We’re redefining the safari experience with our fresh and innovative approach to mobile safaris.
Embark on an enchanting journey through the untamed wilderness of Botswana with our mobile expeditions, where camping beneath the expansive African skies becomes a magical experience. Led by local expert guides brimming with pride and passion, our safaris offer an authentic and immersive adventure.
We have named these Safaris Mobile Expeditions – as these are journeys of discover and each Expedition carefully crafted to guests requirements – avoiding the cookie cutter or one size fits all approach!
With only six guests per vehicle, each participant enjoys a coveted window seat, avoiding the discomfort of overcrowding. Accompanied by expert local guides, a camp cook renowned for their culinary prowess, and a camp hand, our safaris promise comfort and authenticity.
Operated by carefully selected independent safari operators under the Safari Selections Botswana Banner, our expeditions adhere to stringent standards to ensure a premium-quality experience.
All Mobile Expedition operators conform to all government regulations and are members of the HATAB (Hotel and Tourism Association of Botswana) and BOGA (Botswana Guides Association). While HATAB members can only access HATAB campsites in National Parks and Reserves, BOGA members have access to additional BOGA sites, offering a wider choice of campsites.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to ensuring that the majority of profits directly benefit the local operators, with our fee serving as a modest handling charge. This ethos underscores our dedication to supporting community-based tourism in Botswana, a crucial aspect of sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. Talk is cheap – Money buys the whiskey!
Our overnight expeditions operate on a private basis with no set departures, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. We do not offer one-night safaris as these are generally too rushed. Invest in a minimum of two nights – you will thank us later!
Our Expedition leaders are more than just guides; they are hosts, welcoming you to a country they love and delighting in sharing their passion for Botswana’s wildlife. Beyond offering insights into the local fauna, they also delve into the rich culture and customs of the region—a captivating fireside conversation awaits.
Accommodation options include rustic dome tents with en suite facilities or luxurious glamping tents with larger en suite amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the wilderness. All bedding is provided, and guests gather in a covered dining area or lounge under the shade of majestic trees or around the campfire.
We include all park fees, three meals a day, and sundowner drinks, with bottled water available at all times. Our food is home away from home food – we try to include a few traditional Botswana dishes, adding a culinary aspect as well as always amazingly delicious. Please provide us with your dietary requirements – we aim to accommodate most preferences as possible.
Our chosen campsites are almost without exception within National Parks and Government Reserves, chosen for their conservation significance. We tend to avoid “private and exclusive” campsites like the plague – we have our reasons and these are well-founded.
The distance covered each day on our Mobile Expeditions varies, but we always maintain a leisurely pace. After all, this is a time for relaxation—not rushing about. We prioritize spending quality time, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the experience without feeling hurried or stressed.
Mobile Expeditions depart from either Maun or Kasane. From Maun, the two or three-night Moremi Game Reserve is the most popular, and the three-night expedition into the ‘Last Wilderness of Botswana – Poha and Nogatsaa expedition” is the most popular from Kasane.
Expeditions starting or ending in either Maun or Kasane which traverse the entire Moremi, Savuti, and Chobe Riverfront are also offered again on an individual basis. We never travel from Khwai/Moremi to Chobe Riverfront in one day – it is possible, but it’s a long, long day bouncing about.
Speaking of Savuti, Savuti can be a bottleneck, and camping sites either HATAB or BOGA can be almost impossible to access in peak season. Our sister company SKL Camps operates the Savuti Camping site – should space not be available anywhere else, we can revert to Savuti Camping – you will be informed should this be the case.
On our Mobile Expeditions, which are generally land-based – when we are in the Moremi Game Reserve, we try to add in Boating and/or mokoro experiences as value adds.
During peak season, efforts are made to minimise congestion, allowing for a truly immersive wilderness experience. Despite our best efforts at times – they simply cannot be avoided such as park entry gates.
Another hallmark of our expeditions is our adherence to the rhythms of the bush. We rise early for expeditions, maximizing our time until the last light of the day, ensuring every moment is immersed in the wilderness. This lifestyle seamlessly transitions into an early bedtime, facilitating an early rise to greet the new day’s adventures.
While other operators may offer cheaper rates, it’s essential to compare apples to apples – read the small print and includes and excludes while considering who truly benefits from the safari experience.
We are confident that guests, given the option to support local tourism, where the majority of profits benefit small independent operators, will readily choose our expeditions. Coupled with the assurance of a guaranteed window seat for every guest and rustic en-suite accommodation, the decision to invest a little more becomes a no-brainer.
For those desiring a more luxurious Mobile Expedition, we offer the Glamping option. This includes spacious tents, complete with flush toilets and other amenities for added comfort. Additionally, the Glamping experience ensures exclusivity, with a minimum requirement of 4 guests per expedition.
With Safari Selections Botswana, your adventure not only promises unforgettable memories but also contributes directly to local communities and conservation efforts.
1) Dome Tents:
These tents are usually sized at either 2.4 meters by 2.4 meters or 3 meters by 3 meters. Many mobile operators now offer rustic en-suite facilities, including a bucket shower, hand basin, and a toilet.
2) Mini Meru Tents:
These tents are larger than dome tents and provide increased comfort.
3) Meru Tents:
These are spacious and provide a comfortable camping experience, often equipped with en-suite facilities.
Whether you prefer to be hands-on or to unwind entirely, mobile safaris offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying the comforts of a well-equipped camp.