Safari Camps
There’s something almost spiritual about the sight of a tent pitched in the wilderness, the embers of a campfire glowing as one by one, diamond-like stars prick through the velvety blanket of the night. Waking up in the morning at first light is no less humbling, as the sun breaks across the horizon, warming the landscape with its rays. Really, there’s no finer way to experience Africa’s wild places.
Journeysmiths’ selection of safari camps have been chosen because they strike the perfect balance between an authentic wilderness experience and the creature comforts you’d expect of a high end hotel. Whether you prefer simpler canvas construction, a thatched cottage or an extravagant suite with a private pool is up to you. Our skill lies in creating the right combination of places and impeccable arrangements which combine to create your perfect holiday.
To call these palatial suites tents is really to do them a disservice. Yes, their walls can be made of canvas, but more often than not they are raised up from the ground on wooden platforms, have king size beds and campaign furniture, and are decorated with hand woven rugs, fine fabrics, and objets d’art. Fret not about the prospect of a bucket toilet: your en suite bathroom is far more likely to have a free-standing vintage bath, an outdoor rain shower, a fluffy bathrobe, and organic toiletries.
For unforgettably close encounters with massed-ranks of elephants, Nehimba is unsurpassed. In the dry season, they are drawn in their hundreds to the waterhole at the centre of the lodge and have even claimed ownership of the swimming pool.
Jozibanini Tented Camp in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, offers an immersion in the remote African bush for its intrepid guests. The location may be unspoilt, but you don’t have to be because there’s plenty of comfort in the rustic raised tents and great food to complement a true safari experience.
This is simply a beautiful pousada in an awesome location on the banks of Rio Mutum. It’s the perfect place to spot the diverse wildlife that the Pantanal region has to offer.
You will be energised not only by seeing the wonderful wildlife of the Pantanal, but also by experiencing ground-breaking conservation at work in the Caiman Ecological Refuge. It sets the standards that others follow.
Gloriously isolated, Pousada Trijunção is a place where you will be inspired and educated as you venture into the fascinating majesty of the diverse but threatened Cerrado.
Set within a private reserve of more than 11,000 hectares of pristine forest, Cristalino Lodge is consistently rated as one of the best eco lodge experiences in the world. Renowned for extraordinarily rich birding, as well as for its orchids and butterfly and mammal populations.
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a magnificent property in the heart of the Brazilian Rainforest, right on the edge of the Anavilhanas National Park. The dark waters of the Rio Negro surround the property, making it a prime site for adventures by river as well as in the forest.
High on the edge of an escarpment, with a much visited waterhole below, Loisaba Tented Camp has an enviable position in Kenya’s Loisaba Conservancy. This is an area of rugged natural beauty, the camp a romantic retreat for those wanting to appreciate the wilderness in peace.
The Huab Conservancy, about 90km north-west of Khorixas in Damaraland, is a core desert-adapted black rhino area and a pioneering community and conservation development. Ultimate Safaris has entered into an agreement with the conservancy which has secured exclusive use area for the purposes of their Journeys Under Canvas camp.
A luxury safari lodge in the Okavango Delta with a range of exhilarating activities.
Camp Jabulani is an amazing place; a luxury lodge surrounded by African bush teeming with wildlife, where you can enjoy an unforgettable experience in the company of elephants.
Gomoti Plains was one of the most eagerly anticipated safari properties in Botswana and opened its doors to guests in March 2017.
Set in spectacular African wilderness surrounds, Ecca Lodge is a unique safari property boasting a revolutionary design where penthouse chic meets the bush. Nestled into a gently sloping, densely vegetated hillside, the Lodge is airy and open with barely a barrier between indoors and the African bushveld.
Musekese is tucked away in a quiet corner of the Kafue National Park and offers you the opportunity to experience Zambia’s breathtaking beauty from a quiet, intimate camp.
Etendeka Mountain Camp offers a unique, pristine wilderness experience which will appeal to photographer, naturalist, astronomer and geologist alike, as well as lovers of peace, quiet and open space.
Shinde Camp is one of the most beautifully located in the Okavango Delta, a sophisticated tented camp set on a lush island surrounded by crystal-clear waters and shaded by ebony and mangosteen trees.
Imagine views overlooking the broadly drifting Zambezi River and stretching beyond to the 2,000 ft peaks of the Rift Valley escarpment. Ruckomechi is an intimate camp with just such spectacular views and situated on a large, private concession within Mana Pools. Ancient forests and wetlands stretch behind the camp, and in front is the massive escarpment of Africa’s Great Rift Valley.
Somalisa Acacia is the sister property of Somalisa Camp and is situated just a ‘stone’s throw’ from the main camp.
Camp Hwange is an opulent safari retreat, in a prime location.
Old Mondoro Bushcamp is a family-run camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park that provides an authentic safari experience without compromising on luxury or service. Fantastic views of the Zambezi and unbeatable wildlife encounters await your arrival, as you escape your routine and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Zambezi National Park.
Sausage Tree Camp was voted #1 on the BBC's Ten Best Luxury Destinations programme and is deserving of the accolade.
Sarara Camp is a small and intimate camp in an impressive and remote area of northern Kenya. The property promises a safari full of unforgettable authentic wildlife and cultural experiences. Think long walks through the bush, learning how to bead with Samburu women, meeting orphaned elephants, and finding a natural water slide in the mountains.
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a traditional, comfortable bush camp located in Laikipia on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Elephant Pepper Camp is a step back in time but with modern comforts: an original bush camp, eco-friendly, and committed to finding a way of life that does not harm the wilderness.
Magashi Camp is an intimate, luxurious haven within the wilderness of Akagera National Park.
Perfectly located as the only beach resort in the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, this luxurious hotel offers the perfect combination of facilities and activities. Panoramic views from its clifftop location, brilliant beaches, copious adventure options, plentiful wildlife opportunities and two infinity pools are what stand out for us. Journeysmiths also love the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
Camp Amalinda is located in a magnificent setting, built into the side of giant rock formations near the Matopos Hills.
Musango Camp is located in a superb position for game viewing, on the southern shore of Lake Kariba close to Matusadona National Park.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge provides opulent accommodation along with memorable views.
Changa Safari Camp stands head and shoulders above other lodges in the Matusadona National Park and is a prime spot for birding and fishing.
Sitting delightfully on the banks of a remote section of the Mighty Zambezi, Nyamatusi Mahogany Camp is a luxurious homage to the river.
Chikwenya is one of the longest established and most remote safari lodges in Zimbabwe. The lodge is set on the edge of the spectacularly beautiful World Heritage Site of Mana Pools. The surrounding setting is one of open grassland, shallow Zambezi tributaries and some of the most beautiful woodlands in central Africa which makes an ideal habitat for a rich variety of wildlife.
Kanga Camp is located at the foot of the Zambezi Escarpment in the heart of the Mana Pools National Park on the only private concession within the park.
This modern lodge welcomes you to enjoy a true home-away-from-home safari experience.
Little Makalolo is a beautiful and remote base for viewing the herds of elephants, buffalo, the full range of plains game and predators.
Visitors to Somalisa Camp are treated to breath-taking views of Hwange's magnificent savannah plains.
The original Sand Rivers was built in 1984 by the pioneering guide Richard Bonham. Its successor, Nomad, still occupies this privileged position.
Roho Ya Selous translates to ‘heart of the Selous’. The location truly lives up to its name and is the perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts.
Beho Beho is probably the finest safari lodge in the reserve, set in beautiful hill country overlooking riverine forests, miombo woodlands and plains. It was the first lodge sited in the reserve so has arguably the most privileged position, the most comfortable temperatures all year round, and the most superb views.
The terracotta roofs emerging through the lush forests flanking the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano are actually the luxury casitas of Amor Arenal, an independent small-scale retreat based on using invigorating mineral waters whilst introducing guests to the surrounding pristine ecosystem.
Mwaleshi Camp is the perfect escape for people looking to head off the beaten track and explore some of the more remote parts of Zambia by foot. Nestled on the banks of the Mwaleshi River, guests can stay in a comfortable chalet constructed out of natural materials and complete with en suite bathrooms that are open to the stars.
Situated at the far-eastern reaches of the park, Anabezi is characterised by the elephants which are drawn to the surrounding Winterthorn trees.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat, or an action-packed safari experience, Chiawa Camp has it all.
Situated under a canopy of Albida thorn trees Chongwe River Camp is family owned and managed and benefits from a friendly and informal atmosphere.
Islands of Siankaba is a luxurious way to enjoy Zambia away from the crowds of Victoria Falls.
Welcome to Busanga Bush Camp, the perfect place to unplug and wind down in the heart of the Busanga Plains.
Shumba Camp boasts breathtaking views from a tree covered island in the middle of the Busanga Plains.
Mchenja, meaning "the ebony tree", is set beneath a magnificent grove of these trees on the banks of the Luangwa River. It is the most luxurious of the Norman Carr tented camps yet it is also designed to combine excellently with other more rustic bush camps.
There are no fences at Lion Camp, so elephant, buffalo, and antelope come and go as they please. You can watch them from your private deck or the board walk, and they may well be watching you as you swim in the pool. The camp prides itself on its support for conservation and local community development initiatives, including Conservation South Luangwa and the Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre.
Puku Ridge inhabits a remote world of its own, watching the ancient patterns of life and survival while treating its visitors to enjoyably civilised hospitality. This small and intimate camp is built unobtrusively overlooking a vast floodplain where the Puku antelope after which the camp is named can be seen grazing throughout the day.
Nunda River Lodge sits at the entrance to Namibia’s beautiful Caprivi Strip just a short distance from the entrance to the Mahango Game Park nestled at the mouth of the Okavango Pan Handle.
Watch oryx and other desert-adapted wildlife cross the highest sand dunes on earth when you stay at Little Kulala in Namibia’s stunning Sossusvlei.
Natural Selection’s Hoanib Valley Camp is a joint venture between local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. It’s an elegant, intimate camp in the desert with strong ecological and sustainability credentials, reflecting the priorities of its local partners.
This luxury tented camp is situated close to the Hoanib River and straddles both the Palmvag Concession and the Skeleton Coast National Park. The Hoanib Valley is a truly unique environment, strikingly beautiful and remote. Staying at the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp you will see the valley at its finest, and get close to the wonderful wildlife residing here.
Few guests ever venture to this remote part of Namibia, but if they knew the secret which is Okahirongo River Camp, they’d be flocking here in great numbers.
At the top of a hill with exceptional views of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by the lush forest of a sloth sanctuary, and with bubbling hot geothermal water, the Nayara Tented Camp must be in consideration for being one of the world’s best experiences of extreme glamping.
In the local Herero language, Onguma means, "the place you don't want to leave." Having stayed here, we can say without question that you’re sure to agree.
Stay at Little Ongava, the natural home of luxury safaris in Namibia, to explore a beautiful private reserve and the thriving Etosha National Park, abundant with intermixed flocks and herds of uncountable numbers.
Morokuru River House is one of the most exciting exclusive use properties in South Africa.
Located in the North West Province of South Africa, on a rocky outcrop in the centre of the Madikwe Game Reserve, sits the Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge. There are ten sumptuous suites, all with elegant ‘Afrochic’ furnishings. Guests enjoy their game viewing in open topped vehicles, and short walks along old elephant tracks.
Ivory Lodge is one of the most luxurious and exclusive safari lodges in South Africa.
Jabali Ridge is a truly luxurious retreat in Tanzania’s stunning Ruaha National Park. Here you will be treated to an exceptional safari experience.
In a remote section of Ruaha National Park, the Jongomero Camp is an idyllic safari retreat waiting to greet you. The staff here are superb and will endeavour to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible.
Understated luxury awaits in this beautiful little bush-camp. The gentle simplicity of the design blends seamlessly into the bush, allowing a more intimate connection with the wildlife living alongside
Chada Katavi wants you to experience total absorption into the natural world. Expect to see wildlife strolling past your tent and peeking in your windows.
What is evident at Chem Chem is the dedication and passion that went into creating this wild sanctuary. The camp’s founders had a vision to conserve and protect Tanzania’s natural surroundings and the creatures that call it home. They invite you to join them in making this vision a reality. Simply by staying here you are making a difference, since tourism levies go directly to the local communities.
Looking out across a vast blanket of trees to the beautiful Manyara Lake from, all from the luxury of the refreshing lodge pool. This is just one of the memories Escarpment Luxury Lodge firmly imprinted on our hearts. Escape from the world amongst the beauty of the valley, enjoy every comfort you desire and experience adventures that will stay with you forever.
We find the main dry season (between June and October) to be one of the most exciting times to be in Tanzania and stay in the luxury of Swala Camp. The waterhole within sight of the camp is one of the few permanent sources of water for many miles, attracting a regular procession of elephant, antelope, lion and giraffe.
As soon as you cross the footbridge into the grounds of Nayara Springs, you will know you have come to a place that will fulfil your expectations. Whether you want a romantic and secluded getaway, luxurious indulgence in the spa or in your private hot pool, or some adventure in the lush forests on the slopes of Arenal Volcano, Nayara Springs has it all.
Oliver’s Camp was established in 1992 by Paul Oliver. His vision was to recreate the old-world charm of a traditional African safari. We can confirm that he and his wonderful team have more than achieved this. Here you look forward to an intimate and exclusive safari experience, with direct access to nature.
Entamanu Ngorongoro is a gorgeous tented lodge, perched high in the hills of Tanzania’s Crater Highlands. Set just back from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a plateau, surrounded by acacia forest, look forward to the most incredible panoramic views out over the crater.
Inspired by a botanical theme, Singita’s riverside Faru Faru lodge welcomes you to barefoot elegance in a laid-back rustic setting. Here you will find every comfort you desire where nature takes centrestage. The nearby Grumeti River is famous for its large numbers of crocodiles and hippo, the lodge offers amazing contrasts through the seasons.
A sumptuous champagne breakfast follows your morning hot air balloon ride. Sayari Camp is known for its intimacy, excellent food and unparalleled personal service. However, it is most famous for being right in the path of the wildebeest migration between the months of June and November.
This is where sustainability and luxury met, and fell deeply in love. Nomad Tanzania brings you Lamai Serengeti, an intimate permanent camp with conservation at its heart. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, each of the lodge’s cosy rooms preserve the peace and rustic charm of this incredible region.
Lewa Wilderness is one of the oldest safari ventures in Kenya, and the property and experience have been passed down through generations of the Craig family. For over 100 years, the Craigs have helped to protect the country’s landscapes and wildlife and to share them with fortunate guests.
Lewa Safari Camp offers a classic safari experience, with luxurious touches, in an exclusive and wildlife-rich conservancy. This is a great place to stay if you’re interested in endangered species, with a large population of black rhino and Grevy’s zebra living in the area. This particular camp is owned by the Lewa Conservancy, with profits being used to fund it, so simply by staying here you’re making a contribution to the conservation of the area.
Join the family at Lewa House, staying in this charming, imaginatively designed property with owners Calum and Sophie McFarlane and their children. They are charming hosts, and you’ll be welcomed like relatives into their home, your children excited to join their brood and explore the magnificent surroundings.
Loldia Houseis the most comfortable place to stay in this part of the Rift Valley and has a relaxing atmosphere, an excellent standard of cuisine, and is managed by an efficient and welcoming team of staff. Loldia was built in the 1940s by the present owner's grandfather and promises a gentle, slow and relaxing stay, ideal for the very beginning or end of your trip.
Chui Lodge is one of the most comfortable small lodges in the Rift Valley and offers a diverse range of activities. Guests can enjoy a variety of safari activities both in the Oserian Private Wildlife Sanctuary and in the wider Rift Valley. They include visits to Lake Naivasha – one of only two freshwater lakes in the valley – the alkaline Lake Nakuru where lesser and greater flamingos gather in large numbers, and the spectacular rock formations of Hell’s Gate.
Rhino River Camp offers an authentic tented camp experience in the untouched wilderness of the Meru National Park. Secluded and remote, you’ll enjoy a safari experience undisturbed by other visitors but filled with a diverse range of wildlife sightings. As the name suggests, this is a particularly good choice if you’re keen to see rhino.
Built atop a granite hill, Elsa’s Kopje is an idyllically situated boutique safari lodge in the Meru National Park. It was opened in 1999 by Virginia McKenna, and the eponymous Elsa is the lioness star of Born Free. The lodge has been credited with single handedly reviving the fortunes of this beautiful national park.
Combining style and authenticity, Elephant Bedroom Camp offers a classic safari experience amongst the spectacular scenery of the Samburu National Reserve. As the name suggests, this is a great place to stay if you love elephants - they regularly visit, providing you with some jaw-droppingly close sightings.
Sasaab is a beautiful lodge in northern Kenya that offers a true wilderness experience in complete comfort and privacy. This area of Kenya is remote, wild and perfect for disconnecting daily life and immersing yourself in nature.
Saruni Samburi sits in a private conservancy and offers beautiful, uninterrupted views of the wilderness. The vastness and purity of this African landscape combined with the untouched local culture makes for a genuinely different experience.
Opened in late 2023, Angama Amboseli is an intimate, luxurious lodge in Kenya’s very first community-owned conservancy. High concentrations of wildlife roam here and you can expect complete privacy for game viewing and sightings of Super Tuskers - elephants so large their tusks reach the ground.
Ol Donyo Lodge is one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, and also an esteemed member of Relais & Chateaux. Such accolades are warranted: it’s in a truly stunning location, and capitalises on it with meticulous attention to detail and high levels of service.
More than 1,000 elephant reside in Amboseli, overlooked by the breathtaking snow-capped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro. As a guest at the Tortilis Camp - a Gold Eco-Rated property - you’ll have stunning views, gorgeous accommodation, and a superb activity programme.
Lodo Springs is the newest and most luxurious camp in the renowned Loisaba Conservancy. This camp is made for adventure and promises an exciting and varied safari experience in a gloriously game-rich area of Kenya.
Nestled within lush acacia forest Naboisho Camp is a wonderfully authentic luxurious tented camp. The camp is in the heart of the action where, in between activities, you can sit back from the comfort of your own veranda watching giraffe or herds of zebra grazing on the plains surrounding the camp.
In the heart of the 35,000 acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy lies Mara Plains Camp. Access is over a bridge across the river, and when you cross it feels as if you are entering a private kingdom, a world apart from the norm. The standard of food and service here is of international class, being the only Relais & Chateaux accredited property in the Masai Mara and one of only three in the country.
More so than any other camp in East Africa, Cottar’s manages to combine simplicity with a real sense of relaxed style and inspired guiding, mouthwatering cuisine, and attention to detail. All of this comes together to create an unforgettable Kenyan safari in the Masai Mara.
One of just three camps sat within a one million acre private reserve, the remote and understated Camp Kalahari is the epitome of seclusion. The quality of the experience here will ensure that even the finest tastes are well catered for, but it is also a place for those with an adventurous nature. Forget the rush of the modern world and become an explorer, scouring the flats for the wildlife that’s adapted to survive the arid conditions.
An iconic camp that harks back to an era of glamour, Jack’s Camp is set in the striking Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Whether visiting in the dry or green season, Jack’s offers guests an exceptionally stylish place to stay while admiring the wildlife and unique beauty of the pans.
Tau Pan Camp is situated inside the world famous Central Kalahari Game Reserve right on the edge of the beautiful Tau Pan. “Kalahari” is derived from the Tswana word Kgala meaning “great thirst” – and it has vast areas covered by red sand without any permanent water.
Dinaka rests within its own private concession on the northern edge of the world-renowned Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Surrounded by an expanse of ever changing desert landscape, Dinaka has several, permanent, life-sustaining waterholes which attract an abundance of wildlife all year round. The red sands in this corner of the Kalahari offer exceptional game viewing and a luxurious lodge to stay in too.
Luxurious and comfortably traditional, Deception Valley Lodge is a family-run property set to the north of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Nestled on a private concession, it offers exclusivity, seclusion and unspoilt wilderness. Home to a variety of game, big and small, as well as the indigenous San Bushmen, your experience at the lodge is bound to be extraordinary.
One of the most authentic ways to visit Chobe National Park without compromising on luxury, Chobe Under Canvas offers excellent service, delicious ‘bush’ cuisine and an unmatched atmosphere. The camp is repositioned regularly to give you exceptional game viewing of the rich wildlife inhabiting the Chobe Riverfront.
Perched atop a hill on the banks of the Chobe River, lies the sophisticated Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero. With panoramic views across the island-dotted floodplains - which many big game, predators, smaller mammals and birdlife call home - the lodge offers a memorable safari experience infused with plenty of luxury.
On the banks of the Linyanti Channel, lies the sophisticated Linyanti Ebony Camp. Rising from marshes dotted with groves of riverine trees, the traditional tented camp is endowed with panoramic views of pristine wilderness. Home to healthy populations of predators, as well as many less seen species, the fantastic wildlife is sure to delight all year round - as are the exceptional guides.
Perched on the banks of the Selinda Spillway’s watery wilderness, Selinda Camp hides amongst a grove of riverine trees. One of just a handful of Relais & Châteaux member properties in Botswana, the stylish camp was designed to create an indoor/outdoor experience and provides perfect big game viewing all year round.
Located in a beautiful position alongside the Maunachira River, the peaceful oasis of Okuti Camp lies to the east of the Moremi Game Reserve. Overlooking luscious grasslands dissected by the meandering river, the camp is a serene base from which to explore the Moremi, an area renowned for its abundance of wildlife, including the big five.
Deep in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, refined luxury awaits at Chief’s Camp. A beacon of safari chic, the camp is set on Chief’s Island - the largest land mass in the Okavango Delta - an area that has established a reputation as the ‘Predator Capital of Africa’.
The exquisitely stylish Mombo Camp is the epitome of luxury safari. It's set within a well-renowned wildlife hotspot deep in the Moremi Game Reserve. Known by locals as ‘the place of plenty’, not only does the area boast one of the highest concentrations of wildlife anywhere in Africa, but it’s stunningly beautiful too.
Catering to just 24 guests, Xigera Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta offers an exclusive, intimate and personal experience, with phenomenal animal encounters both on land and on the water. The thoughtful service and generous hospitality is the cherry on top.
One of the most remote, stylish and exclusive camps in the Okavango Delta, Duba Plains is set amid large floodplains and shaded by mighty ebony, fig and garcinia trees. Incredibly diverse game viewing and a wide variety of unique activities await you here.
The name Singita is synonymous with ultra-luxury in the depths of the African wilderness and Singita Milele is no exception. This property comprises five luxurious suites, and grand, well-equipped shared areas in the heart of a private wildlife reserve in the Serengeti National Park. If you’re looking to see the Great Migration in privacy and comfort, Singita Milele is simply perfect.
If you’re looking for a truly adventurous safari experience then this mobile safari camp is for you. Staying in a mobile camp that changes location regularly, you’ll be transported back in time to the very earliest days of safari.
Simply designed, with a relaxing ‘back-to-the-bush’ ambience, this safari camp’s focus is to provide an authentic, intimate safari that concentrates on the wildlife and bush experience without forgoing any creature comforts or service.
Mpala Jena is the perfect base from which to explore the Zambezi National Park whilst being within easy reach of the majestic Victoria Falls.
With the Gomoti River on its doorstep, Tawana offers an exclusive safari experience in one of Africa’s most exciting wildlife destinations, the Moremi Game Reserve. This area is incredibly rich in wildlife, of varying species. Plains game, predators, amphibians and birdlife can all be seen here. A location as special as this calls for an equally outstanding camp, and elegant, well-equipped Tawana Camp more than delivers.
Loapi offers the epitome of a private Kalahari experience. You’ll stay in your own spacious tented home with its own team of staff. Each of the six homes is carefully placed in the contours of the valley, offering both incredible savannah views and ultimate privacy. The camp is very welcoming of families and, being in a malaria-free area, is great for young and old alike.
House in the Wild is an intimate, family-owned luxury lodge that offers a truly private, high-quality safari experience and a genuine home away from home, simply perfect for families or smaller groups.
Accessible by helicopter, Atzaro Okavango is a newly built, beautifully designed and supremely comfortable camp offering an exclusive safari experience in the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s prime wildlife location. This exquisite property combines superb wildlife viewing with unrivalled levels of luxury.
Lapa Rios will always have the distinction of being Costa Rica’s first, and therefore trailblazing, eco-lodge. It has not rested on its laurels, and has maintained the highest of standards in comfort, sustainability and guest experiences of the abundant nature of this area.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. 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 creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not sure where to start? We have answered frequently asked questions we’ve received over the past decades about our bespoke safaris. Here we discuss everything from pre-planning information to responsible travel. We hope you will find this useful, but if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Slowing down and staying longer is the new way of travelling and there are huge benefits to this approach. People, wildlife and the environment directly benefit from you staying a little longer; but in equal measures, so do you.
For families of all ages there is so much to see and do in South Africa, making it an excellent and diverse travel destination. We’ve chosen 20 of the best experiences to immerse you in the culture, wildlife and beautiful places of this remarkable country.
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.
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.
We highlight the top ten Tanzania family safari adventures.
What To Do In Kenya With Children? We’ve chosen our best experiences for a luxury family safari to Kenya.
Booking your family safari to Botswana opens a door to a world of exciting adventure. From the minute your Cessna touches the bush strip, your family will be in the wilds with expert guides. We curated the top 10 family experiences in Botswana to whet your appetite.
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.
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.
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.
A safari holiday gives your family a wonderful chance to meet local communities and experience their culture.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With opportunities to see the Big Five of both land and sea, along with incredible scenery, enormous national parks, world-class vineyards, a fascinating history and vibrant, friendly people, South Africa frequently tops the lists of the world’s best holiday destinations. Even so, less than 1% of the world's travellers make it here, so it’s a place where you’ll find yourself with a few select, like-minded and discerning adventurers who have discovered this gem of a country. It’s a place you could return to for the whole of your life and never tire of it.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
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.
Here’s our list of ten wonderful experiences to consider including in your Namibia safari:
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are truly spectacular settings filled with great herds and big cats. We take you far from the crowds and minibuses with your own private guide, staying in exclusive accommodation. Families with older teenagers will love the wildly remote Selous, Ruaha and Mahale, where you can walk, canoe and even track chimpanzees. Round it off on exotic Zanzibar.
Young children delight to see wild animals in their natural environment. With Journeysmiths your safari will be expertly designed to match your family’s needs and interests. We use the best guides and arrange superb accommodation in the wilds of Africa.
We’ve collated a list of our ten favourite Tanzanian experiences to show you what’s possible in this incredible country.
Here’s our list of ten wonderful experiences that you might consider having whilst you are in Uganda:
The best way to give your family the facilities it seeks may be to book out an entire camp or lodge. Perhaps you are planning a multi-generation safari. Or you may want to fulfil a dream of walking, mokoroing and camping out in the Okavango. You may simply crave an extra degree of privacy. Most lodges we use take fewer than 16 guests, some take only eight, so booking a whole lodge is a viable option.