A Family Holiday in Rajasthan & Central India
At this time of year, days are sunny and comfortably warm, nights cool for restful sleep. Perfect weather for exploring Rajasthan’s deserts, forts and palaces, these dry months also offer excellent wildlife spotting and vibrant festivals, making family travel immersive and unforgettable.
This journey length allows families to experience Rajasthan and Central India without rushing, balancing exploration with moments to pause and reflect. Thoughtfully paced transfers and varied landscapes help maintain energy levels, making the itinerary particularly well suited to families travelling with teens.
Who is this journey for?
All Journeysmiths family journeys are fully tailored – this itinerary is a starting point, shaped around your family’s interests, pace and travel style.
“If you’ve got teens at home, you’ll know that they thrive on variety, novel experiences and pushing the boundaries. That’s why India is a great destination for a family trip. It’s exciting and different, a feast for the senses and it’ll expand their horizons. In fact, I would say that a journey through Rajasthan and Central India is an investment for minds that are finding their individuality.”
A camp in the Thar Desert is an intrepid base for camel treks, walking safaris, cultural discovery and evenings under a starlit sky.
From the regal Blue City of Jodhpur to serene lakeside Udaipur, with Delhi and Bhopal to experience too, cities contrast with each other and with the raw desert.
Venturing into the quiet forests of the Satpura National Park, you’ll search for tigers, leopards, sloth bears and many more fascinating species.
A luxury tented camp in the desert; a fort on the edge of Jodhpur; a remote jungle lodge; and some modern opulence thrown in – these are all part of the experience.
From dancing and singing in the dunes to cooking with local families, haggling in bustling markets and venturing into sacred temples, every day brings new experiences.
Fortresses rising out of a desert plain, palaces reflecting in a lake, minarets and domes rising into a vivid blue sky: these will be just some of your memories of the buildings.
India for Families
India, with its kaleidoscope of deserts, palaces, lakes, forests, and wildlife, offers an unparalleled stage for this journey. Teens in particular will find cultural connection and thrilling exploration, while parents witness values of respect, openness, and wonder taking root. From starlit nights in desert of Rajasthan to tranquil boat rides in Udaipur and wildlife encounters in Satpura, every moment nourishes relationships and shapes attitudes toward the world.
Journeysmiths ensures these experiences unfold seamlessly and safely, revealing India’s vibrant traditions and extraordinary landscapes. Such journeys are priceless, leaving families enriched with memories and perspectives that endure for life.
India, Made Easy
– Paul Hawley, Master Journeysmith
Your family’s journey to India will be seamless, secure, and full of joy with our expertise guiding every step. From the very first call until your return home, we provide complete backup and support, ensuring there’s no red tape, uncertainty, or stress. Our logistics are carefully managed so that travel is efficient and enjoyable, leaving you free to focus on discovery and bonding.
A trusted and expert local guide can accompany you throughout, smoothing the way and balancing exploration with comfort. Safe, delicious food, exceptional accommodation, and thoughtfully chosen experiences mean you enjoy India’s vibrant culture, wildlife, and landscapes without any of the hassle. With us, India becomes a curated family adventure of pure upsides.
Hands held in a namaste greeting, your beaming host will have imparted the Rajasthani greeting of ‘Padharo Mhare Des’ – welcome to my land. And what a land it is, again of contrasts: seemingly barren yet teeming with life. Beyond the creatures of the scrub and dune, Rajasthan is home to 80 million souls of vibrant and proud culture.
You’re at Manvār Kumat, a tented encampment blending white canvas luxury with intrepid discovery. From the calm shade of your veranda, you’ll take in the sounds of your new environment: the delighted cries of your kids in the swimming pool, the gentle grumbling of nearby camels.
Jodhpur: Dreaming Turrets in the Blue City
A short distance away is the mesmerising Blue City of Jodhpur, a place unveiled to you by a local guide. Perhaps your first stop will be the milky-white marble of the Jaswant Thada cenotaph, a place built by the love of a Maharajah’s wife; barred from the funeral of her husband, she could only watch helplessly from the ramparts of the Mehrangarh Fort above.
Udaipur: Palaces Amid the Lakes
By afternoon, Lake Pichola shimmers into view, with palaces rising from its shores. One of these refined realms will be where you’ll stay: Oberoi Udaivilas, its domes and walkways set within 30 sublime acres. It complements a city that Colonel James Tod of the East India Company once called ‘the most romantic spot in India’. Often dubbed ‘the Venice of the East’, Udaipur likewise marries dreamlike and almost-unbelievable buildings with authentic backstreets where daily life unfolds.
To do this, you’ll journey south, leaving Rajasthan’s drylands behind for the greener heart of India, a region more regularly watered by monsoon rains. The forests of Madhya Pradesh were where Rudyard Kipling imagined The Jungle Book, so when you stay in the Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, on the edge of Satpura National Park, you’re staying in the realm of Shere Khan – ruler most mighty, mysterious and breathtakingly beautiful.
Delhi & Bhopal: Cities of Variety
In Bhopal, your resting place is Jehan Numa Palace, a striking fusion of British Colonial, Italian Renaissance and Classical Greek architecture perched on the slopes of the Shamla Hills. Within reach lie two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the cave paintings at Bhimbetka, the oldest traces of human life in India, and the ancient domed Sanchi Stupa, a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site that embodies centuries of devotion and artistry. Bhopal, a green city with a delightful lakeside setting, also offers several palaces, a superb tribal museum and the exceptionally grand Taj-ul-Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India.
- Expertise spanning more than 35 years. We’ve had more than three decades crafting unforgettable journeys, so we know how to design holidays that go well beyond standard tours.
- Private local guides. We build relationships in the field to ensure we can draw on local experts who live and breathe India in all its colourful glory.
- Tailored itineraries. No two Journeysmiths holidays are the same. We don’t have standardised trips, so you’ll find the details are designed around your pace, abilities and interests.
- Top locations, experienced personally. Our trips are bespoke blends of places that few ever discover, and iconic places that you’ll experience in a personal and immersive way.
- Partnerships with positive impact. We prioritise working with local companies that share our values and collaborate with communities and conservationists. A positive, long-term legacy for both people and ecosystems are vital.
- 24/7 support while you travel. From the moment you set off to when you return home, our dedicated team is on hand. Whether you need last-minute adjustments, local recommendations, or simply reassurance, we’re always just a call away.
- An instinct for families. We cater to all travellers, from individuals to couples to families. When kids are involved, we know how to blend experiences and logistics into a trip that will fulfil the dreams of parents and young explorers alike.
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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.
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Safaris in Kenya
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Experiences in Kenya
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For 2025 & 2026
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Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
Botswana is one of the best places for a family holiday of a lifetime! There are millions of animals across plains, deserts and deltas.
Rewilding Patagonia
Kristine and Doug Tompkins' passion project to create national parks in Chile and Argentina
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.
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.
Big Cats on 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.
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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.
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.
A fortress-like insistence on maintaining their cultural heritage despite the pressures of the modern world makes Bhutan a fascinating place.
We’ve created an exciting list of the most memorable things to do in the Galapagos Islands.
We’ve created an enticing list of the most memorable things to do in Ecuador.
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.
To show you what’s possible, our Latin America travel experts have put together a list of their favourite Peruvian activities.
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.
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.
From exclusive lodge accommodation, to comfortable wilderness camps and sumptuous hotel suites - these properties will take you beyond the path well trodden.
Are you feeling inspired to explore the oceans after watching Planet Earth Three?
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.
What To Do In Kenya With Children? We’ve chosen our best experiences for a luxury family safari to Kenya.
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.
We highlight the top ten must-do activities for your family to enjoy in Costa Rica.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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
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.
Namibia’s vast, dramatic landscapes offer some of the most awe-inspiring hikes on Earth, where each step brings you closer to its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Here, we share five of the best walking destinations in Namibia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our team has been compiling a list of incredible travel destinations around the world to consider for the year ahead.
What kind of creatures actually live in the Amazon Basin, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
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.
Astro-tourism is travel with a star gazing theme, and it’ll take you to some of the last great wildernesses in Africa.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities with a unique setting beneath Table Mountain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many of Africa’s best safari regions are low to very low risk of malaria, particularly if you travel during the summer holidays.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Here’s our list of ten wonderful experiences that you might consider having whilst you are in Uganda:
We’ve collated a list of our ten favourite Tanzanian experiences to show you what’s possible in this incredible country.
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.
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.
Here’s our list of ten wonderful experiences to consider including in your Namibia safari:
Go behind the scenes of modern conservation on this Small Group, Big Impact journey through Kenya's wild places.
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.
In 2022, we took on an epic fundraising challenge to celebrate our 30th anniversary.
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.
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.
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.
In this article we’ve put together a list of our top ten recommended highlights to whet your appetite and show you what’s possible in Egypt.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We’ve created a list of our favourite activities to give you an idea of what you can expect from a trip to Chile.
We highlight the top ten must-do activities for your to enjoy in Costa Rica.