Natural Selection
Natural Selection may be a new company, but is still one of the leading operator of luxury lodges and camps in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. The company is a group of owner-operated safari camps and lodges, founded by some of the true pioneers of photographic safaris in Southern Africa, together Colin Bell, Dave van Smeerdijk, Dr. Jennifer Lalley and James Ramsay have over a century of combined experience in the industry. They have a strong ethos of providing truly unique safari experiences driven by conservation, and their camps are carefully positioned in some of the most untouched parts of Southern Africa. Expect a high dose of adventure, exploration and fun. Natural Selection’s deep commitment to conservation is matched by their devotion to provide guests with comfort and truly extraordinary experiences.
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Tuludi
Tuludi is located in the 200,000 hectare Khwai Private Reserve that borders both the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Offering a rare blend of dry woodland as wellas the rivers, waterways and floodplains iconicof the Okavango Delta, the area is a veritableparadise for wildlife and there are predators and big game aplenty. Game drives will primarily explore the western side of the reserve, whilstwalks will head into the wilds of the south. Tuludi is open all year round with excellent game viewing. Water levels are highest in April to October for exploring on mokoros and boats. At other times of year, water activities may be restricted.
Jack's Camp
After several decades of setting the standard in the Kalahari, we are delighted to announce that Jack’s Camp has undergone a full rebuild and has now reopened in 2021. Jack’s Camp is located in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The remnants of an enormous super-lake that used to cover most of Southern Africa, Jack himself described the area as the “savage beauty of a forgotten Africa.” It’s a landscape of space and remoteness and otherworldly vistas dotted with unique desert wildlife. Jack’s Camp is open all year round.
North Island Okavango
Comin Soon- North Island will be open mid-June 2023 with just 3 spacious luxury tents
Each tent has been designed around a congregation of beautiful big trees, with exceptional lagoon views. Delights of ebony, mangosteen, rain trees, leadwood and wild fig. The adventure here comes to you in waves, as you safari amongst the islands, rich with wild things and extraordinary beauty. This is without doubt, an incredible Okavango Delta safari experience.
Tawana Camp
Natural Selection continues to grow – Tawana opening in May 2024
A premier camp in Natural Selection’s portfolio, Tawana complements Jack’s Camp, Tuludi and North Island Okavango, creating an unforgettable round trip of luxurious yet characterful safari destinations in Botswana.
Tawana will open with 8 spacious luxury suites, including three family rooms. The suites are approximately 100 square meters (130 square meters for family units) and offer a separate lounge area and private deck with a refreshing plunge pool, while the outdoor sala provides a tranquil space to relax between excursions.
San Camp
San Camp is situated on the edge of the vast and mysterious Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the remnant of an extinct super lake that once covered most of Botswana. Whilst they may look empty, the pans are home to unique desert wildlife including ostrich, lion, brown hyena and, of course, the cheeky meerkats. San is open during the dry season only. Please note that some activities are still weather dependent. Direct flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg toMaun and then take a small charter plane to the Makgadikgadi. Road and self-drive transfers from Maun (approx. 4-5 hrs) are also possible.
Kwessi Dunes
Opening in March 2020, Kwessi Dunes is situated in 15,000 hectares of exclusive desert with access to Namibia’s NamibRand Nature Reserve, just south of the dunes of Sossusvlei. The NamibRand is an extraordinary private nature reserve of over 200,000 hectares (one of the largest in southern Africa) and was established to protect and conserve the wildlife of the Namib Desert. At Kwessi Dunes you’ll find 12 cool and comfortable (and air-conditioned) chalets all with canvas walls and thatched roofs for a maximum of 28 guests. Each bedroom has a separate ‘star gazer’ room, completely open to the sky, and the perfect spot from which to watch the celestial theatre show above. Views from the rooms, the main area and the swimming pool are of the vast, desert vistas and when you can bear to tear your eyes away, enjoy quad biking, scenic drives and walks, hot air ballooning, helicopter flights, horse riding and day trips to Sossusvlei.
Hoanib Valley Camp
Hoanib Valley Camp is in the Sesfontein Community Conservancy Area, Kaokoland, in the very remote northwest of Namibia. The camp sits on the bank of the Obias River, overlooking the Hoanib River Valley, a linear oasis running through one of the most beautiful deserts in Africa, where desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, lion and rhino move freely. There are 6 tents – 5 twin/double and 1 family with 1 king size bed and 2 single beds which are raised on spacious decks, each with their own private veranda. All tents are ensuite with a separate loo &, indoor showers.
Shipwreck Lodge
Shipwreck Lodge is the only lodge inside the Skeleton Coast National Park, 45km north of Mowe Bay, on the mouth of the Hoarusib River. The area contains irreplaceable and vulnerable wildlife habitat for species of the highest conservation importance, including black rhino, elephant, black faced impala and the Hartmann’s mountain zebra. The 10 cabins (8 twins and 2 family with 2 extra beds) have been uniquely styled to look like the shipwrecks that dot the coast. All are ensuite (with indoor showers), solar powered and have wood burning stoves to ward off the coastal chill.
Duke's Camp
For more than 30 years, Jack’s Camp has been an icon of African safaris, pioneering under-canvas luxury on the fringes of Botswana’s ethereal Makgadikgadi Pans. This year the adventurous spirit of Jack Bousfield ventures into new territory, with the early June opening of Duke’s Camp in the magical wilderness of the northern Okavango Delta.
Duke's East
If you’re looking for a private safari destination, Duke’s East truly is a once in a lifetime experience. It is the sister camp to the seriously stylish Duke’s Camp, and is perfect for exclusive-use groups. This is an intimate affair and set slightly apart from the main camp, it offers the same décor style and Bousfield sophistication, yet it is the ultimate getaway for those seeking an elite safari experience.
Sable Alley
Sable Alley is located in the 200,000 hectare Khwai Private Reserve concession, overlookingvast floodplains. Red lechwe, waterbuck and reedbuck along with many antelope species are full time residents, whilst sightings of lion, leopard, spotted hyena and wild dog are excellent. Elephants abound and very quickly become an all-time favourite. Sable Alley is open all year round with excellent game viewing.
Little Sable
Little Sable (formerly “The Jackal & Hide”) is located in the Khwai Private Reserve, a 200,000-hectare area of pristine wilderness in the Greater Okavango. The reserve is bordered by Moremi to the south, Savuti to the north and the Khwai Community Reserve to the east – in other words, in the middle of some of the most famous and iconic game-viewing areas on the continent! The Jackal & Hide is open year-round with excellent game viewing throughout the seasons.
Skybeds
Located in the 495,000-acre Khwai Private Reserve. The platforms overlook a busy waterhole that is the only source of water in 50,000-acres and is frequented by bull elephants, along with lion, leopard, eland, zebra, and more making for outstanding game viewing, straight from your platform. Skybeds is open during the dry season only from 01 April – 31 October.
Camp Kalahari
You’ll find Camp Kalahari amongst the acacias and mokolwane palms of Brown Hyaena Island, on the edge of Botswana’s hauntingly beautiful Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Wildlife in the surrounding savannah includes brown hyena, bat-eared foxes, elephant (the camp swimming pool is a welcome stop!), meerkat and during the green season, spectacular numbers of zebra and wildebeest. Camp Kalahari is open all year round.
Safarihoek
Safarihoek is in the heart of the 600 square- kilometre Etosha Heights Private Reserve. Elusive mountain zebra, kudu and lion hide in the dolomite hills, and the waterholes attract large numbers of antelope and elephant. The Etosha area is famous for rhino sightings, and the reserve is home to both white and black rhino. Safarihoek has 11 chalets, all with a view: 8 luxury, 2 classic and 1 family suite. Ensuite bathrooms with indoor showers. The 8 luxury chalets have outdoorshowers. Each has a writing desk, minibar and tea and coffee stations. All are air-conditioned and have electronic safes, hair dryers and mosquito nets.
Safari House
Safari House is just to the northeast of Safarihoek Lodge in the heart of the 600 square-kilometre Etosha Heights Private Reserve. Elusive mountain zebra, kudu and lion hide in the dolomite hills, and the waterholes attract large numbers of antelope and elephant. Safari House is a private farmhouse with 3 ensuite bedrooms. Each room is air-conditioned with a private, sliding door entrance. The house can sleep a maximum of 6 adults, with the possibility of adding 3 extra children at an additional cost.
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is located in De Hoop Nature Reserve, an exclusive coastal reserve halfway between Cape Town and George / Knysna on the world-famous Garden Route. The 34,000-hectare reserve is a melee of fynbos and beach, sand dunes and wetlands, all framed by the dramatic Potberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean. Lekkerwater Beach Lodge offers a homely and comfortable beach experience in De Hoop, a magical coastal reserve chosen by ex-President FW de Klerk to be his ‘Camp David’ due to its extraordinary beauty and seclusion.
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele is a 250-hectare private game reserve located on the outskirts of the iconic safari town of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. This intimate and comfortable lodge was recently refurbished and opened its tent-flaps again in March 2022. With an enviable location bordering the Thamalakane River, Thamo Telele can accommodate 22 guests and offers space for relaxation and tranquillity, making it the ideal stop-over either side of any safari.
Hyena Pan
Hyena Pan is in the Khwai Private Reserve, which borders Moremi Game Reserve, the Khwai River and Chobe National Park and is considered one of Botswana’s best game viewing areas. Elephant, buffalo, wild dog as well as lion and leopard are often seen, as are the many antelope and colourful birdlife of the reserve. Hyena Pan is open all year round.
Mokolwane
Mokolwane is a small, relaxed camp in one of the largest, and almost untouched, parts of the Okavango Delta. Set amongst a sprinkling of Mokolwane palms, in the Xudum concession (NG29), you’ll find it tucked away in 200 000-hectares of wilderness. Teeming with herds of elephant and all the Okavango predators, with so much space and so much action, it’s no surprise that National Geographic and Netflix filmmaker Brad Bestelink has chosen to base himself here.
Meno a Kwena
Located on the western boundary of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park (MPNP), Meno is situated on tribal land overlooking the exceptionally scenic Boteti River, whichhas been flowing since 2008. The camp is easily accessible from Maun – just a 90 minute drive. Meno a Kwena is open all year round. The zebra congregate at the river during the dry season (but this cannot be guaranteed!) and game viewing is excellent in all seasons.
Planet Baobab
You’ll find Planet Baobab nestled amongst 17 giant baobabs, adjacent to the village of Gweta and about 40 kilometres from Botswana’s mysterious and magnificent Makgadikgadi Pans. It’s a quirky camp in an even quirkier part of the world. Planet Baobab is open all year round. The accommodation is cool, quirky and super comfy. Planet Baobab has an original a la carte restaurant and menu, and meals are comprised of interesting and delicious dishes from all across Africa. We are vegetarian-friendly!
Etosha Mountain Lodge
Etosha Mountain Lodge is in the heart of the 600 square-kilometre Etosha Heights Private Reserve. Elusive mountain zebra, kudu and lion hide in the dolomite hills, and the waterholes attract large numbers of antelope and elephant. Etosha Mountain Lodge has 7 thatched chalets: 6 doubles/twins and 1 family (NB from 15 April 2019, there will be 2 extra twin chalets). A thatched ‘Lapa’ area is at the heart of camp and contains a restaurant, bar, reading lounge and anindoor fireplace. There’s also an outdoor boma andBBQ area, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Malansrus Tented Camp
You will find Malansrus Tented Camp nestled between beautiful shady Mopane trees, with spectacular views onto a set of granite “koppies” close by. Situated on the banks of a sidearm of the Aba Huab River, just 16km east of the Twyfelfontein turnoff on the D2612, the camp has 10 en-suite guest tents and one main tented area. The tents are located well apart to ensure privacy, however, are still within comfortable walking distance to the main facilities. The all new custom-made spacious tented accommodation provides the ideal overnight facility for guests seeking the adventure of a tented camp without sacrificing luxury.
Ozondjou Trails
Ozondjou is the Herero word for “on the tracks of the desert elephants” and this is exactly what awaits guests at Ozondjou Trails, as they will not come closer to these gentle giants anywhere else in Namibia. The base camp of the Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA) is situated close to Ozondjou Trails and knowledgeable guides inform guests about the elephant population, the farmers living in this area who coexist with the elephants, and the scientists who work to protect the elephants daily. Consisting of only eight comfortable en-suite Meru tents, Ozondjou Trails opened in September 2016.
Desert Hills Glamping
Set on a ridge, Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers amazing views over the valley beneath. Promising tranquillity and serenity, the camp is located off the normal tourist track and yet still close enough to Sossusvlei and Sesriem for day visits. Situated just 17km south of the Sesriem turnoff on the C19, the camp is situated in an isolated scenic valley on a private farm approximately 1.5km away from Desert Hills Lodge. Even though Desert Hills Glamping Camp is a tented camp, it is not comparable to one at all. Each tent has been built with a wooden- style frame and canvas panelling covered by a wide flysheet to avoid extreme heat, but to still provide the tented effect.
Okavango Spirit
Explore the upper reaches of the Okavango panhandle in your own private houseboat- ideal for friends and families looking for a unique and peaceful Okavango experience. The Okavango Spirit is a smart, newly refurbished houseboat with seven en-suite cabins and spacious decks offering wonderful views of the Okavango. Booked as part of a 2 or 3 night itinerary – guests can explore the waterways and islands of the Delta, fish, visit Tsodilo Hills and do game drives across the border in Namibia.
Wilderness Dawning
Wilderness Dawning is a Botswana-based safari company offering a wide variety of mobile non-participation camping expeditions. The company also owns ‘Kabbo’, a 16-bed en-suite houseboat that operates on the Okavango Delta. At Wilderness Dawning, safaris are personal. With over 30 years’ experience among the company’s directors, travellers are in capable hands. The company’s experience allows it to provide accommodation combined with the best guides in the business. Wilderness Dawning offers guiding with unspoilt wilderness. Groups are small on scheduled departures.
Uncharted Africa Luxury Mobile Safaris
Uncharted Africa has been operating safari camps and expeditions in Botswana for several generations, and its mobile safaris through the Moremi Game Reserve and Okavango Delta cover some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Botswana. These remote regions are teeming with wildlife and birds, and a mobile safari is a wonderful way to see the country and all it has to offer. An Uncharted Africa mobile safari runs with a maximum of 12 guests accommodated in spacious Meru tents. Each luxuriously appointed tent is attractively furnished in a 1920s style and has a proper bed and an en-suite bathroom with flush loo and bucket shower. There is a central mess tent although most meals are taken as a picnic in the shade of a tree for lunch or under the stars for dinner.
