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The ultimate family holiday

We created our first family holiday almost three decades ago. The memories formed were clearly held in a special place, as those children have now become adults, had their own families, and returned to us in the hope of reliving their childhood experiences.

Families come in all shapes and sizes, so every single family itinerary we craft is as unique as the family it’s for. Members of the Journeysmiths team have visited many of our destinations with their own offspring, so we have insight and feedback from guests of all ages! Our high standards and firsthand experiences mean that we only suggest the most family-friendly accommodation options and activities, the kind of places we want to stay.
 
The joy of being a family often gets overlooked during the daily struggles of home life. Fatigue, long hours, and personal and professional demands take their toll. A special holiday together somewhere which feels like another world might be just what you need to have some downtime and really appreciate being with one another.

The memories you make on a family holiday will last a lifetime. Yes, you’ll recall the unexpected wildlife sightings, the intensity of the sunset, and the incredible camp where you stayed. But the strongest memories of all will be of the jokes you shared, the things you did, and the rare pleasure of just spending time together as a family.
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A first safari for Steve Backshall's son

When one of TV’s best-known wildlife enthusiasts, 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.


Working with some of our go-to partners in Kenya, who offer the best possible safari experience for those travelling with family in tow, we created a memory-making trip that took Steve and his son into the Kenyan wilderness for just shy of a week.

Read interview with Steve Backshall >

Where Steve Stayed: Elephant Pepper Camp

Elephant Pepper Camp is a step back in time but with modern comforts: evenings by the campfire and dinner under the stars are a special feature of this tented camp. The homely atmosphere of this camp is part of its charm. You can relax with nature, no generators, no vehicles passing, no permanent structures jarring the skyline - just the sights and sounds of the bush completely surrounding you.

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Where Steve Stayed: House in the Wild

House in the Wild is a family run luxury lodge that promises a home-from-home safari experience, simply perfect for families or groups. You’ll be in the heart of the iconic Kenyan wilderness with your own dedicated guide and private vehicle, meaning you can enjoy your safari at your own pace. Children are warmly welcomed here and free to roam, enjoy and explore the natural environment.

View property >

Where Steve Stayed: Loisaba Lodo Springs

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.

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Where Steve Stayed: Loisaba Star Beds

Loisaba Star Beds offers the ultimate sleeping under the stars experience combined with superb game viewing, excellent food and a friendly team of staff. After an exciting day on safari, climb into bed, pull up your covers and gaze up at the mesmerising Kenyan night sky - undisturbed by light pollution, it is alive with hundreds of twinkling stars and bright, glowing moon. The next morning, you’re guaranteed to have the very best views of the equally magical sunrise too.

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Explore by Country:
Botswana
Botswana is a land of epic contrast; glittering deltas meet arid deserts, hands on animal encounters can be experienced with miniscule meerkat or enormous elephant. No matter what you choose to do, bringing your family to the place of the world’s most exclusive safari is the privilege of a lifetime.
Explore by Country:
Costa Rica
Endearing wildlife encounters contrast with exhilarating jungle adventures in Costa Rica. Mossy sloths hang from the trees, emulating the laid back lifestyle of this Latin American country. Meanwhile, volcano treks in Arenal National Park ramp up the excitement before you retreat to the beach.
Explore by Country:
Ecuador & Galapagos
A diverse array of landscapes provides homes to an even wider selection of wildlife species. After treks in the jungle and languid kayak safaris down the Amazon River, hop across to the Galapagos where your kids will love photographing marine iguana and sea lion.
Explore by Country:
Kenya
Give your children the experience of a lifetime on a Kenya safari. They will see amazing wildlife and have the unique opportunity to learn bushcraft skills from Maasai warriors.
Explore by Country:
Peru
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.
Explore by Country:
Polar
Follow your compass either north or south for the family adventure of a lifetime; children and parents alike will be enchanted by hordes of penguin in Antarctica and enthralled by majestic polar bear en route to the North Pole, all under the magic of the midnight sun.
Explore by Country:
South Africa
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.
Explore by Country:
Tanzania
In every family there’s bound to be a difference of opinion in what you should do on holiday; in Tanzania, there’s no need to compromise, as the entire family is sure to be exhilarated. There’s no shortage of wildlife, and your young biologists will love spotting their favourite animals in the wild.
Explore by Country:
Zambia & Malawi
In Zambia, diversity reigns supreme. With the perfect balance of rustic luxury and adventure, families with teenagers will love canoeing, white water rafting, game drives, walking safaris, paragliding and helicopter rides. This is our favourite destination to bond over the thrill of intrepid activities.
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Family Experience:
Warrior for a Week (and Maasai Olympics)

Don’t just walk on the wild side: fight on the wild side too! When you’re a warrior for a week, you’ll delve deep into the traditions of the Maasai and Samburu tribes, honing your skills with a bow and arrow and a spear, and acquiring ancient wisdom about the bush.

Family Experience:
Follow the migration

Discover Africa’s most famous national park and witness the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth. The movement of herds across the Serengeti during the Great Migration is the event which should top everyone’s bucket list. Gift it to your children, and they’ll remember it for a lifetime.

Family Experience:
Malaria Free Safaris

There are plenty of reasons to consider a malaria free safari, especially if you’re travelling with very young children and babies. South Africa has some superb malaria free reserves in the Eastern Cape and the northwest, including Madikwe Private Game Reserve, a Big Five reserve.

Family Experience:
Young Explorer's programme

Even the meekest child has a wild side. Cultivate it with a young explorers programme and watch their confidence grow. It’s a rare opportunity to discover nature at its most raw and to begin to comprehend our place in this vast world.

Family Experience:
Sleeping Under the Stars

There isn’t yet an International Dark Sky Park in Zambia, but it’s only a matter of time. There’s absolutely no light pollution in the South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi National Parks at all, so when darkness falls, your adventures are only just beginning.

Family Experience:
Adventures in Iceland

Endless outdoor activities await adventurers in the land of fire and ice. From quad biking over volcanic sand beaches and icy glacier walks to dog sledding and horseback riding, your family will bond while intrepidly exploring this North Atlantic island.

Family Experience:
Adventures in the Sacred Valley

The Inca’s Sacred Valley is the gateway to Cusco and Machu Picchu. This is Peru’s cultural heartland, dotted with ancient ruins and colourful Andean villages, but it is also a territory well suited to family adventures, from hikes to bikes to horseback rides.

Family Experience:
Family Voyages

Set sail in the wake of Darwin and The Beagle on a voyage to the Galapagos, and you might just inspire your children to become the next generation of world famous naturalists. Travelling by boat, the journey is just as exciting as the destination.

Family Experience:
Turtles and Tortuguero

Most small children go through a phase obsessed with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This may spark a lifelong interest in these curious reptiles; we think that they (and the entire family) will love seeing the real life turtle even more than their cartoon counterparts.
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Family Property:
Jack's Camp

A luxury camp that harks back to an era of glamour, Jack’s Camp is set in the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, once one of the world’s largest super lakes. It’s a timeless, slightly eerie landscape with fabulous desert adapted wildlife and plenty of adventurous activities.

Family Property:
Tortuga Lodge

Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is a tranquil, laid back hotel which champions rustic elegance. Tortuguero translates as “land of the turtles”, and indeed it’s the combination of conservation, fabulous beaches, and comfort which makes this such a superb place to stay.

Family Property:
Sacha Lodge

Sacha Lodge has the only jungle canopy walk in Ecuador; this is just one of the reasons it’s one of our favourites for families. The 5,000 acres of stunning Amazon rainforest is rich in wildlife, and the reserve is surprisingly accessible from Quito.

Family Property:
Giraffe Manor

If there’s one hotel your kids have heard of in Africa, it is probably Giraffe Manor. One of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, it has its own resident population of giraffe who know no bounds of personal space, and are famous for sticking their heads through the window at breakfast time.

Family Property:
Titilaka Hotel

The tremendous Titilaka Hotel on Lake Titicaca… it sounds like the start of a tongue twister. You may well be tongue-tied when you stay here, but it will be on account of the astounding lakeside location of this Relais & Chateaux hotel.

Family Property:
House in the Wild

House in the Wild is a family run luxury lodge that promises a home-from-home safari experience, simply perfect for families or groups. You’ll be in the heart of the iconic Kenyan wilderness with your own dedicated guide and private vehicle, meaning you can enjoy your safari at your own pace. Children are warmly welcomed here and free to roam, enjoy and explore the natural environment.

Family Property:
Leobo Lodge

Leobo Lodge is set up so you can have an action-packed from dawn to dusk and beyond. Activities range from heli-paintballing to sleeping out above the reserve’s hippo family. That said, if you do want to skip the activities and have a siesta or read, there are plenty of peaceful spots to do so.

Family Property:
Chem Chem

Chem Chem is a beautiful, wildlife conservation area in northern Tanzania, set in the African wilderness between the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks. Stay in the camp’s gorgeous lodge and indulge yourself with a luxurious and secluded safari experience.

Family Property:
Old Mondoro

A family run camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park that provides an authentic safari experience without compromising on luxury or service, Old Mondoro Bushcamp offers fantastic views of the Zambezi and unbeatable wildlife viewing opportunities, with an emphasis on sustainability.