African Bush Camps: 20 Years of Connecting People, Place, and Purpose

African Bush Camps: 20 Years of Connecting People, Place,
and Purpose

In 2026, we mark 20 years of connecting travelers to Southern Africa through safaris shaped by
people, place, and purpose.

What began in 2006 as a single camp, Somalisa Camp, in Hwange National Park has grown into
a collection of luxurious, purposefully curated Experiences across Botswana, Zambia, and
Zimbabwe. Through African Bush Camps Foundation (ABCF), working alongside us since our
founding, every journey supports conservation and community initiatives, allowing guests to
connect meaningfully with the communities and landscapes they visit.
Twenty years on, every safari continues to reflect the care, expertise, and respect for the people
and places that have guided us from the very beginning.

Authentic Safaris

For our Founder and CEO, Beks Ndlovu, the story began in the bush itself. Growing up in rural
Zimbabwe, he spent his childhood tracking elephants and learning to read the subtle language
of the land – experiences that later led him to become a guide.
“Those early lessons shaped how I see the world,” he says, “and how we approach every safari
we create.” For us, luxury is about authentic connection with the wild, experienced as it was
meant to be.

Guided by the Best

At the center of every African Bush Camps safari are our guides. Raised in these regions, they
are true custodians of the land, carrying the knowledge and stories of the bush within them.
Their profound connection to the landscapes transforms every journey, allowing guests to
experience the bush with insight and wonder.

We know that an extraordinary safari requires an exceptional guide. That’s why, each year, all our
Experiences close for ten days so that every guide can take part in our intensive Guide Training
Program, covering practical skills, theory, first aid, and safety. This Program ensures our guides
are confident, knowledgeable, and fully prepared to lead guests into the wild, transforming each
safari into an extraordinary journey of connection and discovery.

A Legacy of Impact

For 20 years, we have measured success by what truly matters: flourishing landscapes,
empowered communities, and meaningful journeys that resonate long after the safari ends.
Through ABCF, we invest in education, conservation, and sustainable livelihoods around our
Experiences. Every guest booking contributes directly to conserving wildlife and landscapes,
supporting local communities, and sharing Southern Africa responsibly.
This commitment has guided us for two decades and will continue to shape the next 20 years
and beyond as we build on our legacy with care, knowledge, and purpose.

Looking Ahead: Milestones in 2026

Our Newest Icon Experience

A lavish new Icon Experience in Botswana’s Linyanti Reserve, offering unparalleled access to
exclusive wildlife areas and encounters with Southern Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Guests enjoy
bespoke safari itineraries, world-class accommodations, and experiences curated for
exclusivity, luxury, and discovery.

TALA Gin

This year marks the debut of TALA Gin, our signature spirit crafted from wild sage, baobab,
lemon bush, and African juniper. Created in collaboration with a craft gin lab and available soon
in select Experiences, it’s a toast to the stories intertwined in every African Bush Camps safari.

20 Years Event

We’re hosting an exclusive Cape Town evening with partners, sponsors, and distinguished
guests. This is a landmark celebration intended to honor two decades of authentic safaris,
powerful connections, and enduring impact across Southern Africa.

Wellness Space

We are entering a new chapter with an expanded focus on holistic wellness. Our approach is
grounded in the idea that true restoration comes from nature itself. Rather than introducing
wellness as something separate, we’re weaving it more intentionally into our Experiences to
create even more moments for guests to pause, reset, and reconnect with Africa’s landscapes.

ABCF

In 2026, the rehabilitation of Ditshiping Clinic in Botswana will transform infrastructure,
consultation rooms, and essential facilities, creating a safer space for patients and healthcare
workers and expanding access to quality healthcare across the wider community.
At Khwai Primary School, ABCF will fund a new computer lab, bringing digital learning and
internet access to children in this remote rural community for the first time and opening doors
to skills and opportunities that can transform their futures. The new library – officially opened in
January and funded by First Capital Bank and Mosha Wellness Spa – is already inspiring a love of
reading and learning.