts of the Torres del Paine National Park, Awasi Patagonia’s villas are the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding forests and mountains of this remote area. With stunning views of the famously dramatic and beautiful Torres del Paine mountain range, thrusting their way out of the Patagonian steppe, this feels truly like a wilderness location. It’s far closer to the dramatic landscape than most places you can stay in the region, which means it's far further from civilisation.
How Much Time Do You Need for Puma Tracking?
Allow yourself at least 3 days to give the best chance of spotting pumas. Though you can easily spend a week or two exploring what Patagonia has to offer.
Best Time to Go Puma Tracking
Pumas can be seen year round in Torres del Paine, Patagonia.
The spring and summer months of November to February are a great time to go insearch of pumas in Patagonia. The weather is warm and the days are longer, giving you more time to explore. October to December is also the mating season for birds. January to mid-March bring strong winds and as this is the high season you’ll likely encounter more people than other times of the year.
The low season of September, October, April and May are great months to go if you want a more tranquil experience, with less people around. Wildlife tends to be closer to the main roads of the park around this time.
The autumn months of mid-March to May are considered some of the best times if you want to see female pumas with their small cubs. The autumnal colours also provide a stunning backdrop for photography.
The winter months of May to August bring snowfall in Patagonia, creating a beautiful contrast with the soft, sand coloured puma. Most of the lodges close for the winter and temperatures tend to get low.
For a tailor made itinerary tracking pumas in Patagonia leave a message here.
Truly Amazing Experiences
Over the years we have been lucky enough to travel to a number of countries in Africa but also to Peru and Brazil/Argentina and wherever we have been, we have had truly amazing experiences. Quite simply this is because we have been dealing with a team who not only take the time and trouble to find out what we really want but also who have the detailed personal knowledge of the places that they recommend.
Unique Lesser Known Cat Encounters Around the World
While a few large felines steal the show, our planet is full of cats of all shapes and sizes. Many of these lesser known species are so elusive, they live in relative obscurity. There are tiny rusty-spotted cats in Sri Lanka, hilariously grumpy Pallas’ cats in remote Siberia, even the fishing cat that, defying cat logic 101, makes a life among wetlands. It seems they really do rule the world. Here are a few favourites that Journeysmiths can arrange a quest for you to try and spot.While a few large felines steal the show, our planet is full of cats of all shapes and sizes. Many of these lesser known species are so elusive, they live in relative obscurity. There are tiny rusty-spotted cats in Sri Lanka, hilariously grumpy Pallas’ cats in remote Siberia, even the fishing cat that, defying cat logic 101, makes a life among wetlands. It seems they really do rule the world. Here are a few favourites that Journeysmiths can arrange a quest for you to try and spot.
The fiery orange Bengal tiger romps his way through picture books, but did you know he has a snow white brother? White tiger are far more rare; you will find them only in pockets of territory in India, in the Kaziranga National Park, Nilgiri Hills, and Bandhavgarh National Park.
White tiger, though few in number, are not difficult to spot on account of their poor camouflage. They tend to be larger than other kinds of tiger, and their stripes
are like fingerprints.
If you are fortunate enough to have been on safari several times, your guide might well ask you what you hope to see. At Journeysmiths, our answer might be “caracal”: these mid-size wild cats are nocturnal and solitary, but they have the most beautiful faces and tufted ears.
We recommend Mosaic Private Sanctuary in South Africa, where they manage to record caracal sightings twice a week! It seems they have less competition from other predators.
The ocelot is native to Latin America. Its fabulous striped and spotted fur once made it a favourite of hunters, but thankfully today population numbers are steady.
To see ocelot in the wild, Journeysmiths highly recommends Costa Rica. They thrive in forest habitats such as the Curu Wildlife Reserve and the Santa Rosa National Park. Your best chance to see one is on a dawn trek, though occasionally night sightings are also possible.
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.
Looking for Inspiration?
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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.
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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.
From mysterious baobab groves, to the arid sands of Hwange, the balancing rocks of Matobo, and the awesome Zambezi River as it rages over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is a country that serves up all that could be hoped for in an African holiday destination.
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.
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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.
in South Africa
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.
Nothing compares to a close encounter with a wild animal in their natural habitat. Getting up close to a centuries old Galapagos tortoise, feeling the rumble of the thundering hooves of a million wildebeest as they migrate across the Serengeti or coming face to face with a mountain gorilla are all truly magical experiences you don’t want to miss.
We round up the world's most incredible wildlife experiences to help inspire your next adventure.
A safari is a family holiday that your children will cherish forever. Over the last three decades we have received hundreds of questions from both parents and children alike. We have answered some of the most frequently asked question about family safaris to Africa below.
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.
‘Preservation of wild spaces, supporting local communities and the conservation of wildlife are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years. The Zambezi Expedition is an embodiment of these commitments whilst embracing the true adventure of delving into the unknown!’
Rory Wood, Head of Sustainability, Africa Exclusive
Journeysmiths clients Tony and Heather Allen were two of the people who joined the entirety of our Zambezi Expedition, a journey designed to celebrate our 30th anniversary and give back.
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.
Shared adventures in beautiful scenery, the thrill of discovery. A sense of freedom in the great outdoors. Amazing accommodation amidst our world’s most inspiring, fragile landscapes.
A safari is also highly educative — experienced among unfamiliar cultures where great issues like climate change are a critical reality for wildlife and people.
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.
At Journeysmiths we take you out into the wilds to enjoy all kinds of activities with expert, personable guides. Read our top ten Tanzania family safari experiences.
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.
There are few other safari destinations that offer the sheer diversity of landscapes that Zimbabwe does. The cascading waters of Victoria Falls and forested banks of the Zambezi River contrast with the arid open plains of Hwange and the rugged mountain terrain of Matusadona. Together, they create a completely unique safari experience.
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.
Escape into the wilds of Botswana, where the pristine landscape and varied wildlife abound. On a luxury safari in Botswana, you can expect to share your safari with only a handful of other guests, as our travel insider Philippa Page discovered.
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.
Encounters in India
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.
Nothing can really prepare you for an expedition in the white continent. It really is a destination quite unlike any other. It’s not just the cold of the poles, or the brightness of the sun reflecting off the snow and ice. Perhaps it’s the unexpected silence, the apparent emptiness, and the curious feeling of being so far from signs of human habitation. Finding such peace is rare.
Bengal tiger, jaguar of the Brazilian Pantanal, snow leopard of the Himalayas and the lion of the African plains are amongst creatures that we all long to see, and nothing can prepare you for seeing them up close in their natural habitat. We share the best places for a big cat safari in Africa, Asia and South America.
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.
Christmas is a special time to celebrate with family and friends, but who says it has to be at home? Take a break from the planning this year and let Journeysmiths handle all the logistics.
Easter and spring breaks are the perfect time to welcome the season with a refreshing getaway. Whether you’re after a beach escape or an adventure in nature, spring offers endless opportunities for exploration.
When travelling with children, we know there's no comfort like having your own space, with plenty of activities for everyone. These incredible island hideaways and beach retreats strike a perfect balance between luxury and fun. We asked our safari design team for their personal recommendations of Africa’s most family-friendly beach properties.
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.
Whether on foot, canoe or open vehicle - Zambia is the perfect place for a real family safari adventure. You can track elephants and giraffe walking 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
Over our three decades of creating tailor-made safari itineraries for families, we’ve learned about the kind of experiences which get teenagers excited. We understand that your family has a unique mix of personalities and aspirations, so we will create a unique safari just for you. We use only the finest camps, the best guides and create unforgettable adventures in the wild places of Africa.
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.
A simply enormous country, Brazil truly does have it all: vibrant wildlife, cosmopolitan cities and pristine wild landscapes. The Amazon Rainforest is Brazil’s most famous destination, and whilst this is undoubtedly an incredible place, there really is a lot more to see.
Think canoeing through mangrove forests, luxuriating on immaculate coastlines, exploring wetlands buzzing with wildlife, and visiting cities that burst with energy during carnival time. Here we collate our 10 favourite experiences.
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.
Famed for its beautiful coastline and, of course, the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil is the Earth’s most biologically diverse country. Over 100,000 animal species are currently known, and with around 700 new ones discovered each year, this diversity is ever-increasing.
A trio of glorious wilderness areas - the lively, bustling Amazon Rainforest, The Pantanal’s labyrinth of pristine waterways and wetlands, and the vast, rolling savannah of the Cerrado - come together to make Brazil a hugely important conservation destination.
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.
Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
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.
The best time to visit Tanzania will depend on the activities you are interested in and the wildlife you'd like to spot. Read our month-by-month seasonal guide, and responses to your most popular Tanzania safari questions
Be part of rhino conservation history this September. Journeysmiths have been permitted a limited number of spaces to witness a trailblazing rhino release onto community-owned land in the Hwange National Park region.
Welcome to our digital hub of September's travel inspiration. Uncover our vibrant, new destination; tap into insider knowledge on travelling to the Galapagos and discover some of our favourite ways to explore the restorative power of nature—something especially fitting as we transition into Autumn.
Looking for the perfect family adventure? This guide highlights the top family activities from around the world, offering a mix of thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural explorations, and outdoor fun. Discover the best experiences that will bring your family closer to nature and each other, no matter where your travels take you.
Colombia is a diverse country renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. 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.
Dive into Colombia’s vibrant culture with our guide to the country’s most unique and unforgettable activities. From exploring hidden coffee plantations to dancing the night away in salsa-filled streets, discover experiences that capture the essence of Colombia.
Colombia is a true hidden gem! Although it may be a little less renowned than some of its Latin American counterparts, this remarkable destination has it all: the pristine wilderness of the Amazon, stunning beaches, fascinating wildlife encounters, and a vibrant, eclectic culture.
Discover Journeysmiths’ Top 10 destinations to reconnect with nature in the world's most untamed places. Each journey promises an authentic connection with the natural world and extraordinary wildlife encounters. From strolling alongside ancient white rhinos in Zimbabwe to spotting elusive snow leopards in the Himalayas of Ladakh, these journeys immerse you in some of the planet’s most stunning landscapes.
Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering something for everyone.The crystal-clear waters and dramatic volcanic landscapes provide breathtaking backdrops for exploration as you go in search of endemic species, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, charming blue-footed boobies, and unique Galápagos penguins. Whether you opt for private charters, luxury land accommodations, or intimate cruise vessels, the Galápagos truly is an archipelago that caters to all.
A land of contrasts, Botswana has long captured the hearts of countless travellers with its seasonal ebbs and flows. Each year, the flooding channels of the Okavango Delta beckon wildlife from near and far; rains transform the stark Makgadikgadi and Nxai salt pans into blankets of green; and dusty footprints trace paths to the vast elephant herds that gather in Chobe National Park. Comparing the verdant patchwork of green in the north to the lunar Kalahari landscapes further south is a feast for the senses, a feast which makes for an unforgettable geographical study in the span of a single trip. Discover Africa’s most exclusive safari destination in complete luxury.
Whether you're planning your first African safari or returning for another unforgettable adventure, our private, custom-tailored journeys ensure exclusive experiences with the most knowledgeable and charismatic guides.These African icons are must-see destinations. Our safari designers will craft an itinerary that blends these wonders seamlessly into your personalised trip. Your incredible journey begins here.
In over 30 years arranging exclusive safaris we know the best places to stay and we’ll create an unforgettable sequence of camps and lodges to suit your tastes. A good level of comfort and beautiful remote settings are “givens”! Whether you prefer simpler canvas construction, a thatched cottage or an extravagant suite with a private pool is up to you.
Africa is home to some of the world's most stunning beaches, from the tropical islands of Seychelles to the serene shores of Mozambique, offering diverse landscapes and unique experiences for travellers.
Every part of Africa is spectacular, always, for different reasons. Do you want a time when you can see the most animals? Or a time when the landscapes are clothed in glorious colour? A time when it’s great value for money? Or a time when it’s especially good for photography? This is why you need specialist advice, and where we can really help.
Latin America offers some of the most unique and breathtaking accommodations, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its diverse landscapes and cultures. These handpicked lodges and eco-retreats not only provide comfort but also embrace sustainability and local culture, offering an unforgettable escape.
Hwange is vast—so sprawling that it rivals the size of Wales in the UK. Its immense scale allows you to explore a diverse mosaic of habitats, from the dense woodlands of the north to the semi-arid terrain of the south, each supporting a remarkable variety of wildlife. Lucy from the team explains why Hwange is an unmissable safari destination.
“God had done all of the other countries in the world and he got to the end of the alphabet. He got to Zimbabwe, and he thought, ‘This is going to be my best work, this is going to be my greatest hits.’ ”
– Jeremy Clarkson
Working in partnership with Chilean wildlife conservation experts; Cerro Guido Conservation Foundation, we have curated a truly unique and exclusive puma tracking experience giving behind-the-scenes insight into their work to protect Chile's apex predator.
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.