Ever wonder what summer camp is like for African children? In many nations of southern Africa (including Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia), an organization called Children in the Wilderness provides camp experiences for African children that teach them the value of conserving their natural resources.

Through programs that focus on environmental protection and life skills, Children in the Wilderness educates African children about the important role that conservation plays in preserving the wild spaces in their countries. The goal of this organization is to develop future leaders who will promote the best interests of the land and wildlife around them.

Here’s a closer look at the Children in the Wilderness programs, each of which focuses on the environmental issues and challenges unique to its region.

Botswana

The first country to establish a Children in the Wilderness program, Botswana has hosted about 96 children each year since 2001, in camps located along the Okavango Delta. In addition to a six-day Environmental Stewardship Program that students attend in the wilderness, they can participate in Environmental Clubs at their schools, funded and organized by Children in the Wilderness.

Malawi

The 50 to 96 children who visit Malawi’s Myuu Camp each year stay on Lake Malawi. Because of their proximity to this water body, their lessons focus on water conservation efforts and methods for using the lake sustainably. Children here also learn to swim and get the opportunity to interview every staff member of the Malawi chapter of Children in the Wilderness. Graduates of Malawi’s program have established a tree nursery and fence protection and maintenance program nearby.

Namibia

Since is start in 2002, roughly 90 children have attended Namibia’s Children in the Wilderness programs each year. Many of the program’s graduates are now permanently employed with Wilderness Safaris, a guide group that offers Namibia safari tours.

South Africa

South African children can visit one of two wilderness camp locations, Pafuri Camp and Rocktail Beach Camp. With a total of 69 attendees each year, the South African chapter of Children in the Wilderness has expanded its reach with the Environmental Clubs it established in the Makuleke Community.

Zambia

Because poaching is a major concern in Kafue National Park and South Luangwa National Park, where Zambia’s wilderness programs are hosted, the curriculum here focuses on how to prevent that crime. In addition to the 90 children per year who get to visit the actual camp, Zambia’s chapter offers follow-up programs in the schools.

Zimbabwe

The 130 children who attend the program at Linkwasha Camp in Hwange National Park each year hail from villages around the park and from an AIDS orphanage located in the town of Dete. Instead of follow-up programs run in the schools, Zimbabwe’s programs run nutrition, literacy, and school facility upgrade programs, which leaders decided the Zimbabwean population needed more immediately than environmental follow-up.

Donate to Africa’s Conservation Efforts!

If you’d like to learn more about the work that Children in the Wilderness does for African children, or if you’d like to sponsor a child or make a donation, you can do so on the Children in the Wilderness website.

What conservation lessons do you think we need to start teaching?

Today we feature a guest interview with the African Bush Camps management team, where they describe what makes their camps unique from others in southern and eastern Africa, and what guests can experience while staying at one of African Bush Camps’ accommodations.

See below for the interview (**NOTE: All images in blog post are provided and owned by African Bush Camps):

1. African Bush Camps has five camps in various locations around Botswana and Zimbabwe. Although each camp is different, what are some constant characteristics that can be seen throughout all of the camps (i.e. superior service, design elements, etc.)

Above all, we’re focused on the experience of our guests and we pride ourselves on the really personal elements of a safari. We believe that the people at our camps are key to making a safari the most memorable and extraordinary experience. What we try to achieve at all of our camps is to create a truly inviting experience, reminiscent of ‘old untouched Africa’ while at the same time doing whatever we can to promote  responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Our hope is that through this we can conserve for the future, the wilderness and the wildlife, as well as the local cultures in the areas in which we operate

2. Briefly describe what makes each of the African Bush Camps unique.

We try and avoid a stamped and branded look and feel in the camps and each one has been designed and built with its own character right down to the furnishings and final touches. In addition, the staff at each camp has their own sense of community, which gives each one its own unique sensibility.

3. Out of all of the countries in Africa, what inspired African Bush Camps to base their accommodations in Botswana and Zimbabwe?

Our owner, Beks Ndlovu, is originally from Zimbabwe and grew up in the areas surrounding Hwange National Park, where Somalisa Camp—the first to the portfolio—was built. As a result, Beks has a particular passion to share the beauty of the country in which he was born with people from around the world. As development of the safari industry in Southern and East Africa exploded over the past decade, Zimbabwe has remained somewhat undeveloped. The lower concentrations of travelers have left the wilderness relatively untouched in terms of mass development. This, in turn, has allowed for visitors to experience the wilderness away from the crowds and the more obvious tourist routes.

There are several National Parks and protected conservancy areas that allow the wildlife to flourish and roam freely. In addition, the National Parks of Zimbabwe encompass a huge diversity of landscapes and ecosystems, each with their own unique plants and animals and stunning natural beauty—so people coming here really are spoiled for choice.

Whilst Zimbabwe is our base, you could say our second home is Botswana. Boasting its own unique appeal with vast deserts punctuated by the truly spectacular Okavango Delta and Linyanti regions, Botswana pairs perfectly with Zimbabwe. Stunning landscapes and untamed wilderness brimming with animals and birdlife, as well as their commitment and a truly holistic approach to conserving the environment and wildlife, meant that Botswana was the perfect place to combine with Zimbabwe when we decided we wanted to expand on and create an experience that would offer our guests the best that Africa has to offer.

4. How does location play a role in how travelers experience African Bush Camps?

Almost all of our camps are set within private concessions, away from the more obvious tourist stops. This allows our guests to experience an authentic, remote, and truly wild Africa. In addition, water is a significant feature at our camps with rivers, marshes, pans, and waterholes attracting game year round.

5. What types of activities does African Bush Camps offer?

Standard game activities include 4×4 game drives and walking safaris. Depending on the location, we also offer canoeing and fishing safaris, mokoro expeditions and night drives. While lots of other operators offer similar things, what we feel that what sets us apart are our guides, as it is their ability and knowledge that can turn just another game drive or walk into a revelatory and unforgettable experience.

About African Bush Camps

African Bush Camps is a small and independently owned African-based company run by one of Africa’s top Safari guides Beks Ndlovu and his wife Sophia. The company was formed as a result of the growth of Beks Safaris, where Beks used his natural talents and outstanding guiding skills to promote the concept of privately guided safaris through remote parts of Africa. Click here to read more about African Bush Camps.

Botswana. An exotic locale where reality takes a back seat to unimaginable visions and experiences. It’s a place where wildlife spills from winding rivers, vast deserts, and lush forests. From the minuscule dragonflies to the boisterous lions, there is something magical in every element of Botswana’s intricate wildlife.

Home to the celebrated Okavango Delta, a pulsing oasis nestled within the sprawling Kalahari Desert, a vast array of travelers can enjoy mokoro safaris through the crystal blue lagoons, observe elephant from a river’s edge, or search for endemic bird species. Whatever you fancy, Botswana will never fail to impress.

Things you don’t want to miss:

• The flamingos that fill the Makagadikgadi pans with rich, rosey hues.
• Walking safaris with the Sans Bushmen—a unique and legendary tribe.
• A helicopter safari over the intricate Okavango Delta where you’ll witness plump baobab trees, giraffe, elephant, and lion from a birds-eye-view.
• A visit to the world-renowned Tsodilo Hills, where 20,000-year-old rock paintings grace the rocky outcrops.
• A mokoro safari down one of the many lagoons of the Okavango Delta to witness vast species of bird, insects, and reptiles, as well as big game such as hippo, zebra, giraffe, and crocodile.

See below for a visual glimpse into the beauty of Botswana:

View more videos on our YouTube channel.

Deciding where to go on your African safari vacation is quite likely one of the most exciting and toughest decisions you’ll ever make. This post is designed to ease your mind about where to visit on safari and choose the parks, reserves, and areas that are right for you.

Below is a spotlight on a variety of southern African parks and reserves to make your decision process go a bit more smoothly:

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Perfect for . . .

• Honeymooners who are looking for the ultimate romantic setting with a seamless combination of adventure and relaxation.
• Families who want to experience some of Africa’s most highly acclaimed safari tours.
• Bird lovers who want to exercise their photography skills in the bush.
• The adventurous and the non-adventurous. With accommodations for all preferences, travelers can choose from adventurous camps to more refined, luxury lodges and hotels.

When to go: Although the Okavango Delta offers year-round beauty, the best time for game viewing is during the months when vegetation has dried out, between May and October. And for bird lovers, the months between November and April are an exciting time as migrant bird populations return to the area.

What to see and do:

• Enjoy adventurous game drives where you’ll witness exotic birds, elephants, zebras, buffalo, red lechwe, wattled crane, lion, buffalo, hippos, and giraffes.
• Visit Moremi National Park and witness breathtaking scenery comprised of cracked, red-mud plains and glistening lagoons hidden between the solid trunks of towering baobabs.
• Experience glorious boat rides through the blue lagoons and witness some of Africa’s most exotic bird life.
• Enjoy a delightful picnic on one of the Okavango Delta’s exclusive islands.
• Embark on a journey above the treetops in a helicopter safari.

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Perfect for . . .

• Honeymooners who are interested in spending most of their days exploring one of the world’s most magnificent wildlife sanctuaries.
• Adventurists looking to explore and discover the unknown on walking safaris.
• Avid birdwatchers.

When to go: Although South Luangwa National Park is open year-round, the best time to visit is during the months between April and November.

What to see and do:

• As one of Africa’s leading safari destinations, South Luangwa National Park is ideal for walking safaris and game drives where visitors often witness the elusive leopard.
• Strewn with interlacing networks of streams and tributaries, South Luangwa National Park is comprised of thriving eco-systems that are home to over 100 different species of mammals and more than 500 species of birds.
• Enjoy a mountain biking safari tour through game trails and paths.

Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

Perfect for . . .

• Honeymooners interested in African safari tours.
• Adventurous families.
• Photographers looking to capture some of the most beautiful areas of Africa on camera.

When to go: The best time to visit this park is during the months of March to early October. These months offer fantastic weather and game viewing at its best.

What to see and do:

• Located on the southern bank of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools encompasses 541,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness—commonly called Zimbabwe’s Wildlife Riviera because of its abundant wildlife.
• Experience walking safaris among the roaming wildlife and discover animal tracks, callings, and behaviors.
• Take a wild journey on an adventurous canoeing safari as you trail down the Zambezi from Kariba in the west and reach Kanyemba in the east.
• Observe grazing buffalo, still crocodiles, wading elephants, hippo families and over 380 species of bird, such as as goliath herons and malachite kingfishers.

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in our comments section.

Botswana has something for nearly every traveler. From newlyweds on a honeymoon safari to family reunion safaris, solo travelers to couples’ retreats, and everything in between, Botswana is the prime destination for your trip of a lifetime.

With more than 40% of its land protected again poaching and natural resource deprivation practices, Botswana is bustling with a wealth of wildlife and exclusive game reserves. In fact, many of the private game reserves, which make up 17% of protected land, are so exclusive that they only permit access to visitors staying on those reserves.

If you’re looking to plan the ultimate Botswana safari vacation, choose from the very best game reserves and parks in Botswana:

Top Game Reserves and Parks:

Linyanti and Selinda concessions: Known primarily for its abundance of elephants, the Linyanti and Selinda concessions attract thousands of elephants during Botswana’s dry season (months between May and November). Some of the top safari tours to partake in while visiting these concessions are mokoro (canoe) safaris, night drives, and boat safaris.

During night drives, you can witness a wealth of nocturnal creatures come out of hiding including the bush baby, wild cats, hyenas, lions, owls, and leopards.

Okavango Delta: Comprised of secluded islands, sprawling savannah, wildlife-abundant rivers, and vast floodplains and lagoons, Okavango Delta is a wildlife-lover’s dream. Because the Okavango Delta is strewn with intricate rivers and waterways, a canoe (mokoro) safari is the region’s most celebrated activity. Although power boat tours are also an option, a mokoro safari is more relaxing and allows you to get much closer to the water and water’s edge. Without the sound of an engine, you have the ability to listen to the orchestra of nature as birds sing and skim the water, frogs chirp, and a light breeze blows.

The Okavango Delta is also considered one of the best places in the world to witness a variety of bird species. From Pel’s fishing owls to African fish eagles, kingfishers to slaty egrets, wattled cranes to African pygmy geese, and carmine bee-eaters to blacksmith plovers, there is no shortage of birds in the Okavango Delta.

Moremi Game Reserve: Arguably Botswana’s most beautiful reserve, the Moremi Game Reserve is comprised of more varying eco-systems than the Okavango Delta area. With over 1,160 square miles of dense forests, floodplains, islands, and swamps, this game reserve attracts an abundance of diverse creatures including antelope, waterbuck, red lechwe, ostrich, elephant, zebra, buffalo, leopard, spotted hyena, various bird species, and much more. You might even spot the elusive dung beetle while visiting Moremi.

Chobe National Park: Spanning roughly 4,250 square miles, the Chobe National Park is one of the best places in Botswana to partake in a power boat tour. Watch as large herds of elephants cross through the water with their baby’s playfully running side by side with their mothers.

For bird lovers, the time between September and October is an exceptional time to visit the Chobe National Park as thousands of carmine bee-eater colonies begin to breed.

When to travel to Botswana:

Although Botswana provides exceptional game viewing year-round, the best time of year to visit is usually during the dry season in months between May and November. Some areas do, however, lose some of their animals to migration patterns during the months outside of the dry season. Specifically, the Linyanti and Selinda concessions lose much of their elephant and zebra population due to natural migration patterns.

An authentic Botswana safari trip combined with luxurious accommodations is the perfect fusion of ingredients for an African safari vacation of a lifetime. Home to some of the world’s most exotic birds, game, reptiles, and amphibians, the Chobe and Linyanti National Reserves in Botswana are just as pristine and untouched as they were when the first European explorers visited the region centuries ago.

Heavily filmed by National Geographic, the Chobe and Linyanti National Reserves are prime areas to observe some of the world’s most spectacular creatures and landscapes, and are arguably the best places in the world to observe elephants. Visitors on an African family safari or honeymoon safari to the Chobe and Linyanti Reserves observe a wide spectrum of animals, thanks to the diverse natural surroundings of each river system. The varying terrain boasts a plethora of diverse eco-systems including marshes, waterways, riverine forests, dry woodlands, and the infamous Savuti Channel.

Connecting the Linyanti River and the Zibadianja Lagoon, the Savuti Channel is one of Botswana’s most gorgeous havens for birds and wildlife. Since two-thirds of the Savuti Channel is private reserve, guests observe wild game from exclusive and private locations.

Botswana safari tour guests choose from a handful of safari trips:

• A Chobe River cruise safari is an excellent way to observe wildlife in luxury. Offering adventurists a fresh perspective on animal behavior, the intricate Chobe River provides a place for animals to bathe, play, and drink from. Buffalos and elephants are the primary attractions on this type of safari, as well as African skimmers, kites, and eagles.In addition to observing animals behaving in a different environment, a Chobe River cruise safari boasts a large variety of water-dwelling animals, including crocodile, monitor lizards, and hippos. Nothing is more relaxing than the thrill of birds flying overhead, crocodiles lurking in the waters, and hippos charging, all from the comfort and luxury of a river cruise safari. The evening is the perfect time to enjoy a Chobe River cruise safari since it’s the best way to unwind from a long day in the sun and sip a chilling cocktail.

• Game Drives through the Chobe and Linyanti National Reserves are some of the most rewarding experiences for visitors on a Botswana safari trip. The Chobe Reserve celebrates large populations of buffalo, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, roan, zebra, and more, while the Linyanti Reserve is famous for its high concentrations of sable, lion, leopard, wild dog, hippo, zebra, buffalo, and antelope.Game drives in the morning are the perfect time to observe nature take its course as predators stalk their prey in the bush. Visitors to the Chobe and Linyanti region frequently see leopards attacking baboons and cheetahs stalking lechwe.

• Walking safaris through the National Reserves provide guests with a rare insight into the surrounding eco-systems. For those itching to show-off their photography skills, a smooth and slow-pace walking safari offers visitors the perfect opportunity to snap images of nature in motion. Visitors have the chance to capture over 350 species of bird on film, as well as large herds of elephants, bathing and playing around the river systems.

Don’t miss the bountiful opportunities that await you on a Botswana safari tour. Let Hills of Africa Travel plan the perfect, tailored itinerary for your next African family safari or honeymoon safari. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802, and experience an unforgettable journey. We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true . . .

Botswana is possibly one of the best safari destinations in the world, but our clients often get sticker shock when we share the price of several days on safari in this country. They often ask “Is Botswana that much more luxurious than any other safari destination?” The answer is yes and no and requires much more understanding of the total experience.

Botswana’s Economy is the Shining Gem of Africa
Botswana emerged as a sovereign nation in 1966. At the time, it was ranked as one of the 10 poorest nations in the world. It had no infrastructure – with only 7 miles of tarmac on its limited roads and no schooling system whatsoever – it relied heavily on missionary work.

Today, Botswana is one of the most successful countries in Africa. Its economy has grown by 8% per annum, consistently, year after year, for more than 4 decades. The reason? Diamonds. Botswana is so rich that the second largest contributor to its GDP is interest earned on its foreign investments. Tourism, comes in third.

A strong economy results in benefits for its locals, relative to its neighboring countries. A local Botswanan drives on state of the art roads, has a modern telephone system, broadband internet access, free health clinics with nearly 100,000 citizens receiving free anti-retroviral drugs in treatment for HIV aids, piped drinking water to every village and free primary schooling for more than 300,000 pupils.

Botswana’s Entrance into Tourism Was Slow and Calculated
Tourism may seem like an obvious choice for economic growth for most southern African nations, however, Botswana was not focused on tourism for many years. It was not until they took notice of their heavy reliance on the diamond industry, that they considered tourism as a strategic move to diversify its economy.

However, they didn’t just jump into tourism. Rather, they did it in a very calculated way, which has lead to a successful tourism industry that appeals to the high end of the market. Realizing they didn’t want Botswana to end up over-run with tourists and let things get out of hand with respect to the environment and the wildlife, the first step the Botswana government did was to control the amount of tourists arriving.

Concessions Control the Number of Travelers – The Supply
If you want to open a safari lodge in Botswana, you must first get a “concession” which is a right to build and operate a tourism business on their land. You cannot buy the land. You can only get a lease and the term of the lease is quite limited, often as short as 3 to 5 years long. In essence, the government is controlling the number of beds available to tourists – the supply. Fewer beds in the wildlife areas result in far greater demand.

Demand Exceeds Supply – Driving up the Price
For example, a geographic area in Botswana might have a total of 40 beds, where in South Africa, the same size area would have 400 beds. Having so few people out there with you, experiencing the wildlife, makes it feel as authentic as possible. This type of experience certainly drives up demand and with a limited supply, prices get driven up too.

So, this is why Botswana is one of the most expensive safari options in all of Africa. The higher cost of a safari does not translate directly into a more luxurious experience. The safari experience in Botswana is more expensive because of the exclusivity, the awesome wildlife, and the tremendous variety available in one location.

Outstanding Wildlife, Tremendous Variety and Very Few Visitors
This is a country where the vast, dry Kalahari Desert, meets the calm, quiet waters of the Okavango Delta. Chobe National Park is your quintessential national park and is home to over 300,000 elephants. Then there is the Moremi Game Reserve where, you will find the big predators like lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog, but also all the herbivores like zebra, giraffe, and antelope.

Perfectly complimenting this experience is the Okavango Delta. This authentic safari experience appeals to lots and lots of people. It is still less expensive than an exclusive, private camp experience in Tanzania. So, Botswana offers the traveler a stable country and stable politics, no safety issues whatsoever, great access, incredible wildlife. All around a fantastic experience.

The most expensive camps are definitely luxurious, but the separation between your bed and the bush is less than what you would find in South Africa. Most accommodation is tented due to strict building guidelines from the Botswana government. In addition, as a safari camp owner, if you have 3 to 5 years to make your money back, you are not going to invest heavily in permanent structures.

Botswana appeals to people looking for a truly authentic safari experience and embrace the idea of being close to nature. If you like the sound of Botswana, but are having trouble with availability, Zambia is a good alternative. If you don’t have the budget for Botswana or have been there, then Zimbabwe is a great alternative.

An extravagant world of mystery and enchantment awaits you in Botswana. Allow Hills of Africa Travel to take care of all your travel needs with their expert private guides, detailed destination planning and advice, dedicated customer service, and personalized travel itineraries, guaranteed to provide you with memories that will last forever.

HBO is teaming up with the Botswana Tourism Board to celebrate the new HBO series, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, which aired on Sunday, March 29 at 8pm.

The Series:

If you’re looking for a show filled with emotion, inspiration, optimism, strength, and independence, then The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is the series for you. This magnificent show is based on Alexander McCall Smith’s award-winning and internationally acclaimed book series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.

The series not only takes place in Botswana, but is also filmed there, expressing a realistic depiction of the Botswana land and people. The show chronicles the journeys of the first female detective, Precious Ramotswe, and illustrates the inspirational qualities that characterize a woman as a No. 1 lady. Since first opening The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency in Gaborone, Botswana, Precious shows the audience what it takes to make the world a better place.

The series also provides viewers with a VIP pass into the Botswana culture. From the elders to the children to the dance rituals, this series is a must-see phenomenal depiction of an inspirational culture. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency introduces viewers to a culture outside of their own, offering a new perspective on the world in every scene. From the people to the land, you’ll see the enormous magnitude of beauty that lies in Botswana.

The HBO Celebration:

Be a part of the series premiere celebration by entering The No. 1 Ladies’ contest. You may be one of five lucky winners to receive “an inspirational safari trip” in Botswana for two. This Botswana safari trip includes a tour through The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency filming location in Gaborone, Botswana. The safari prizes are provided by the Botswana Tourism Board, and partners: South Africa Airways, Air Botswana, The Grand Palm, Desert & Delta Safaris, Ker & Downey Botswana, Mashatu Game Reserve, and Wilderness Safaris.

Go to the “Who’s Your No. 1 Lady?” website to nominate the No. 1 lady in your life—someone who inspires you and shows you that anything is possible with the right attitude.

Watch The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency on Sunday’s at 8pm and witness the pride of the Botswana women and their dedication to making Botswana a better place. Watching one episode will inspire you to book an African safari vacation filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Contact Hills of Africa Travel today at (877) 845-4802 to learn about our life-altering African family safaris and honeymoon safaris. We provide each client with a customized itinerary tailored around each individual preference. Isn’t it time you took an African safari trip of a lifetime?

Hills of Africa Travel is pleased to offer a great 7-night package to Botswana that will simply add to the incredible value of getting international airfare free.

If you book 6 nights or more on an African Bush Camps mobile tented safari, your charter flights are free!!! Botswana is one of the best safari destinations in the world. It offers incredible wildlife, stunning scenery, an exclusiveness found in few other places, and an enormous variety in game viewing. The cost of flying from camp to camp makes it price prohibitive for many, many travelers. Thanks to this deal, it is affordable for lots more people. But you must book by February 28 to take advantage of this deal.

We have put together a lovely itinerary that consists of 7 nights at 3 camps in Botswana, for travel February through end of May. The total package price is $4,550 per person and includes:

• 7 nights accommodation at 3 different camps throughout Botswana;
• All meals and drinks;
• All game-viewing activities;
• All charter flights for transportation between camps;
• Round-trip airfare from Johannesburg to Maun

The only additional cost is international airfare. If you put this together with the South African Airways special, you will be making out like bandits!!!

Talk about a great Valentine’s Day gift!!!!

Call (704) 296-2644 or e-mail sandy@hillsofafrica.com to book!

Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized and personalized African Safari Vacations.