Namibia12 nightsChildren 10 & 13
"The most incredible itinerary, taking us to parts of Namibia I had never dreamt I'd ever visit. Adventure and breathtaking landscapes — a trip we never forget."
The Sparks family
Experience Africa
with your family.Experience Africa with
your family.
Travel planning you can trust. Adventures you'll never forget.
★★★★★
5★ FAMILY FEEDBACK
16 years
LIVING IN AFRICA
Bespoke by design
YOUR TRIP UNIQUE TO YOU
24/7 support
FROM FIRST CALL TO LAST SUNSET
Firsthand experience
Living in Cape Town for 16 years and exploring the region with my own family means I've seen what works and what looks great in a brochure but falls flat in practice.
Our story →The big five & beyond
I help your family experience the continent through incredible wildlife, hands-on adventures, genuine connections and unforgettable moments you'll remember forever.
Journey inspiration →Trusted by families like yours
Most of my clients are referred by other families I've planned for. Read what they say about travelling with Journey South.
See reviews →
16
Years living
in Africa
in Africa
HOW IT STARTED
Inspired by the adventures we've shared as a family
In 2010, my husband James and I drove from London to Cape Town in an old Land Rover. One year and 23 countries later we arrived, and have never left. Cape Town became our home. Our daughter Sienna was born in 2012 and our son Oscar in 2015. Over the years I started planning trips for friends, then friends of friends, and eventually for families I'd never met.
Journey South was born from the belief that the best family trips in Africa are about the animals and so much more. They're about embracing new experiences and connecting with people, wildlife and places that spark curiosity, inspire a lifelong love of adventure and create memories that stay with you forever.
Whether it's your first Africa trip or your fifth, I'd love to help you plan something your family will never forget.
destinations I Cover
10+ countries. One special continent.
Kenya
The Masai Mara, culture and the Swahili coast
Explore
South Africa
Cape Town, Kruger, Winelands.
Explore
Namibia
Self-drive dunes, ancient deserts.
Explore
Botswana
Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Explore
Zambia
Vic Falls, walking safaris in South Luangwa.
Explore
Tanzania
Iconic safaris, Zanzibar and Pemba
Explore
Mozambique
Deserted beaches, islands and marine adventures
Explore
Uganda
Chimps, gorillas, lush Nile country.
Explore
Rwanda
Mountain gorillas, world-class lodges.
Explore
Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, exceptional guiding
Explore
Journey inspiration
Designed with care for your family.
A selection of the adventures I have created for clients. Each journey is built from scratch, specifically tailored to how you and your family want to experience Africa.
10 DaysBotswana
Botswana for Young Explorers
Mokoro canoes, San Bushmen culture, and elephant encounters in the Okavango.
VIEW LOOKBOOK
11 NightsKenya
A special owner-hosted stay in Kenya
Hosted in the Mara, the wild North and Lamu Island.
VIEW LOOKBOOK
12 NightsTanzania
Untamed Safari and Beach in Tanzania
An East African safari and beach adventure far from the crowds.
VIEW LOOKBOOK
14 NightsSouth Africa
Southern Cape Family Road Trip, South Africa
Safari, coast and city adventure along the Southern Cape.
VIEW LOOKBOOK
12 NightsNamibia
A Wild Family Adventure in Namibia
Camping and lodge stays through Namibia's wildest landscapes.
VIEW LOOKBOOK
7 NightsZimbabwe
A Unique, Impactful Safari in Zimbabwe
Falls, trains and elephants on a meaningful family safari.
VIEW LOOKBOOK
ADVENTURE PURPOSE CONNECTION
Family feedback.
Some of the families I have planned for, in their own words
MozambiqueFour children 8–13
"Our teenager did his PADI diving qualification in Tofo, and we all snorkelled with a whale shark. It really was the holiday of a lifetime."
The Dutton family
Kruger & MozambiqueTwo young children
"Polly's extensive knowledge assured us we were in the best possible hands from day one. We created unique memories that will definitely last a lifetime."
Nicola von Bratt
How It Works
How I plan your trip
Step 01
Get in touch
We'll discuss who's coming, what everyone loves (and doesn't love), and the trip you have in mind.
Step 02
Your journey proposal
Based on our conversation I'll share some options within a few days, then fine-tune your itinerary until you're completely happy.
Step 03
Deposit & confirmation
I take a deposit, confirm every booking, and assemble your full trip into your digital Journey Book.
Step 04
You're supported all the way
From pre-departure info to a custom trip app and 24/7 support on the ground — I'm with you throughout.
Exclusive Use
Bring everyone together
Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, multi-generational gatherings — some moments deserve an entire African property reserved exclusively for your family.
When are you thinking of going?
There is no single best time to visit Africa, only the best time for the experience you're looking for. It's a vast continent, and each month brings something different. Discover the wildlife, adventures and countries that shine throughout the year.
July
Wildebeest river crossings on the Masai Mara at their dramatic peak - but so are the tourists so it's important to choose the right area. Zambia's South Luangwa walking safaris are special. Great time for quad biking on the Makgadikgadi Salt pans in Botswana
Great Migration river crossingsPeak Safari season in Eastern and Southern Africa.Humpback whale seasonWalking safarisCape Town cold and rainy
Plan Your Trip — JulyReady When You Are
Let's plan your family adventure in Africa.
A no-obligation call to talk through ideas, dates and budget.