Knowledge. Experience. Trust.
About us
Tailored, off-the-beaten-track African safaris since 1984
The Bushbuck story
Camps in the early 80s were all privately-owned and operated, there were no big companies. In fact, when Boo and Michael decided to launch Bushbuck around the campfire at Mombo, there were only five safari companies in the UK. Six months later, Bushbuck packed off our first clients to Botswana, before adding Zimbabwe trips, and then eventually the rest of East and Southern Africa.
In 1987 Boo was back in Botswana armed with two friends, who both happened to be army officers, all set to drive through the Kalahari. Just before their trip, the three had a night in dusty then-roadless Maun where they settled into the bar at The Duck Inn. There was a wedding in Maun that weekend, so it was empty, save a Frenchman who was drinking wine at the bar.
Pierre Jaunet and Boo got chatting. He had dreams of bringing over a 1944 Catalina flying boat from Vancouver to run trips up and down Africa, from Cairo to Victoria Falls, landing on rivers, lakes and oceans. Boo thought this was a wonderful idea, and Bushbuck became the managing agents for the Catalina Safari Company alongside arranging luxury safaris to Africa.
The flying boat took 16 passengers on a trans Africa 27-day adventure, and the likes of Bill Gates chartered it, subsequently donating some of his fortune towards local education and healthcare in Africa.
The flying boat took 16 passengers on a trans Africa 27-day adventure, and the likes of Bill Gates chartered it, subsequently donating some of his fortune towards local education and healthcare in Africa.
As well as Boo’s catalina project with Pierre, another side quest was born from Bushbuck’s commitment to discovering and platforming the best guides in Africa. In 1990 Bushbuck formed the Safari Guides Company, with the idea that it would be fun to connect the top guides from across the continent under one umbrella.
Once a year each guide hosted a conference in their country, where they would share stories from the Namib desert to the Mahale Mountains. This venture is why Bushbuck specialises in fully privately guided safaris, on top of our tailored safari trips.
Many members of the original Safari Guides Company like Robin Pope and David Foot have gone on to expand their safari offerings with a myriad of camps and trips which are still happening today. Bushbuck is equally committed to introducing the next generation of star guides to our clients, and we have dozens across the continent, all with their own specialisms.
Boo camped in the bowl of the Ngorongoro Crater with just mosquito nets in 1984 and was on safari when the idea of luxury lodges didn’t exist
Safaris for everyone
At Bushbuck Safaris we know that no two travellers are the same. Whether you are a couple looking for something quiet and romantic, a family wanting an adventure everyone will remember, or a group of friends ready to explore together, we can shape the trip around you.
We particularly specialise in multi-generational trips, and often send big groups of little ones, parents and grandparents on safari. No group is too big or comings and goings too complicated. It’s all possible on a Bushbuck Safari, so if you have a big, sprawling family safari dream, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Multi-generational safaris
Away from modern-day distractions, with plenty to do and lots to talk about, this is the ultimate way to spend quality time with your family.
Yet, creating a carefully developed itinerary and moving numbers of people around can be like mobilising a small army. Thankfully, we know the best camps – and importantly the best guides – which will take care of activities and logistics on the ground.
Bushbuck will sort out the organisational headache so you are free to enjoy your safari.
- Unrivalled for family & multi-generational holidays
- Escape modern distractions for pure quality time together
- Stress-free: all organisation & activities handled for you
- Flexible itineraries & schedules tailored completely to your group
- Guides who inspire adventure or deliver peaceful downtime
- Children engage with family in fresh, deeper ways through shared adventure
For couples
From the clearest Milky Way of dreams to the unparalleled natural world below, an African safari is pure romance.
Whether you’re in a five star luxury lodge or a charming meru tent, you will not find more attentive staff or intimate lodging anywhere else in the world.
Luxury here is a given, whatever your budget.
- Unrivalled for romantic honeymoons
- Off-grid tranquility after a busy wedding
- Stress-free: all organisation handled for you
- Awe-inspiring moments to share together
- An array of activities to suit all (boating, beach, walking, riding and more)
- Luxury is in the DNA of safari, whatever your budget
- A unique experience tailored to you: no two Bushbuck trips are the same
For individuals
Safaris are fabulous for solo travellers.
Many of our favourite spots in Africa are incredibly sociable, with communal dining tables and intimate camps welcoming guests as part of a family, rather than separate guests.
Solo travellers often make friends for life around a safari camp-fire.
- Safaris are sociable, with communal dining available in many camps and lodges
- Meet likeminded people, with a shared love of the natural world
- Stress-free: all organisation is handled for you and there will be someone to meet you every step of the way
- You have our contacts on the ground for extra peace of mind
- Huge array of activities for special interests