Natural Selection

Safaris of Character

Natural Selection Camps In the Okavango Delta

Natural Selection is a collection of family owned businesses who have partnered with the shared purpose of offering unique safari experiences alongside a commitment to conservation. Founded by one of the biggest names in the business, Natural Selection is fast becoming a major safari operator in the region. Their diverse portfolio of camps ranges from high end luxury to rustic adventure across a diverse range of areas including the Kalahari and Okavango.

Conservation is at the very heart of Natural Selection and the business model from the outset has been to craft safaris that not only conserve but give back, to this end Natural Selection return 1% of revenue to various conservation projects.

The Natural Selection Camps stand out for their individual styles and characters. While the luxury ranges from private plunge pools and the finest cuisines to simple camp outs on the salt pans the experience is always expertly delivered and special.

The Natural Selection operates in two areas in the Okavango, the Mapula reserve in the north and the Khwai Private Reserve in the east, both beautiful and game rich areas. Mapula Lodge is a smart colourful luxury camp based on this northern reserve, their luxury private mobile outfit is also based on the Mapula reserve. On the vast Khwai Private Reserve lies Tuludi, the premier luxury camp, Sable Alley their smart tented camp, Jackal and Hide as their mid-range camp and Hyena Pan their most affordable camps. Skybeds is a unique three bed camp open half the year offering overnight stays under the stars.

In the Makgadikgadi, the salt flats of the Kalahari, are four camps which fall under the Unchartered Africa partnership. Most famous is Jack’s Camp, one of Botswana’s flagship lxury camps. San Camp is the elegant sister camp offering a luxurious safari experience while Camp Kalahari offers a more affordable and rustic experience. Planet Baobab is the budget option for self-drivers.

Meno o Kwena lies on the Boteti River, the frontier between the Kalahari and Okavango and offers a more rustic and affordable safari.

The Natural Selection portfolio also includes camps in Namibia and South Africa.
The four founders all began their careers in the bush many years ago. Colin Bell, Dave van Smeerdijk, Dr Jennifer Lally and James Ramsay are old friends. They have partnered with some of the biggest names in the safari industry including Ralph Bousfield (who founded Jack’s Camp and a number of other Uncharted Africa camps) and top guide Pete Alilison (author of the famous ‘Whatever you do, don’t run’).

One of the Founders, Colin Bell, was also one of the founders of the original Wilderness Safaris Company, currently the largest operator in Botswana. Through his work at Wilderness safaris he is recognised as one of the original pioneers of high-end safari tourism and wilderness conservation.

From $1,265 Per person per night

Mbamba

Mbamba is the latest addition to the Natural Selection portfolio, a charming explorer-style camp located within the north-western Okavango's NG12 concession. With a mix of open grasslands, floodplains, forested islands and lagoons, Mbamba will offer a variety of stunning landscapes with ecosystem variations to support an incredible range of the Okavango's wildlife.

From $1,085 Per person per night

Duke’s East

Duke’s East is an intimate 4 room luxury tented camp overlooking a seasonal lagoon in the northern Okavango Delta. Duke’s East is the smaller sister property to Duke’s Camp, set in the same beautiful and game rich area and offering the same safari experience with a more intimate setting. With a vintage safari style which has become synonymous with all Ralph Bousfield’s Camps, Duke’s East will appeal to travellers looking for an elegant camp echoing the glamour of a by gone safari era.

From $1,465 Per person per night

North Island Okavango

North Island Okavango is one of the newest and most exclusive luxury safari camps in the Okavango Delta. This luxurious new safari camp lies on a remote private island in a particularly pretty and game rich concession of the Okavango. Nestled within a network of shimmering lagoons and water channels, North Island Okavango camp offers a luxurious based from which to enjoy a fantastic range of safari experiences.

From $1,205 per person per night

Duke’s Camp

Duke’s Camp is one of the newest and most exciting camps to open in Botswana. From the creators of the world famous Jack’s Camp in the Kalahari comes this new super stylish and luxurious camp in the Okavango Delta. Set on a beautiful and game rich concession, Dukes Camp is sure to become a new landmark luxury camp in the Okavango.

From $995 Per person per night

Sable Alley Camp

Sable Alley Camp overlooks a pretty lagoon on the game lively Khwai Private Reserve, in the east of the Okavango. This is a smart ,sophisticated tented camp, stylish yet always with a lovely sense of presence. Thoughtful service, great food and top guiding combined with good and varied concentrations of wildlife deliver a fantastic all - round safari experience. Sable Alley's location on a private reserve ensures that it delivers an exclusive and flexible safari experience.

From $1,465 Per person per night

Tuludi Camp

Tuludi is one of the newest luxury camps in the Okavango, with tree-house style rooms shaded by magnificent leadwood trees and each with its own private plunge pool. There is even a treehouse library four metres up in the boughs. The location is glorious: a waterhole attracts wildlife right outside camp and the surrounds include seasonal floodplains, lily-covered lagoons and the mighty Khwai river. The area hosts large herds of elephant and buffalo and impressive concentrations of predators.

From $1,995 Per person per night

Jack’s Camp

One of Africa’s most famous camps, Jack’s Camp rises like an oasis of luxury from among the lunar like Makgadikgadi Pans. Elegantly styled to capture the sense of adventure of the original explorers without compromising on comfort, Jack’s Camp is unique in style and experience-with some of the most original desert experiences in Africa available. Exploring by 4x4, on foot, quad bike or even horseback- the secrets of the desert are revealed by some of the best guides in the business.

From $3,807 Exclusive boat per night

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.

From $625 Per person per night

Meno a Kwena

Lying between the wetlands of the Okavango Delta and the deserts of the Kalahari, Meno a Kwena - “teeth of the crocodile’’ - offers an interesting safari experience from a semi-arid environment, with starlit sleepouts and seasonal river safaris along the lively Boteti River. This is an affordable, friendly and down to earth camp, appealing to those looking for something different. Lovely landscapes feature a myriad of wildlife from dazzles of zebras to desert- adapted elephant.

From $630 Per person per night

Little Sable

Little Sable is a gem of a camp with sweeping views over the open grasslands of the game rich Khwai Private Reserve. Little Sable is a smaller and simpler camp than its big sister, Sable Alley, with the same good safari experience at a more affordable rate. It is a charming little camp with plenty of character and comfort, and a more down to earth style. The camp is simple but the game viewing luxurious, being so exclusive in this vast reserve.

From $570 Per person per night

Hyena Pan Camp

Situated within a majestic cathedral of mopane trees, Hyena Pan Camp overlooks a watering hole deep within the Khwai Private Reserve, a 200 000 hectare conservancy on the northern border of the Moremi Game Reserve. Hyena Pan is a rustic but comfortable camp with a friendly atmosphere offering an affordable safari experience. Best experienced in the dry season when the waterhole attracts huge numbers of elephants and other animals. The photo hide is a great experience.

From $630 Per person per night

Mokolwane Camp

Set on a private concession in the pretty south-western corner of the Okavango, Mokolwane Camp lies on the Matsebi River and consists of seven raised guest tents. Now part of Natural Selection's portfolio, this simple and charming camp appeals to the safari enthusiast in search of a remote Okavango experience with a focus on excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities.

From $1,336 Per person per night

Okavango Mobile Expeditions

Raw Africa at its best – get up close and personal with an authentic but luxurious mobile safari in a pristine and exclusive corner of Okavango wilderness. Comfort is not compromised, sleeping in fully equipped luxury tents – picture real beds and Persian carpets -interspersed with a secluded starlit fly camping adventure transporting you back to days of pioneering explorers. This safari is sure to leave you with lifelong memories.

From $150 Per person per night

Planet Baobab

Aimed at self-drivers, Planet Baobab is a simple but charming, and rather off-the-wall, establishment just north of the Makgadikgadi Pans, near Gweta village. A unique property set around 4,000 year old baobabs with basic accommodation but plenty of character. Rooms come in the form of traditional Bakalanga mud or grass huts with quirky touches. An affordable base from which to enjoy some superb activities in the Kalahari including meerkat visits, quad biking and bushwalks.

From $1,945 Per person per night

San Camp

The breath- taking Makgadikgadi Pans form the backdrop for impressive and elegantly- styled San camp. Fringed by palm trees with sweeping views over the salt pans, San Camp is an achingly romantic and truly enchanting Bedouin-style oasis in the Kalahari. This chic camp offers a luxurious desert safari and an impressive range of exciting activities- with day and night game drives, san bushman walks, meerkat visits, quad biking and much more.

From $760 Per person per night

Camp Kalahari

On the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, beneath the rattling palms on Hyena Island, lies Camp Kalahari. This is a simple and relaxed camp with buckets of charm and an ideal base for guests exploring the Kalahari salt pans. The desert safari experience here is excellent, with a captivating list of activities including game drives, San bushman walks, quad biking and meerkat visits. Popular with all looking for something different, especially families.

From $745 Per person per night

Khwai Skybeds

Deep in the Khwai Private Reserve, Khwai Skybeds offers a thrilling and fun way of experiencing the African bush for a night under the stars. Three thoughtfully designed skybeds offer plenty of comfort, including a private bathroom below deck. Skybeds overlooks a busy waterhole which attracts wildlife from miles around. Memories of listening to the elephants drinking at night as you gaze at the stars from your bed will stay with you long after you leave.

From $475 Per person per night

Thamo Telele

One of the loveliest places to stay in Maun, Thamo Telele lies on the Thamalakane River and has the distinction of being Maun’s only private game reserve. Though only 12 kms from the Airport, Thamo Telele is a haven of peace in the wilderness, the perfect stop-over before or after your safari. Close encounters with the resident giraffe herd are a highlight, as well as game drives, bush walks and horse riding.

Natural Selection Locations

Mbamba

Family Safari From $1,265
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Duke’s East

Family Safari From $1,085
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North Island Okavango

Family Safari From $1,465
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Duke’s Camp

Family Safari From $1,205
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Sable Alley Camp

Family Safari From $995
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Tuludi Camp

Family Safari From $1,465
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Jack’s Camp

Family Safari From $1,995
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Okavango Spirit

Family Safari From $3,807
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Meno a Kwena

Family Safari From $625
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Little Sable

Family Safari From $630
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Hyena Pan Camp

Family Safari From $570
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Mokolwane Camp

Family Safari From $630
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Okavango Mobile Expeditions

Family Safari From $1,336
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Planet Baobab

Family Safari From $150
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San Camp

Family Safari From $1,945
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Camp Kalahari

Family Safari From $760
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Khwai Skybeds

Family Safari From $745
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Thamo Telele

Family Safari From $475
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Water Level

Safaris Featuring Natural Selection

4 Nights
From $6,492

Off the Beaten Track Luxury Mobile Safari

A luxurious mobile safari without compromising on adventure or authentic experiences. Set on a stunning private concession in the Okavango Delta, this is one of the few mobile outfits able to offer a private and flexible safari experience away from the crowded national parks. With your own private camp and guide the days are tailored to suit your personal interests- with a mix of game drives, walking, boating and mokoro adventures. One night is spent fly camping on a palm island guaranteed to leave you with memories for life. Perfect for families and friends travelling together.

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7 Nights
From $14,816

Ultimate Botswana Honeymoon Safari

This itinerary is packed with all the key honeymoon safari ingredients – intimate camps, exclusive locations, spoiling luxury and once in a life time experiences. And a top safari experience with great game viewing too of course. The best of Botswana’s incredibly beautiful and diverse safari destinations are wrapped up in this 7 night itinerary. A complete desert and delta experience. Visit the striking Makgadikgadi pans and world famous Jack’s Camp, the epitome of a luxury vintage safari. Track the Kalahari lion, meet meerkats, quad bike, horse ride, walk with the bushmen and sleep beneath the stars for truly unique safari experience. The lush Okavango Delta offers abundant game and exciting land and water safari activities- Tuludi Camp is one of the most stylish and luxurious camps in the Okavango. A night under the stars completes the experience.

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6 Nights
From $7,267

Okavango Skies

The Okavango is fabulous from the ground- but even more beautiful from above. This itinerary features a few extra special activities alongside a traditional Okavango safari – a scenic helicopter ride whizzing along the waterways, a peaceful balloon trip over the wetlands and a night below the stars on a private starbed. A perfect blend of adventure and luxury without compromising on your safari experience. A complete range of land and water activities combine to ensure a fantastic all round Okavango safari – ideal for romantic holidays and intrepid travellers who are looking for something different.

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6 Nights
From $7,735

Starbed Safari

A classic six night Okavango safari with a dazzling and romantic twist- sleep beneath the stars on private stardecks to the sounds of the African bushveld. A perfect blend of adventure and luxury without compromising on your safari experience. Visit two traditional luxury camps in the Okavango, each with a one night sleep out option - offering the best of both worlds. This is no rough and ready experience – high treehouse style structures complete with four poster beds on the open top deck and bathrooms below ensure comfort is never compromised. A complete range of land and water activities combined to ensure a fantastic all round Okavango safari – deal for romantic holidays and intrepid travellers.

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6 Nights
From $5,133

Affordable Botswana Safari

A fantastic and affordable Botswana safari itinerary packed with special experiences and great game viewing. The Okavango and Makgadikgadi come together to offer a wonderfully varied and interesting safari. Staying at rustic but charming camps with great guides, this itinerary showcases the incredible diversity of Botswana’s landscapes. Visiting the dynamic Boteti river area and Makgadikgadi National Park offers diverse game viewing and the chance to enjoy a fascinating walk with San Bushman. In dry season you can sleep out on the salt pans beneath dazzling skies. Moving to the Okavango, explore the beautiful Khwai private reserve, enjoying photo hides, game drives, walks and mokoro rides. A great value safari.

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4 Nights
From $5,726

Wonders of the Okavango

Discover the wonders of the Okavango as you visit the north and eastern sections of the Delta in this wonderful safari. Four nights are split between two beautiful luxury camps set in game rich private reserves – away from the crowds but in the midst of the Okavango’s abundant wildlife. A classic itinerary with lovely game viewing enjoyed through a variety of activities. Some of the Okavango’s most beautiful scenery forms the backdrop to this safari and the camps complement each other extremely well. For those interested in travelling in the dry season hot air ballooning is available too.

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6 Nights
From $5,385

Family Adventure Safari in the Okavango & Kalahari

This is an action - packed safari especially designed to capture the imagination of young families and engage youngsters in educational and fun activities in a wilderness setting. Private activities ensure a unique and flexible experience. Without compromising the game viewing experience, extra activities are included for those with more energy to burn using simple and wholesome safari -themed activities with specially trained guides. This itinerary captures the true spirit of adventure of safari and allows families to discover the wonders of the Okavango and Kalahari together. Make the most of quad biking across the salt pans, meeting meerkats and educational walks with bushman in the Kalahari. The Okavango invited you to discover the joy of tracking animals and poling a mokoro – Botswana is the perfect natural playground.

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