Experience Africa with
your family.
Travel planning you can trust. Adventures you'll never forget.
"Polly's knowledge and what makes a truly memorable family adventure was second to none." — Edwards family, UK
Firsthand experience
I've spent the past 16 years living in South Africa and exploring Southern and Eastern Africa with my own children, so I've discovered the places, experiences and lodges that really engage families.
Our story →Beyond the Big 5
I help families experience the continent through hands-on adventures, genuine connections and unforgettable moments that go far beyond the big five.
Journey inspiration →No Booking Fees
My planning, local knowledge, and 24/7 on-trip support costs you nothing. You will not save any money by booking directly yourself.
Booking Process →Personal service
I work with a limited number of families each year, ensuring every journey receives my full attention and personal support from start to finish.
See reviews →
in Africa
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 go beyond animal sightings. 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.
- I regularly visit every lodge and experience I recommend, often with my own children
- As a mother, I know the kind of holiday that actually works with different ages and interests and the kind that doesn't.
- Award-winning: Travel & Tourism Awards 2025
How I plan your trip
Get in touch
Book a free consultation call. We'll discuss who's coming, what everyone loves (and doesn't love), and the trip you have in mind.
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.
Deposit & confirmation
I take a deposit, confirm every booking, and assemble your full trip into your digital Journey Book.
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.
10+ countries. One special continent.
Designed with care for your family.
Below are some lookbooks of the adventures I have created for families to give you some inspiration. Each journey is built from scratch tailored to each family.
Botswana for Young Explorers
Mokoro canoes, San Bushmen culture, and elephant encounters in the Okavango.
A special owner-hosted stay in Kenya
Hosted in the Mara, the wild North and Lamu Island.
Untamed Safari and Beach in Tanzania
An East African safari and beach adventure far from the crowds.
Southern Cape Family Road Trip
Safari, coast and city adventure along the Southern Cape.
A Wild Family Adventure in Namibia
Camping and lodge stays through Namibia's wildest landscapes.
A Unique, Impactful Safari in Zimbabwe
Falls, trains and elephants on a meaningful family safari.
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
Let's plan your family adventure in Africa.
A free, no-obligation consultation call with Polly — talk through ideas, dates and budget.
What families say
"Definitely a bucket list holiday for us and you exceeded our expectations. All the activities and routes you planned helped us create memories that will last a lifetime. Your thorough knowledge of each leg really made the difference."
"Polly's extensive knowledge of Southern Africa travel assured us we were in the best possible hands from day one. We created unique memories that will definitely last a lifetime."
"Polly put together the most incredible itinerary taking us to parts of Namibia I had never dreamt I'd ever visit. A real bucket list holiday filled with adventure and breathtaking landscapes. Namibia will be a trip we never forget."
"I highly recommend using Journey South. Polly's knowledge of the different countries and what makes a truly memorable family adventure is second to none."
"She went above and beyond for my family and I; always so professional and easy to deal with. Genuinely wouldn't use anyone else."
"Amazing desert scenery, glorious game watching and wonderful accommodation. A five star rating does not do justice to the excellent service provided by Journey South."
"Everything was meticulously planned, and we honestly had no complaints at all. We won't hesitate to reach out again!"
"Polly's passion for travel and great knowledge of the country helped shape what was truly an unforgettable and unique experience that the whole family will remember."
"Our teenager did his PADI diving qualification in Tofo, we all snorkelled with a whale shark. It really was the holiday of a lifetime. Thank you, thank you — we really needed that!"
The Journey South Newsletter
Monthly inspiration, travel news, and on-the-ground lodge updates from across Africa.