Knowledge. Experience. Trust.
Our destinations
Tailored, off-the-beaten-track African safaris since 1984
Explore Africa with Bushbuck
At Bushbuck Safaris there are no set routes and no limits when it comes to where you might go. We regularly explore new corners of Africa, sometimes simply because a client has asked about somewhere a little different, and we’re always happy to share what we’ve found.
Here are some of the destinations our travellers visit most often. Most stays at each camp or lodge last three to five nights, so it’s easy to combine countries or regions, with everything linked by light aircraft or vehicle.
Botswana
Lush Delta waters meet wild Kalahari dunes
Botswana is a veritable Land of Plenty but also a country of contrasts: from the lush greens and blues of the Okavango Delta, with its thick vegetation and gleamingly healthy wildlife, to the haunting and eerie Kalahari desert.
Wind through the shimmering Delta channels in a dug out canoe as elephants graze on the shore, before exploring the arid desert on horseback, harking back to a bygone era of exploration. Botswana is a magnificent country, where on safari game drives are exceptional, luxury is a given, and every day is magic.
Kenya
Classic safari romance with electrifying wildlife
Kenya has a touch of safari romance which is difficult to replicate anywhere else on the continent. The people are welcoming, the wildlife is exhilarating and the atmosphere electric.
With so much to see and do, you could spend weeks getting lost in Kenya’s charming embrace; and many people do, returning year after year. The Masai Mara and Greater Mara’s wildlife is second to none, with charming tented lodges staying true to the original safari form, while Laikipia is a patchwork of private ranches with family-friendly activities in their own slice of safari wilderness.
Malawi
Warm Heart of Africa with pristine lake shores
As a land-locked country, Malawi doesn’t spring to mind as the ultimate African safari and beach destination. But with its sweeping Lake Malawi – the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world – it’s an ideal spot for turquoise waters and as much activity or relaxation as you see fit. The safari camps and lodges are well established, and worth a visit for those who want something a little different.
Nicknamed Lake of Stars for its reflection of the night’s sky, Lake Malawi offers miles of sandy beaches and gloriously tropical underwater life. Enjoy a sedate snorkel, diving up to 700m in places, or kayaking and sailing on the glittering transparent waters, which will lull you away from the stresses of everyday life, and into Africa’s deepest, brightest inland jewel.
Maldives
The world’s best beaches and most luxurious hotels
The Maldives is the ultimate Indian Ocean beach destination. With an array of pristine islands with turquoise waters lapping powdery white sand, there is a reason this island getaway is on many bucket lists. Beneath the water lies a spectacular safari, with cliff-edge coral reefs and the brightest fish in the sea.
The country’s beauty and isolation means it’s not the easiest to combine with a safari, but the Maldives is reason enough to take a long haul flight. You are met with paradise on earth and a heavy dusting of luxury to top it off. After a stay in the Maldives, beaches will never quite be the same.
Mozambique
Barefoot luxury beaches and turquoise Indian Ocean waters
Mozambique has a never-ending eastern coastline and along this sit a number of archipelagos which epitomise the Indian Ocean ideal of white sand beaches and glistening seas. The safari scene is new and exciting, but a beach stay here can also be an excellent extension after a safari elsewhere.
There is no doubt Mozambique has some of Africa’s finest beaches. It is a truly stunning destination; importantly, it’s still excellent value for money when compared to the plush Maldives, even though if offers the same heavenly beach scenes.
Namibia
Dramatic dunes, starry skies and wild coastlines
Namibia certainly does not do anything by halves. The skies are starrier, animals stranger and the landscapes more dramatic than anywhere else in Africa. An arid and never-ending land of sand dune horizons, pink sunsets and desert adapted animals sets Namibia apart as a one of a kind African adventure destination and certainly not the safari “norm”.
A road trip adventure around Namibia is a singular experience, where the world opens up into lunar landscapes and burnt orange vistas around every turn in Sossusvlei. Head north to the Skeleton Coast and visit shipwrecks of historic voyages destroyed by this wild and windy expanse, where sea crashes into desert and brown hyena prowl the coastline. Namibia is another world.
Rwanda
Mountain gorillas and a warmly welcoming land
Rwanda is an astonishing country. With an unthinkably traumatic recent history, it’s testament to the Rwandan people’s strength of character that it stands today as a wonderfully welcoming place for tourists to visit and enjoy. The scenery is beautiful, the primate viewing exceptional and the cities pristine.
Take a trek into the Volcanoes National Park and spend an hour with the rare, protected mountain gorillas; a once in a lifetime privilege. Being in their presence is one of the most grounding wildlife experiences in Africa, and Rwanda is one of the best countries to see them, all from the comfort of marvellous lodges. Rwanda’s safari scene is underrated and definitely worth a visit, but you can easily combine a gorilla trek with a Kenyan or Tanzanian safari too.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Untouched volcanic islands and rare birds
Officially named Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, or just Sao Tome Islands for short, this archipelago is located in the Gulf of Guinea approximately 180 miles off the West African coast. It’s made up of two major volcanic islands surrounded by eight small islets, of which six are inhabited.
The country remains safe and welcoming to visitors, particularly ecotourists, for whom the advancing jungle is a delight. The island is fascinating for seasoned safari-goers, with an extraordinary 28 endemic bird species, while exploring tourists can revel in experiencing a wild, untouched slice of Africa largely to themselves. “Off the beaten track” is a cliche, but one earned by this incredible natural paradise.
Seychelles
Powder-white sands and pure paradise
Seychelles: the name is synonymous with the world’s most beautiful islands, each located in the perfect azure of the Indian Ocean. These islands possess unrivalled beauty and live up to the country’s slogan ‘Seychelles – as pure as it gets’. Each of the 115 islands has its own unique identity and special character.
Few places in the world can compare to the Seychelles as a beach destination, with world class underwater exploration, powder white sands and tranquil lodges. It can be as luxurious or as barefoot as you like, but whatever your style, it will never be anything short of heaven.
South Africa
Discover wildlife, winelands, and vibrant Cape Town
A country with outstanding wildlife areas, the bright lights of cosmopolitan Cape Town and the serenity of the nearby winelands, South Africa is perhaps the most diverse destination on the continent. A myriad of adventures await in this beautiful, fascinating and action-packed southern Africa country.
In a fortnight, you could sip on Pinotage in a vulumtuous vineyard and watch the sun go down, eat at some of the world’s best restaurants Cape Town, and tick off the big five safari animals in one of the densest wildlife destinations on the planet in the Kruger National Park. South Africa is popular, and deservedly so, but that means careful itinerary planning is key.
Tanzania
Wildebeest migration and vast Serengeti plains
Tanzania is home to some of the best wildlife viewing areas on the continent. With the Great Wildebeest Migration there year-round and the greatest predator concentrations on the planet in the Serengeti National Park, to the serene, authentic southern parks and the wild primitive west; Tanzania is truly a phenomenal destination for every safari need.
Sweeping, endless plains and acacia-dotted horizons encapsulate the Serengeti’s singular atmosphere. With the rumble of thundering hooves and prowling predators in every thicket, the Serengeti is spine-tinglingly raw, and home to charming tented camps. From here, things only get wilder in Tanzania, with the burnt-red Ruaha National Park in the south, where elephants stomp and lions laze in great herds and prides.
Then to the far-flung west to the Mahale Mountains, where chimpanzees swing above one of the most unique camps in Africa. After all this, head to Zanzibar, a short plane hop away, for all your Indian Ocean needs. Tanzania has everything.
Uganda
Primate viewing in a wild, beautiful land
Known as the “Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is captivatingly beautiful. With so many ways to explore via canoe, on foot or by vehicle, Uganda is an adventurers’ paradise. Home to the watchful mountain gorillas, a well-established safari scene and boisterous chimpanzees; this country is exciting, spirited and full of unforgettable experiences.
Uganda feels like a wild adventure, where you can enjoy its spectacular scenery largely to yourself. Some areas feel almost pre-historic, with the watchful stares of shoebill storks and no other humans in sight. Uganda is endlessly beautiful with some of the most enticing primate viewing on the planet; it deserves attention.
Zambia
Raw, exciting safari and charming camps and lodges
Zambia is raw and authentic no-fuss Africa like nowhere else. The parks are bushy, wild and exciting, with the rivers winding and mighty. Bush camps are charming without superfluous luxury and they champion homely atmospheres; combine this with staggeringly good wildlife on top of the continent’s finest guiding and you get one of the best safari countries in Africa.
The South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park are among the most spoiling safari spots on the continent; it’s not unusual to look up and see the flick of a leopard’s tail resting on the treetops of an ancient ebony forest, or to turn a corner and be met with an old matriarch elephant, ears in the air protecting her young. Zambia is a wild place – with world class boating, fishing and walking safaris too – where time stands still and action explodes all around.
Zanzibar
Characterful spice islands with beautiful beaches
The Zanzibar Archipelago is a stone’s throw away from mainland Tanzania and is home to East Africa’s finest beaches and quirky boutique hotels. Zanzibar Island attracts most visitors for its vast array of lovely beaches and its lazy Swahili coastal vibe. Pemba Island is truly authentic, with only one or two hotels on the island, while Mafia Island has the best whale shark snorkelling on the continent.
For most travellers, Zanzibar Island, with its magnificent beaches and the dainty dhows pottering in and out of the Swahili bustle of Stone Town, does the trick. There are so many levels of luxury to choose from but Bushbuck knows the best characterful lodges on the most spoiling pockets of beach to ensure you get the best slice of this vibrant coastal paradise.
Zimbabwe
Underrated wilderness, Victoria Falls and superb guides
Zimbabwe might just be one of the most underrated safari countries in Africa. While many flock to its neighbours, Zimbabwe offers equal wildlife experiences for less than Botswana, and in more privacy than South Africa.
The parks are never-ending canvases of surprising, varied wilderness, and the way in which Zimbabwe can be explored is second to none with the very best guides on the continent and world-class walking safaris. The mighty and impressive Victoria Falls is a must-see on any Zimbabwe holiday and a real highlight of Southern Africa. Couple the thundering waters of Victoria Falls with mighty wildlife concentrations surrounding an array of thoughtful camps, and Zimbabwe should be on every safari-lovers hitlist.
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