Travelling Consciously with African Bush Camps Founder, Beks Ndlovu

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa, Experience Designer Michele Harvey has guided and planned over 200 trips for B&amp;R and was our first-ever guide in South Africa. In this interview, she connected with long-time friend and trusted business partner, Beks Ndlovu, Founder of African Bush Camps, to discuss conservation, travelling consciously and how tourism can be used as a force for good.<h2>In Conversation with Beks Ndlovu</h2>

Michele: I’m talking tonight with Beks Ndlovu, founder of <a href="https://africanbushcamps.com/">African Bush Camps</a>. We met Beks some 20 years ago when he was a professional guide in Zimbabwe, and today he’s the founder of African Bush Camp and offers many phenomenal experiential safaris. He’s one of our favourites and a preferred supplier for our <a href="https://butterfield.com/places-to-go/africa">offerings in Southern Africa</a>. So Beks, take us through some of your stories!Beks:&nbsp;The journey for me really started as an entrepreneur about 18 years ago. I was leading safaris throughout Africa and selling my services as a professional guide. Then, about 16 years ago I felt that a business relying on me alone has far less impact on Africa and on the world, given all of the environmental, wildlife and community challenges that I’ve experienced over the years while guiding throughout the continent. And I got a sense of the fact that there is so much more to be done.&nbsp;There are statistics out there stating there’s going to be a scramble for resources because of global warming, particularly in Africa. Around 16 years ago I started to believe that tourism can really be used as a force for change and a force for good for conservation and the improvement of livelihoods of the people around Africa.

So with that in mind, I had the opportunity to start my first safari camp in <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/5-places-must-see-zimbabwe">Zimbabwe</a>. That was in 2006, and of course, Zimbabwe was going through its own sets of challenges. But it has continued to do amazing conservation work and be at the forefront of its wildlife. So we were able to grow a tourism business over the last 16 years. In the back of 2006, I went and established myself in Botswana, where I started developing my second and third camp, and then went back to Zimbabwe to develop more.Today we have 15 camps spread between Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia as a result of this growth and we are about to launch our 16th camp in Botswana in the Okavango Delta.

The growth has been quite something and most of it has really been over the last eight years. A lot of that was born out of impatience of being able to be effective and having a high impact through tourism in areas where we feel need most attention. So that journey has been very satisfying. Of course, we would like to do a lot more but we’re very grateful that this business has grown as a result of people like Butterfield &amp; Robinson supporting us and really believing in our conservation story.<h2>A Safari Experience at Linyanti Bush Camp</h2> &nbsp;

Michele: That’s phenomenal! I just want to share my first experience of an African Bush Camps property. We were at Linyanti Bush Camp and we were sitting around the campfire and chatting and wonderful stories were coming out of that with the background of all of the sounds. The next minute, there was a sound that I couldn’t pick up. The guide jumps up and clicks his fingers and says, “that’s a lion, let’s go find it,” and for me, that was the most refreshing safari experience I had in a long time and that’s the kind of experience that stayed with me with every visit to your properties. The guides have the freedom to explore, and the passion, and that’s why I love working with you and your guides. That ethos of delivering more than just a safari experience and giving people something that’s more intangible. Safari can leave you with a very moving experience and so much of it comes from how the guides respond to things.

Beks: Thank you so much, Michele. I appreciate that you highlight the guides as integral to the magic, that’s what I’ve always believed, given my background in guiding. Today, that’s one area of our business that we really invest in. We really believe that a phenomenal guide will change a good safari into an exceptional experience – and that’s what our guiding team does.

Michele: I think it’s worth reiterating at this stage to our travellers that the importance of tourism dollars in Africa goes well beyond tourism dollars in Europe, for example. We’re talking about conservation and community upliftment. It’s absolutely critical now that we’re into our sixth mass extinction. And it’s not just about resources, it’s about intact ecosystems that are vital for planetary function. We hold hope that tourism is going to rebound in the long run and Africa will appeal greatly to people following [the pandemic]. I do find one of the ups of this whole experience has been re-finding our sense of belonging and that longing to get back to nature and reconnect. Beks, what about positive lessons through all of this? Are there things in your toolbox that will take you forward?<h2>The Conscious Traveller</h2>Beks: One of the focuses, when we started building our business, was to appeal to an audience that I call the awakened traveller or the conscious traveller. Of course, when you’re just starting out, any business is good business. But what we seek to do is to convert people into conscious travellers. Over the years, as our business has progressed, we found that there’s a great need for us to foster the right kind of relationships with the trade and make sure that our messaging helps travellers understand what sort of force tourism is and what good can come out of tourism.Going forward, our message is to say ‘look, we all have a responsibility towards travel,’ and it’s making sure that the awareness is up there from the time someone calls the office wanting to go on an African safari. But for our trade people like yourself, it’s to be able to talk about the importance of travelling to Africa and what the tourism dollars actually do to the people on the ground and to the wildlife. For us, that speaks to making sure we cement solid relationships with the B&amp;Rs of this world in order to make a more meaningful difference to conservation and to our communities. We believe that by making sure that we get more of the conscious travellers, we can have more resources available to us and more of an influence in carrying out our purpose.

Furthermore, there has been this thing in the past where people spend two nights in each location and try to cover as much ground as possible. Going forward, we should start to travel slowly to fewer places and get immersed into the wildlife, the cultures and the challenges of the landscapes. And it’s only through that, that our travellers will really get an understanding of what our roles and responsibilities are. Although we’re closer to the wildlife and the communities, what we’re really looking after is taking care of the health of the entire globe. And we need to partner together to do this, we can’t do it alone. And it’s only through spending enough time in these areas for people to actually get it. Our aim is to ensure that we encourage people to spend more time in each area so they get the opportunity to have a deep and meaningful understanding of what we’re doing. It’s not just about restoration, it’s about having an impact and being able to make that contribution.Michele: That’s a lot to let sink in, wow. As an Experience Designer, I really welcome a lot of your ideas and I know for us, it’s often a challenge to convince people to really slow down despite B&amp;R’s motto of “slowing down to see the world.” When it comes to Africa, people sometimes want to visit three countries during one trip. I think we really need to drop it down a notch, and if there’s a place to do that, it really is Africa. I would love to see more longer stays at camps and more immersive experiences with less impact on the overall environment. That is something we are looking into within our trip planning team. There are so many implications with tourism that can be negative, but there are a lot more positives on the African continent. In your 18 years of safari experience, what and why makes for you the most incredible safari experience? Has it been a migration? Has it been seeing the gorillas? What has struck you that moved you to the core?

Beks: I guess my most impactful safari experience was from when I lived in Matusadona, where I was guiding and managing a small lodge that was floating on Lake Kariba. Part of my job was to track black rhino, which are highly endangered. Every morning, I went out and would track these magnificent beasts. And when you do find them, it becomes such a satisfying thing because you’re likely to encounter lions, elephants and buffalo, and these are the obstacle courses in order to get to the rhino. The memory of being able to go out when there was a report that one of the rhinos successfully had a calf for the first time in years was very exciting. We managed to track this female and the calf and proceeded to spend 15-20 minutes with it. There was an altercation when the wind changed, but being able to see this tiny replica of this humungous beast out in the wild was very special and unique.

Michele: It’s amazing that you mention Matusadona because I remember the floating pontoons, we stayed there a couple of times! The black rhino experience was extraordinary. During a particular visit to the area, I witnessed a young rhino up close and really saw its little lips. That was the first time I truly understood the difference between the black rhino and the white rhino in the lip structure because I could see the little hooked tensile at the end of its nose curl as it tried to browse. It was an extraordinary moment of understanding.Last year, I was in Madagascar and for the first time. I really got an understanding of extinction. A highlight of my trip to Madagascar was seeing the world’s rarest bird of prey at the moment, the Madagascar fish eagle. I could feel the loneliness, there’s something like 10-20 viable mating pairs left in Madagascar. I looked at the bird as we floated by the rocky outcrop and watched it take flight. It let out one of its haunting cries and that was that moment where I felt like I saw what extinction was because, in my lifetime, that bird will not make it. Our continent is full of these amazing stories of success and heartbreaks, so what we do is extremely important. Thank you Beks for what you do and for being the ambassador of everything good on this wonderful continent. I look forward to the new world and bringing more people to show and share these experiences through phenomenal guides who share the ethos that we all have.Beks: Thank you very much Michele and a big thank you for all of your support over the years. The B&amp;R team has been absolutely incredible and I’ve really been supportive of the work that you all do so thank you.

Check out our full line-up of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/africa">trips on the African continent</a> and discover how you can experience this magical part of the world with B&amp;R.

Discover conscious travel with B&R partner, Beks Ndlovu—where slower journeys, community impact, and conservation come together to create more meaningful safari experiences.


Conscious & Sustainable Safari Travel with B&R 

Experience Africa beyond the expected

Discover Africa

Why Africa with Butterfield & Robinson?

For three decades, we’ve been crafting journeys across East and Southern Africa, guided by enduring relationships and trusted expertise. We consider seasonality, wildlife movement, lodge atmosphere, pacing, and how each region complements the next.

60 Years of Craft. 30 Years in Africa.

A safari doesn’t have to mean sitting in a vehicle from dawn to dusk. With B&amp;R, you can track game on foot with expert guides, bike through local villages and along wildlife corridors, or walk quietly through the bush at sunrise.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We Put the Active into Africa

Closer to wildlife, culture, and the natural world—with exceptional guiding, private access, and thoughtfully designed experiences, alongside meaningful encounters with local communities and experts that reveal Africa’s scale, silence, and raw beauty.

We Take You Closer

We don’t own camps. We don’t operate lodges. And we’re not tied to filling rooms. That independence gives us the freedom to choose the very best in each region—iconic properties, private conservancies, and pioneering conservation camps—based solely on what’s right for you.&nbsp;

Independent by Design

Why Africa with B&R?

What is one of your favourite on-trip memories?"The real magic begins in our pre-trip conversations, when I learn what matters most to travellers and design moments that feel both personal and unexpected. For one couple celebrating an anniversary in Kenya, a passing comment about their wedding led to a vow renewal with Samburu warriors in full traditional dress. For an avid guitarist who mentioned having to leave his instrument at home, we made sure a guitar was waiting for him at each camp along the way.” &nbsp;

Start Planning with Christine

Africa specialist

Christine Tucker

We're Africa specialists, not a safari company with a sales team. Your planner has personally scouted your route, built direct relationships with guides and camp managers, and experienced these destinations firsthand. You're not choosing from a catalog, you're co-creating something built around your interests, travel style, and what matters to you.But here's what really sets us apart: we go beyond the vehicle. Staying true to our active roots, we design experiential moments that go beyond passive game viewing. You’ll get to experience walking safaris that let you track wildlife on foot, conservation projects where you contribute meaningfully, cultural exchanges that feel authentic rather than performative. We believe the best way to understand Africa is by engaging with it directly, not just observing it through a window.

What makes a B&R Africa trip different from other luxury safari companies?

Not the way we design it. While game drives are central to safari (and there's real magic in those early mornings and sunset hours), we know how to weave in active elements that transform the experience from passive observation to full immersion.Walking safaris put you at eye level with the landscape. You will experience tracking animals on foot with an armed guide, reading signs in the sand, and feeling the ecosystem around you. Bush walks can range from short nature strolls to half-day treks, depending on your fitness and interests.Beyond walking, we build in experiences that engage you physically and culturally: mountain biking through conservancies, canoeing the Zambezi at sunrise, horseback riding alongside giraffe and zebra, rock climbing or rappelling central Kenya, even archery lessons with the Hadza hunter &amp; gatherers in Tanzania, or learning traditional tracking skills from San Bushmen in Botswana.&nbsp;Our strength is creating that holistic experience, not just ticking off animal sightings from a jeep seat.

Is a safari just sitting in a vehicle for a week?

The beauty of Africa is its variety.&nbsp;From Cape Town's vibrant gallery scene and street art to Nairobi's contemporary art movement, Africa's creative communities are thriving. We can arrange private studio visits with acclaimed artists, tours of design districts showcasing African fashion and textiles, or visits to craft cooperatives where you'll meet the artisans behind the work.Safari might be the hook, but once you're on the continent, the possibilities are extraordinary. Tell us what intrigues you beyond wildlife, and we'll show you an Africa most travelers never see or even could imagine exists.&nbsp;Africa is so much more than game drives, and we love designing trips that reveal the continent's creative energy, cultural depth, and diversity beyond the bush.&nbsp;

What if I want to experience more than a safari?

Any age can work, but context matters. In general, the sweet spot is 5–13 years old. At this age we find that they are old enough to appreciate the experience, but young enough to be genuinely enchanted, ask questions, and form the foundation for how they'll perceive and experience the world.We've also found success with teens by building in active elements like walking safaris, conservation activities, or cultural exchanges. These give them agency and engagement beyond passive game viewing, and let them see in action things they might have touched on in school.That said, every family is different. Comfort levels with long-haul travel vary, and what feels right for one family may not for another. That’s why having a conversation is so valuable, Christine&nbsp;will walk you through how an African safari really works, and despite common assumptions, it’s often one of the most rewarding trips you can take with children.

What's the right age to take kids on a safari?

This might surprise you, but Africa's camps and lodges are exceptionally accommodating. Rather than simply omitting ingredients, chefs take pride in creating thoughtful, delicious alternatives so you're not just eating around your restrictions.Gluten-free? Expect fresh-baked bread made with alternative flours. Vegan? You'll find creative plant-based dishes that rival anything you'd get at home, often featuring local ingredients and traditional preparations. Severe food allergies? Camp managers brief the entire kitchen staff and take cross-contamination seriously.The hospitality ethos in African camps is deeply personal, and no request is too challenging. We communicate your dietary needs well in advance, and staff genuinely want to exceed your expectations. You'll eat remarkably well, restrictions and all.

How do you handle dietary restrictions or food allergies?

Africa rewards early planning, but last-minute trips aren't impossible. A good rule of thumb: booking about a year out from your intended travel date gives you the best shot at securing your preferred camps and activities. Below is an overview of ideal booking windows.<h3>East Africa</h3>Peak Season: June–October (Great Migration &amp; dry season) &amp; January–February (short dry season)<ul><li>Book:&nbsp;9–12 months in advance</li></ul>Shoulder Season: March–May &amp; November–early December<ul><li>Book:&nbsp;6–9 months in advance</li></ul><h3>Southern Africa</h3>Peak Season: June–October (dry season &amp; best wildlife viewing)<ul><li>Book: 9–12 months in advance</li></ul>Shoulder Season: April–May &amp; November<ul><li>Book: 6–9 months in advance</li></ul><h3>Festive Season (Dec 20 - Jan 5):&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Plan for 12–18 months in advance, especially for private villas and family suites</li></ul><h3>Multi-Generational &amp; Group Travel&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Add 2–3 additional months to the timelines above</li><li>Larger suites, exclusive-use villas, and coordinated logistics require extra lead time</li></ul><h3>Last-Minute Travel</h3><ul><li>Occasionally possible 2–4 months out during shoulder season. Rare during migration or peak dry months.</li></ul>

How far in advance should we book?

Africa FAQs

Luxury walking safaris, game drives, private conservancies, and rare lodges across 10 African countries. Bespoke itineraries crafted by on-the-ground specialists who been in Africa for 30 years. 

Luxury Safaris & Private Tours in Africa

The heart of Morocco is off the beaten path – and we’ve weaved together breathtaking walks that lead right to it. Hike along the Plateau du Kik and drink in the views of the High Atlas Mountains. Sip mint tea in Berber villages at the foot of Jbel Toubkal. Stroll the fragrant Valley of Roses. And put your feet up at exquisite hotels – just in case the heart of Morocco is hiding out by the pool.

The cradle of civilization, Egypt is a land where Pharaohs, Pyramids and King Tut’s legacy have captivated curious travellers since ancient times. While it’s not hard to find every moment stirring in the grandeur of the world’s oldest civilization, we focus on the special bits that bring history to life. Whether you’re cruising down the mighty Nile or exploring Cairo’s shimmering museums with the family, the world’s oldest treasures await around every corner. Beyond the historical wonders, Egypt's natural beauty beckons with the Red Sea's sandy beaches, sleeping under the stars and camel rides through the white-sand desert. Get inspired and let us craft a timeless adventure tailored just for you.

Historic Sites

Authentic Food

Larger Than Life

Egypt is ancient history with a pulse—pyramids at sunrise, Nile cruises at golden hour and tombs that still leave you speechless. Wander Cairo’s glittering museums, snorkel the Red Sea and toast under desert stars. With pharaoh-worthy sights and modern magic at every turn, this is one epic tale you get to step into.

Where past and present collide

A treasure trove of wonder

Explore the Pyramids, sail the Nile between 3,000-year-old temples and reach Siwa Oasis on a custom Egypt itinerary. Privately guided and built for you.

Egypt Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Morocco is one of our oldest friends—the land, in fact, where the idea of a B&amp;R expedition was born. We saw a stunning country beautifully suited to our penchant for pedalling, and knew we absolutely had to introduce it to our travellers. Today, we give you the very best that a luxury Morocco bike tour has to offer—magical Marrakech, Berber villages, stunning oases, fabulous food, a Kasbah hotel, the High Atlas Mountains and an absolutely unforgettable riad stay in incredible Essaouira.

Incredible Rides

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Insider Access

Morocco serves up a varied array of mountains, deserts, and coastlines so readily, you'll swear it’s showing off. Pedal from the snow-dusted High Atlas to surfer-chill Sidi Kaouki, through crimson valleys, sacred villages, and candlelit desert dinners. Along the way, meet locals who’ll happily share their stories, their mint tea, and the kind of magic that can’t be Googled.

From the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designer

From gravity-defying granite boulders to wildlife-rich plains, Zimbabwe is a land where the beauty of Mother Nature shines like nowhere else on earth.&nbsp;Adapt to the gentle pace of safari life as you follow in the footsteps of the Big Five, canoe safari along the Zambezi River and marvel at the natural wonders of Matusadona National Park, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools and Lake Kariba—spotting giraffe, elephant, cheetah and more.&nbsp;In between game drives, you'll connect with conservation organizations that are working to safeguard wilderness areas and inspire a new vision for our oldest continent.

Unveiling Nature's Masterpiece

Zimbabwe Conservation Safari

Have the experience of a lifetime on a bike or, if you prefer, an amicable camel. Go from bustling&nbsp;souks&nbsp;to Berber villages and crumbling&nbsp;kasbahs. Lose yourself overnight in the silky Saharan dunes at a breathtaking tented camp, and luxuriate at Kasbah Tamadot, Dar Ahlam and Riad Farnatchi (exclusive to us). You’ll think you’re walking toward a mirage, but trust us, it’s all real.Please note! For the October departure, you will stay at Kasbah Tamadot instead of Olinto.&nbsp;For information about the hotels assigned to your departure, kindly contact your Travel Advisor. You can also download the detailed itinerary to view the complete hotel lineup.

Unforgettable Experiences

From dining beneath the stars to cycling through palm-lined oases, Morocco brings the magic. Pedal desert trails, hike to a hidden Amazigh village, dine under Saharan stars, and explore Marrakech with our friend Mohammed. With luxe camps, ancient souks, and tagines that will linger in your dreams, this adventure is as bold and unforgettable as the land itself.

Journey into the Sahara

Can’t find your dates? 

Go Bespoke

Have the experience of a lifetime on a bike or, if you prefer, an amicable camel. Go from bustling&nbsp;souks&nbsp;to Berber villages and crumbling&nbsp;kasbahs. Lose yourself overnight in the silky Saharan dunes at a breathtaking tented camp, and luxuriate at Kasbah Tamadot, Dar Ahlam and Riad Farnatchi (exclusive to us). You’ll think you’re walking toward a mirage, but trust us, it’s all real.

Spend 6 nights biking into the Sahara on this small group adventure. Golden dunes, ancient kasbahs and 1 desert camp under more stars than you've ever seen.

Ultimate Morocco: The Sahara to Marrakech Biking | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

It’s hard to believe that so much beauty, diversity and wine can be found so close to Cape Town. Not to mention the spectacular lodges and biking and hiking routes. This journey is not dissimilar to many of our European jaunts, as we pop easily from one elegant hotel to the next - enjoying vineyard tastings, art gallery visits and animal sightings along the way. Pedalling past dramatic vistas, we move from the Cape Peninsula to the winelands then finish with a few days of witnessing the&nbsp;“Serengeti of the Sea" on marine safari.

Exploring the Cape and beyond

Local Connections

Morocco does anniversaries like it does everything else—spectacularly (and often over mint tea). Hike Atlas foothills, lunch with Amazigh locals (and yes, they’re amazing), and trade stories in remote villages. Cruise the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, watch a Sahara sunset by camel, and toast it all with a private charter finale to Casablanca. For our 60th, we’re not just doing Morocco—we’re doing Morocco at its most memorable.

Spend 5 nights in Morocco on this small group adventure for B&R's 60th. Atlas mountain trails, hidden kasbahs and 1 Sahara camp for the night sky of a lifetime.

Atlas to Atlantic: A Grand Moroccan Adventure | Butterfield & Robinson

Breathtaking Landscapes

History, Culture & Conservation

South Africa was made for cyclists. From rugged coastal cliffs to vineyard-laced valleys, this journey dives deep into the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape. Cycle through fragrant fynbos, sip award-winning wine&nbsp;where it's grown, and uncover the region’s rich history—from mission towns to Mandela’s legacy. With every spin,&nbsp;you’ll experience a place where culture, cuisine, and natural beauty collide in all the best ways.

Spend 5 nights biking Franschhoek's mountain wine valley on this small group tour. South Africa's finest cellar estates, Huguenot trails and vineyard lunches.

South Africa Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

Nature's Wonders

Namibia is a country whose dramatic and diverse landscapes can make you feel like you’ve reached the end of the earth.&nbsp;From the soaring sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the remote wilderness of Kaokoland, this journey takes you deep into the wild. Fly low over desert plains, track desert-adapted wildlife, and connect with the Himba people—discovering a land as raw and riveting as it is unforgettable.&nbsp;

Spend 3 nights in the Namib Desert on this small group adventure. The world's oldest sand dunes, guided biking and hiking across a landscape that resets you.

From the Namib Desert to Windhoek: A Namibian Odyssey | Butterfield & Robinson

Diverse Landscapes

Commitment to Conservation

Vibrant Culture

The Seychelles offers a rare kind of island drama; granite peaks rising from turquoise seas, forested trails leading to hidden coves and beaches where silence is part of the luxury. Walk among giant Aldabra tortoises, snorkel vibrant reefs and explore the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, a prehistoric palm forest found nowhere else on Earth. With tourism carefully limited, days unfold without crowds, whether your adventure is on a private island or you're sailing its postcard-worthy waters.

Dive pristine coral gardens, hike tortoise reserves and sail between islands on a custom Seychelles itinerary. 115 islands, privately guided and entirely yours.

Seychelles Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

South Africa’s many colours are reflected in the kaleidoscope of art, music and cuisines in her cities, the 12 official languages she boasts and in the faces of her people (Zulu, Sotho, Xhosa, descendants of British, Dutch, French and Cape Muslims, to name a few). Here, you can sip the finest new world wines, bike through fynbos-bedecked hills, swim with sharks or spend the day tracking the Big 5 before watching the sunset below the horizon with a sundowner in hand. B&amp;R’s South Africa blends the colours in a canvas of people, experiences and sensations that we hope will take your breath away. So breathe in the pure African air, and let us plan your ultimate South African safari.

Land of Striking Contrasts

Unique Gastronomy

Yes, it's a long flight—but there is (quite literally) no place on earth like South Africa. One moment you’re biking through fynbos hills, the next you’re tracking lions before toasting the sunset with a chilled Chenin. With wild coasts, big skies and even bigger wildlife, it’s a feast for the senses. Come for the views, stay for the vibes—and let us tailor every jaw-dropping detail.

Come for safari, stay for Ubuntu

It’s by no accident she’s known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Safari the Kruger, surf the Garden Route and cycle the Cape Winelands in 1 tailor-made South Africa trip. The country's best experiences, built around you.

South Africa Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Modern Rwanda is a nation rooted in its past, yet firmly set on its future. This wave of optimism has made the country's beauty all the more captivating: lush cloud forests home to some of the world's last mountain gorilla, coffee plantations draping the hills in glistening green, mountain ranges dominated by volcanoes, undiscovered national parks—and most importantly, the people who are eager to share the story of their nation's journey and resilience.

In the Wild

Luxurious Stays

In Rwanda, every step tells a story—of resilience, wild beauty, and a future written with hope. Trek lush forests, cross dizzying suspension bridges, and lock eyes with chimpanzees and silverbacks in their misty mountain homes. From coffee-covered hills to the shores of Lake Kivu, this journey is stirring, stunning, and unlike anything else on Earth.

Explore the 'land of a thousand hills'

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details. 

Our Limited Edition Rwanda Hiking trip offers an unparalleled journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills, blending extraordinary wildlife encounters with exclusive cultural experiences. Over nine days, you’ll explore Rwanda’s lush landscapes, home to tea and coffee cooperatives, rich history, and vibrant culture. The stars of the journey are undoubtedly the primates—you’ll have multiple opportunities to track both chimpanzees and Silverback gorillas in their natural habitats, getting within metres of these magnificent creatures while learning about their behaviours and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them.&nbsp;Beyond the primate encounters, you’ll have access to B&amp;R exclusive hiking routes at the Twin Lakes with views of the Virunga Volcanoes and immersive trails along Lake Kivu and into Nyungwe House. Along the way, you’ll also meet conservation experts and a former gorilla tracker, gaining rare insights into the impactful work being done in Rwanda to preserve its wildlife and ecosystems.&nbsp;

Contemporary Rwanda is a country moored by its recent past, yet firmly set on its future. Everywhere you look, the country is churning and forward-looking. With this influx of optimism the exceptional beauty of Rwanda has never been more intriguing: cloud forests that house some of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, burgeoning coffee production which carpets the hills with shiny green leaves as far as the eye can see, incredible mountain ranges comprised of volcanoes, National Parks ripe for discovery, hidden inland beaches—and most importantly, people who are welcoming and eager to share the story of their country and their resiliency.

Trip price is inclusive of a $1,500 Gorilla Permit.

Conservation Efforts

Kenya is safari in its purest form—and so much more. From the cultural hub of Nairobi to the traditions of the legendary Maasai Mara, you’re in for a wild ride. Elephant trails, savannah sunsets and stories written in dust and hoofprints. Escape the 4x4 and track wildlife on foot, then sleep under the canvas where lions lull you to sleep. From mobile camps to mountaintop villas, fashion to food, this is adventure that runs wild—and goes deep.

Walk with big five in Kenya's Chyulu Hills, bike savannah trails and stay in 1 of Africa's most exclusive tented camps. Safari done entirely on your terms.

Kenya Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

A Sensory Experience

In The Wild

Tanzania is East Africa in high definition—sweeping savannahs, crater floors and Kilimanjaro towering over it all. Watch wildebeest thunder across the Serengeti, meet the proud Maasai and toast the day’s sightings by lantern light. With 130 cultures, world-class wildlife and landscapes that stop you mid-sentence, Tanzania isn’t just a safari—it’s a full-sense awakening.

Where the wild and the heart transcend

Bespoke travel lets you take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Walk the Ngorongoro Crater rim, bike through Maasai country and sleep under canvas in the Serengeti. A tailor-made Tanzania trip built around you, not a group.

Tanzania Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

In Zambia, abundant wildlife, remote locations, limited access and incredible natural beauty bring amazing paybacks to the intrepid safari-goer. This is a land of easy smiles and generous moments, where small planes are used as taxis to deliver you to isolated camps that are as wild as they are luxurious. Old-style safaris done by foot remain one of the best ways to get amongst the game. From South Luangwa National Park—nicknamed “the crowded valley” for its prolific wildlife—to the impressive waterways of the mighty Zambezi River, let us craft the Zambian safari of your dreams.

Life-changing Safaris

Leopard and Big Cat Viewing

Off the Beaten Path

Zambia is untamed, intimate, and endlessly rewarding; a land where abundant wildlife, remote landscapes and spectacular natural beauty meet. Fly by small plane to luxurious camps tucked into the wilderness and explore on foot through South Luangwa’s prolific “crowded valley” or along the majestic Zambezi. With adventures that feel profoundly personal, Zambia reveals Africa’s wild heart up close.&nbsp;

home of the legendary walking safari

Canoe alongside hippos, fish the Zambezi and walk with elephant at dawn on a custom itinerary. The Lower Zambezi: Africa's most intimate private wildlife trip.

Zambia Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Adventure for All

Rwanda is raw beauty and quiet power—where misty hills hide mountain gorillas and every step tells a story. Trek through Volcanoes National Park, meet locals rewriting their future and dive deep into Kigali’s vibrant soul. With wildlife, resilience and awe in equal measure, this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips… that somehow feels like just the beginning.

Rwanda, so much more than its primates

Trek to mountain gorillas in the Virunga, bike tea-covered hills and discover a Rwanda far beyond what most travellers see. Tailor-made, entirely yours.

Rwanda Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Though small in size, Morocco offers a strikingly varied landscape, ranging from golden dunes and dry plains to the Atlas Mountains, cedar forests and deep blue waves of the Atlantic. Thanks to our incredible local team (with whom we've been working since the nineties), you'll experience the best of it. Explore the Sahara Desert and stunning oases by foot, bike and camel, and discover the Souks, museums and incredible dining of its dynamic cities on a bespoke trip in Morocco.

Morocco is colour, contrast and a whole lot of soul. Trek the Atlas, ride camels into Saharan silence and sip mint tea with Amazigh guides (no, that's not a typo—but yes, they're also capital-a Amazing). From riads to kasbahs, souks to sand dunes, this is travel that stirs the senses—and lingers long after the last call to prayer. Adventure here is anything but ordinary.

Explore the stunning contrasts of Morocco

Marvel at Morocco's stunning beauty

Bespoke travel lets you take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to create your tailor-made trip.

Bike the Atlas Mountains, hike Berber trails and get lost in Fes's ancient medina on a tailor-made itinerary. A custom Morocco journey, built around you.

Morocco Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

Zimbabwe is an Africa of distinct but complementary charms. Wildlife-rich Mana Pools inspire canoe safaris amongst submerging hippos, basking crocodiles and bathing elephants, while the vast waterways of Lake Kariba explode with birdlife and superlative sunsets. In Hwange National Park, your quintessential safari comes alive—early morning game drives, incredible guides, prolific wildlife and stars that blanket the heavens. The other-worldly landscapes of the Matobo Hills safeguard ancient stories painted into granite walls, as teetering boulders stand sentinel. Amongst it all, the tumult of Victoria Falls maintains a perpetual rage, while the mighty Zambezi powers relentlessly on. Let us weave your own African narrative—below are some ideas to help guide you.

Expert Guides

Rich Culture & Ancient Heritage

Commitment to Conservation 

Zimbabwe is bold, diverse, and unforgettable. Canoe past elephants in Mana Pools, chase fiery sunsets across Lake Kariba, and safari through Hwange with world-class guides under starlit skies. Wander the otherworldly Matobo Hills, where ancient rock art tells timeless stories, and stand in awe before Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi thunders on.&nbsp;

Big five territory

Track lions on foot, boat past hippo pods and watch Hwange's waterhole at dusk on a tailor-made itinerary. Zimbabwe's finest wildlife, privately guided.

Zimbabwe Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

Embark on a journey of unparalleled beauty and luxury in the heart of Botswana with Butterfield &amp; Robinson. Drift through the serene waterways of the Okavango Delta, where the gentle rhythm of mokoros and the distant roar of lions creates an intoxicating symphony. Experience the vastness of the Kalahari Desert, with its endless horizons and star-studded skies, where every sunset paints a masterpiece. Nights are spent in exclusive tented camps, where opulence meets wilderness, and days are filled with adventures that capture the essence of this pristine paradise. With Butterfield &amp; Robinson, Botswana is not just a destination; it's an invitation to indulge in nature's grandeur with unmatched luxury.

Botswana is wild, raw and endlessly captivating. Half pristine wilderness, half pure magic. Witness zebra and wildebeest thundering across open plains, gaze out over salt pans, and drift by mokoro through the mirrored channels of the Okavango Delta. With horseback rides, walking trails and game drives across an array of ecosystems and starlit skies that feel close enough to touch, Botswana is untamed and unforgettably yours.

Botswana's Majestic Canvas: A Luxury Escape

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Helicopter the Okavango, walk with lion in Linyanti and watch elephants at dusk on this small group luxury safari. Africa's most exclusive wildlife region.

Luxury Botswana Safari & Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Even by Africa's standards, Namibia is vast—and sparsely populated, explaining the country's peaceful, almost 'soulful' feel. The world's oldest desert, the Namib, resides here, and there are few more stirring landscapes on the planet. Persimmon-hued sand dunes, white salt pans and burnt mountains paint the horizons. Black rhinos, big cats and elephants roam freely in Etosha National Park. Meet with the Himba people in the far northwest and the San in the east and see the country's complicated colonial past immerge as you wander the architecture and museums in Swakopmund (fondly known as "Little Bavaria"). Discover Namibia on a private, bespoke trip—tailored-made your way. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

Unforgettable Experiences 

Unique Cultures

Namibia is otherworldly, untamed, and unforgettable—a land of endless horizons and striking contrasts. Stand atop the towering red dunes of the Namib, wander through canyons carved by time, and watch wildlife roam across the shimmering salt pans of Etosha. From desert meeting ocean on the Skeleton Coast to starlit nights beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth, Namibia delivers adventure on a grand scale.&nbsp;

Talk about surreal

Gravel bike Namibia's ancient desert, kayak the Skeleton Coast and sleep under the world's most vivid night sky. Africa's most extreme tailor-made adventure.