Journeysmiths launch new collection of Small Group, Big Impact Trips. 

The first in the series takes clients behind the scenes of modern conservation in Kenya's best safari regions

Journeysmiths have been crafting unique, inspiring trips to the world's wild places for over 30 years. Leaning on their years of experience, they have now launched a brand new way of seeing the natural world in their Small Group, Big Impact travel series. A collection of trips to the world's wildest places going behind the scenes of cutting edge conservation initiatives where profits are invested into the very conservation projects visited on the Small Group, Big Impact Trip. 

'Supporting local communities, conserving wildlife and preserving wild spaces are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years. Creating a conservation-focussed safari, which gives back to the local people and wildlife regions, our greatest stakeholders, is a real privilege for us and  the small group of six who join the trip'. 

Head of Sustainability, Rory Wood

Kicking off the series in January/February 2024, Journeysmiths have harnessed their long-standing  partnerships in sustainable private travel, luxury camps and lodges and conservation changemakers to create a safari reimagined: the 2024 Kenya Safari for Conservation.

Just six guests will have privileged access to conservation projects guided by world-leaders in rare black leopard research, huge elephant herd relationships and big cat social dynamics in some of Africa's best safari regions.

100% of the trip's profits will be invested into positive impact initiatives, the majority of which will directly benefit the very conservation projects and wildlife regions guests will be visiting.

Throughout this handcrafted small-group trip runs a synergy between luxury and intrepid travel. Guests will visit private conservancies, staying in luxurious, off the beaten track accommodation throughout. All the while travelling between conservancies by private, carbon neutral flights offering jaw-dropping views of the magnificent Great Rift Valley below; not a moment in the wild is wasted.

Guests will experience world-class game viewing led by the best, most experienced guides in the field, unique safari activities from bush walks and horse-back exploration to  night game drives and sundowners in unique locations and many more surprises along the way.

Meet the changemakers of conservation 

The 2024 Safari for Conservation takes clients into the wilds of three of Kenya's most iconic conservancies; each tirelessly protected to ensure the fragile ecosystems that sustain them remain exactly as they are intended: wild. Guests will meet the experts at the forefront of conservation and intimately connect with the animals they protect.

Go on patrol with the Kitirua Conservancy Rangers
Overshadowed by the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, Kitirua Conservancy is a beautiful and abundant wildlife viewing region characterised by a varied ecosystem. Known as 'The Land of the Giants', Kitirua is famed for its huge elephant herds which have inhabited these landscapes for thousands of years. Guests will join the Kitirua Conservancy Rangers for a morning bush walk following their patrol route, picking up on subtle tracks easy to miss from a vehicle. An afternoon and night game drive under their guidance will unlock more of the conservancy's secrets and may even give insight into the area's nocturnal species and big cat's hunting tactics.

Spend time with the anti poaching dog unit of Loisaba Conservancy and enjoy sundowners with the conservancy's CEO, Tom Silvester
Loisaba Conservancy is a wildlife haven with a rich ecosystem ranging from high plains to escarpment walls and riverine bush. Guests will meet the protectors of this great ecosystem: an anti-poaching dog unit headed up by Machine and Warrior, a formidable (and adorable) bloodhound pair to learn about what it takes to protect a conservancy. For one of the many sundowner opportunities guests will be joined by Loisaba Conservancy CEO, Tom Silvester for a drink or two overlooking the Laikipia Plains as the sun sets on the horizon. Hear stories about the elusive black leopard and an ambitious rhino relocation project, surrounded by the sounds and smells of the African wilderness.

Head out on a game drive accompanied by the very researchers who rediscovered the black leopard
Following almost 100 years of no reported sightings throughout the whole of Africa, five years ago the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) captured an image of an incredibly rare African black leopard in Loisaba. Now thought to be up to six in the region, guests will head out on an afternoon game drive searching for the elusive big cats accompanied by the very researchers who made the incredible discovery. SDZWA knows all there is to know about some of the more unusual and rare subspecies residing within Loisaba and will be joining guests on an immersive game drive to track and find them.

Meet with researcher from the Mara Mara Predator Conservation Programme
The Masai Mara is one of the world's most famous and spectacular game viewing regions. Characterised by undulating grassy plains rolling from horizon to horizon dotted with acacia trees and isolated rocky outcrops, the Mara sustains millions of animals. Guests will be joined by the researchers who know the iconic big cats that reside here better than anyone for an eye-opening game drive. From dominant lions and agile leopards to the fastest mammal on earth: the cheetah. To witness any big cat in its natural habitat is an honour but the social dynamics of these apex predators are far more complex than you may imagine.

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***EDITORS NOTE: For High-Res Images CLICK HERE***

ABOUT JOURNEYSMITHS

In 1990, in Northampton, England, John Burdett and Warwick Hoffman – the original Journeysmiths – set out to provide completely customized African holidays for clients whose passion for immersive adventure rivalled only their own. Today, the next generation of Journeysmiths helmed by John's daughter Laura Burdett-Munns, has expanded its offerings to include 25 countries across five continents, holding steadfast to their founder's deep-seeded belief that travel should inspire personal growth, expand horizons, support conservation and local communities. A specialized team of seasoned Journeysmiths' handcraft unique holidays that are as exceptional as they are personal, providing travellers exquisite, cultural and wildlife expeditions while mindfully engendering a positive impact on the destinations they explore. In addition to local philanthropic efforts within Northampton, Journeysmiths proudly supports Awamaki, Galapagos Conservation Trust and Ripple Effect, (formally known as 'Send a Cow') and are members of African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA). For more information, please visit www.Journeysmiths.com