Help & Info
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything families ask before planning a safari or family holiday in Africa. If your question is not here please get in touch.
Getting Started
Who is Journey South?
Journey South is me, Polly Townsend-Rose, a family travel specialist based in Noordhoek, Cape Town. In 2010 my husband James and I drove an old Land Rover from London to Cape Town, 23 countries and 38 weeks later we made it our home, and we have never left. Our two children, Sienna and Oscar, have grown up exploring the continent with us. I plan a small number of bespoke family trips across Africa each month, personally, from start to finish.
What makes Journey South different from a big travel agency?
You work directly with me the whole way, not a call centre or a rotating team. I only take on a few families a month so every itinerary gets proper attention. I have visited the lodges and experiences I recommend, often with my own children, so I know what actually works with different ages and what only looks good in a brochure. And I am on call 24/7 while you are on the ground.
Is Journey South a registered and accredited travel company?
Yes. Journey South (Pty) Ltd is a registered South African company (Company Number 2017/025841/07) and a member of SATSA, the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, which means we are covered by the SATSA Bonding Scheme. Journey South is also a member of the We Are Africa Tribe and won a LUXlife Travel and Tourism Award in 2025. You can verify our SATSA membership at satsa.com/membership-directory.
What kind of trips do you plan?
Family holidays and safaris that go beyond the Big Five. Think hands-on adventures, genuine connections with people and wildlife, and the kind of moments your children will still talk about years later. Every journey is built from scratch around your family: the ages of your children, what excites them, your travel style and your budget. I also arrange exclusive-use private stays for milestone birthdays, anniversaries and multi-generational gatherings.
Planning Your Trip
How do I start planning a trip?
The easiest way is to fill in the short Plan Your Trip form (six quick questions, about two minutes) or book a free, no-obligation 30 minute call with me. Tell me who is coming, your rough dates, where you are drawn to and an idea of budget, and I will come back with ideas. You can also email me at polly@journeysouth.travel.
How far in advance should I book?
The earlier the better, especially for peak season and for the best small camps, which have very limited beds and book up a year or more ahead. As a guide, I would aim to start the conversation 9 to 12 months before you travel for high season, and at least 6 months out for quieter periods. That said, do get in touch even if your dates are sooner, I will always tell you honestly what is still possible.
Can you plan a trip for a specific budget?
Yes. Africa spans everything from simple, characterful camps to some of the most special lodges in the world, and a good trip is about spending where it matters most to your family. Share a realistic budget from the start and I will design something honest around it, or tell you plainly if your hopes and your budget do not quite match yet so we can adjust.
What budget does Journey South work best with?
As a rough guide, the trips I plan work best from around £5,000 / $6,500 per person upwards for a 10 day holiday, excluding your international flights. That figure reflects the kind of well-located camps, private guiding and hands-on experiences that make a family trip to Africa really fantastic, along with the personal planning and 24/7 support I put into every journey.
If your budget sits below that, please do not let it put you off travelling to Africa. It simply means another agent may be a better fit for what you have in mind, and I am always happy to point you in the right direction. Share your budget honestly from the start and I will tell you plainly whether I am the right person to help, so no one wastes time.
How long should a family trip to Africa be?
Most family itineraries run from around 10 nights to two or three weeks, which gives you time to combine a safari with a beach, a city or a second country without rushing. Shorter trips are possible, particularly if you are already in the region, but travel times between areas mean I usually suggest a minimum of a week to make it worthwhile.
Do you help with itineraries that combine several countries?
Absolutely, and it is one of my favourite things to plan. Classic pairings include safari and Zanzibar in Tanzania, Kruger and the beaches of Mozambique, or a Southern Cape road trip through safari, coast and city. I handle the regional flights and border logistics so the different legs of your trip join up smoothly.
Booking, Prices and Payments
How does the booking process work?
There are five simple steps. First we get in touch and talk through your family and the trip you have in mind. Second, I send a Journey Proposal within a few days, an outline itinerary with a quote, which I fine-tune with you until you are completely happy. Third, you pay a deposit, I confirm every booking and assemble your trip into a digital Journey Book. Fourth, around 60 days before you fly I take the balance and send your pre-departure pack and packing list. Fifth, you travel with a custom trip app and my 24/7 support on the ground.
Does booking through Journey South cost more than booking direct?
No. Booking through me costs no more than going direct, with zero booking fees. I do all the hard work for you, open doors to experiences and camps you cannot book online, and stay on call throughout your journey.
How much deposit do you require?
A deposit of 30% of the total trip cost confirms your booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure, unless we have agreed otherwise. A binding booking is in place once you confirm your itinerary in writing and pay that deposit.
How can I pay, and in what currency?
All payments are made securely and in your local currency, by bank transfer or secure online card payment through our partner Flywire. Card payments may attract a small processing fee. Prices are based on the exchange rates, taxes and supplier costs at the time of quoting, and can be adjusted before final payment if those change.
Do you book international flights?
I do not book international flights to and from Africa, you arrange those directly, but I am always happy to advise on the best routes and timings. I do book the regional and internal flights within Africa that are part of your itinerary, so your safari transfers and country hops are handled.
What is a Journey Book and the trip app?
Your digital Journey Book brings every element of your trip together in one place once it is confirmed. Before you fly you also get a custom app with your full itinerary and travel information, so everything you need is in your pocket, day by day, wherever you are.
Changes, Cancellations and Insurance
What happens if I need to change my trip after booking?
Just let me know in writing (from the lead traveller) and I will do everything I can to help. Changes are subject to availability and to each supplier's terms, so they can sometimes carry additional charges, which I will always make clear before anything is confirmed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Because your trip is made up of many third-party suppliers, each with their own cancellation rules that vary by country and timing, cancellations are governed by those supplier terms. If you need to cancel, I will work with the suppliers to recover as much as possible for you. Any refund is subject to the applicable supplier terms, and bank, card or foreign exchange fees involved in processing a refund are for the traveller's account. The Travel Advisory and Planning Fee is non-refundable once work has begun. This is exactly why I recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is essential, and I strongly recommend arranging it before you pay your deposit so cancellation cover is in place from day one. Journey South trips often head into remote areas and include adventure activities, exactly the situations where good cover matters most.
What should my travel insurance cover?
Look for a policy that includes: emergency medical and hospital care abroad; emergency evacuation and repatriation; the specific activities you have planned; trip cancellation and curtailment; missed departures and travel delays; lost, stolen or damaged baggage and gear; personal liability and 24/7 emergency assistance; and any pre-existing medical conditions.
Does Journey South provide the insurance?
No, I am not an insurer and do not sell policies. I point families towards our partner World Nomads, who cover travellers from over 130 countries and a wide range of adventure activities, as one good option to look at. Always read the policy wording and compare cover before you buy.
Does the SATSA Bond mean I get a full refund if something goes wrong?
Not quite, and it is important to understand this. The SATSA Bond is a limited financial guarantee that offers partial protection only if a SATSA member ceases trading through involuntary liquidation. It is capped, not a full refund, and it is not a substitute for travel insurance. Your own comprehensive policy, including cancellation and supplier failure cover, is your main protection.
Travelling With Children
Is a safari suitable for young children?
Yes, with the right planning. The key is matching the camps, activities and pace to your children's ages, which is exactly what I specialise in. Some lodges welcome all ages and offer brilliant kids' programmes, while a few have minimum age limits, particularly for walking safaris and certain game drives. As a mother, I plan around what actually works for your family rather than a one-size-fits-all itinerary.
Is there a minimum age for children?
There is no single answer, it depends on the camp and the activity. Many family-friendly lodges have no minimum age, while some experiences such as gorilla trekking carry an age limit (often 15). I will always tell you the age rules for anything I suggest and steer you towards places that suit your children.
Can you plan a trip around the ages and interests of my kids?
That is the heart of what I do. Every itinerary is built specifically around your children, from toddlers to teenagers. You can even plan by your kids' age on the website. Think mokoro canoe trips, San Bushmen culture, a teenager earning a PADI diving qualification, or snorkelling with whale sharks, real experiences that spark curiosity, not just ticking off animals.
What about multi-generational trips with grandparents?
These are some of the most rewarding trips to plan. I look after everything from ground-floor rooms and gentler activity options to exclusive-use villas and camps where the whole family has a place to itself. Milestone birthdays, anniversaries and reunions are a speciality through our private stays.
On Safari and What to Expect
What is included in the price of my trip?
It depends on your itinerary, and I set it out clearly in your Journey Proposal so there are no surprises. Typically it covers your accommodation, meals as specified, park and conservation fees, guided activities, and the internal flights and transfers within Africa. International flights, travel insurance, visas, personal spending and gratuities are usually separate. I will always spell out exactly what is and is not included.
What should we pack?
You will receive a tailored packing list as part of your pre-departure pack around 60 days before you fly. As a rule, safari means soft bags rather than hard cases (light aircraft have strict weight limits), neutral-coloured clothing, layers for chilly morning drives, sun protection and any personal medication. I will flag anything specific to your particular route.
Will we see the Big Five?
Great sightings are very likely in the right areas at the right time of year, and I choose both carefully for you. That said, this is genuine wild nature, not a zoo, so nothing is guaranteed. My aim is always richer than a checklist: I want you to come home with the elephant at the waterhole, the night sounds of the bush and the guide who changed how your children see the world.
How much of the day is spent game viewing?
A typical safari day has an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active, a relaxed middle of the day back at camp for meals, rest, the pool or kids' activities, and an afternoon or evening drive. With children I build in plenty of downtime so nobody gets overtired, and I balance safari with beach, water or cultural days across the trip.
Destinations and When to Go
Which countries do you cover?
More than 10 countries across Southern and East Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania (including Zanzibar and Pemba), Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Rwanda and Uganda, along with island destinations such as the Seychelles. Each offers something distinct, from the Masai Mara and the Okavango Delta to Namibia's dunes and Mozambique's deserted beaches.
When is the best time to visit Africa?
There is no single best time, only the best time for the experience you are after. Africa is vast and each month brings something different: the Great Migration river crossings on the Mara peak around July and August, while other months are better for whales, walking safaris, newborn wildlife or quieter camps. Tell me what matters most to your family and I will match the season to it, or explore the Plan by Travel Month tool on the website.
Where should we go for our first family safari?
It depends on the ages of your children and what you want, which is why I never give a stock answer. South Africa is a wonderful, easy first safari with malaria-free options, short flights and a great mix of safari, coast and city. Kenya and Tanzania are unbeatable for classic big-game drama and a beach finish. Namibia and Botswana suit families craving wilder, more adventurous landscapes. Ask me and I will point you to the right fit.
Are there malaria-free safari options?
Yes. Several excellent reserves, particularly in South Africa's Eastern Cape and around the Waterberg, are malaria-free, which many families prefer when travelling with young children. I can build a trip around malaria-free areas if that is important to you, and always advise you to confirm current health precautions with your doctor or a travel clinic.
Health, Safety and Entry Requirements
Is it safe to travel in Africa with children?
Family travel across the regions I plan is well established and, with the right planning, very safe. I use trusted lodges, experienced guides and reliable ground operators I know personally, and I am contactable 24/7 while you travel. Some activities such as safaris, bush walks and light aircraft flights carry inherent risks, which I explain clearly so you can travel informed and well insured.
Do we need vaccinations or malaria precautions?
Some destinations recommend or require certain vaccinations (yellow fever certificates are needed for some routes) and antimalarials in malaria areas. Requirements depend on your exact itinerary and where you are travelling from, so always confirm with your doctor or a travel clinic in good time. I will flag the areas on your route where this matters.
What about passports and visas?
You are responsible for ensuring passports, visas and entry requirements are valid for every destination, including any specific rules for travelling with children, which some African countries apply. Check that passports have enough validity and blank pages, and sort visas in advance where needed. I will point out the requirements relevant to your itinerary, but the final checks are yours to confirm.
What happens if something goes wrong during the trip?
I am on hand throughout your journey, every day, and reachable at any hour. If a flight shifts, weather changes a plan or anything unexpected comes up, I step in and sort it while you get on with your holiday. That on-the-ground support is one of the biggest reasons families book with me rather than piecing a trip together themselves.
Support and Getting in Touch
How do I get in touch with Polly?
Email me at polly@journeysouth.travel, message me on WhatsApp at +27 83 979 1987, or call the UK line on 0800 031 8316 or the US line on 1 888 232 4085. You can also book a free 30 minute consultation or start with the Plan Your Trip form.
How quickly will I hear back?
I reply personally, usually within a working day. Once we are planning together, you will find me quick and easy to reach throughout, and available around the clock once you are travelling.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. The first call is a free, no-obligation 30 minute chat to talk through ideas, dates and budget. There is no pressure and no fee, just a conversation about whether and how I can help plan your family's African adventure.
Can I read reviews from other families?
Please do. Most of my clients come to me referred by other families I have planned for, and you can read their words on the Family Feedback page, along with our 5-star Google reviews.
Ready when you are.
Tell me about your family, your dates and what excites everyone, and I will come back with ideas and a sense of budget.