Into the Wild: The Magic of African Bush Camps in Zimbabwe and Botswana
Posted on February 14, 2025, featured in Experiences
There’s something truly magical about waking up to the gentle rustle of canvas, the distant call of an African fish eagle, and knowing that just beyond your luxurious tent, wild Africa awaits. At Sikeleli Travel, we’ve spent years crafting extraordinary safari experiences, and there’s one partnership that consistently delivers those unforgettable moments: African Bush Camps. Otherwise known as ABC
Why African Bush Camps Holds a Special Place in Our Hearts
What sets African Bush Camps apart isn’t just their stunning locations or their impeccable service (though both are exceptional). It’s their ability to make you feel like you’re not just visiting Africa – you’re becoming part of its story. From Somalisa Camp in Hwange to Khwai Tented Camp in Botswana, each property has its own unique character while maintaining that intimate, authentic bush experience we know our guests crave.
Zimbabwe: Where It All Begins
Our love affair with African Bush Camps started in Zimbabwe, and it’s easy to see why. Take Somalisa Camp in Hwange National Park – it’s not uncommon to watch elephants drink from the camp’s pool while you’re enjoying your morning coffee. The guides here aren’t just experts; they’re storytellers who bring the bush to life with their passionate knowledge and genuine love for the land.
But it’s Mana Pools that often steals the show. At Zambezi Expeditions, you can experience the thrill of canoeing past hippos on the mighty Zambezi River, or track the famous Boswell, one of the park’s legendary elephants known for standing on his hind legs to reach the highest branches. For a touch more luxury, Nyamatusi Camp offers the perfect blend of wilderness and comfort – think private plunge pools with views of the river valley.
Remember MANA is walking walking walking magic – get off that jeep and find wildlife with your guide on foot.
Botswana: A Different Kind of Magic
Cross into Botswana, and the landscape transforms, but the magic remains. Khwai Tented Camp, nestled in one of Botswana’s most game-rich areas, offers front-row seats to nature’s greatest shows. Whether it’s watching a leopard stalk through tall grass or witnessing massive herds of elephants move through the Khwai Private Reserve, each day brings new wonders.
The Majesty of Linyanti
The Linyanti region, a hidden gem in northern Botswana, is where African Bush Camps really shines. Here, the stunning Linyanti Expeditions Camp offers an intimate safari experience along the Linyanti marshes. The area is famous for its large elephant herds and exceptional predator sightings, particularly wild dogs and lions. The magic of Linyanti lies in its remoteness – you’ll often feel like you have this wildlife paradise all to yourself.
Exciting New Additions
African Bush Camps continues to create extraordinary safari experiences with their new Icon Experience properties. Their latest masterpiece, Atzaró Okavango Camp, sits in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta like a hidden oasis. Accessible only by helicopter and powered entirely by solar energy, this intimate retreat represents a beautiful partnership between African Bush Camps’ deep safari expertise and the Atzaró Group’s refined hospitality experience.
Each of the twelve private suites and villas offers its own plunge pool where you can watch elephants wade through channels or hippos surface in the delta waters. The camp’s design draws inspiration from its surroundings, with elements that echo the delta’s natural palette. From morning yoga sessions to afternoon spa treatments between game drives, every aspect of your stay is crafted to connect you deeply with this remarkable environment.
In Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, their newest gem Lolebezi offers an extraordinary wilderness immersion. Perched on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, this intimate camp lets you fall asleep to the sounds of hippos grunting and wake up to elephants drinking at the riverbank. The seamless blend of comfort and wild Africa creates an atmosphere where you can truly live in the moment, whether you’re tracking leopards on foot, canoeing past buffalo on the river’s edge, or watching wild dogs hunt across the floodplains.
What Makes These Experiences So Special?
Intimate Camp Sizes: Most camps host no more than 12-16 guests, ensuring personal attention and an authentic bush experience.
Expert Guides: Many of whom have grown up in these areas and share not just their knowledge, but their hearts with guests. ABC is known to have some of the best and longest standing guides in Southern Africa
Location, Location, Location: Each camp is strategically placed in prime wildlife areas, maximizing your chances of incredible sightings. Again walking, boating, jeep and even a helicopter is all possible
Flexibility: Want to spend extra time watching that pride of lions? Or perhaps extend your game drive to follow a pack of wild dogs? That’s the beauty of these intimate camps – they adapt to your interests.
GREAT rates: With Sikeleli we are a preferred partner – meaning excellent value for your trips and the more you combine (Bots / Zim / Zam) the more you save…
Relationships: All of us at Sikeleli have a friendship with the amazing founder of ABC Beks Ndlovu. A longtime friend and mentor of Danni, he’s always been a supporter of Sikeleli and our brand, thus if happens to be on safari when you are there… can make your stay that much more magical with his stories and incredible knowledge.
Perfect Pairings
For an unforgettable journey through southern Africa’s most captivating wilderness areas, we love to combine:
3 nights at Somalisa Camp in Hwange Zimbabwe (where elephants drink from the waterhole right in front of you!)
2 nights at Victoria Falls Livingstone Zambia (for adventure and the raw power of nature)
3 nights at Linyanti Expeditions Botswana (for untouched wilderness and exceptional predator viewing)
3 nights at Atzaró Okavango Camp Botswana(to experience the Delta’s maze of waterways and abundant wildlife)
For those seeking to extend their adventure into Zambia, we highly recommend adding 3 nights at Lolebezi in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Here, you can combine walking safaris and canoe expeditions with incredible game viewing along the mighty Zambezi River – each day bringing new discoveries and unexpected moments of wonder.
This combination gives you the best of both countries: Zimbabwe’s raw wilderness and Botswana’s pristine delta ecosystem.
When to Go?
While each season offers its own charm, we particularly love:
May to September for classic game viewing
November to April for bird watching and baby animals (plus, the rates are often more favorable) Mana Pools closes up for the floods as it’s seasonal but a combo of Botswana and Hwange and Victoria Falls is still possible
A Personal Touch
What truly sets these experiences apart is the personal connection. Whether it’s sharing stories around the campfire with your guide, learning about local conservation efforts, or simply sitting in peaceful silence as a herd of elephants passes by, these are the moments that transform a holiday into a life-changing journey.
Ready to Experience It Yourself?
As someone who’s walked these paths, tracked these animals, and spent countless nights under African skies, I can tell you that no two safari experiences are ever the same. Each journey with African Bush Camps writes its own unique story – and we’d love to help write yours.
Whether you’re dreaming of your first safari or planning your tenth return to Africa, let’s craft an adventure that speaks to your soul. Reach out to us at Sikeleli, and let’s start planning your perfect African Bush Camps experience.
Remember, in our world, it’s not just about the destination – it’s about the stories you’ll tell, the moments that take your breath away, and the memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to start your adventure? Contact us at karen@sikelelitravel.com, or fungai@sikelelitravel.com and let’s bring your safari dreams to life.
