Natural Selection is a collection of family owned businesses who have partnered with the shared purpose of offering unique safari experiences alongside a commitment to conservation. Founded by one of the biggest names in the business, Natural Selection is fast becoming a major safari operator in the region. Their diverse portfolio of camps ranges from high end luxury to rustic adventure across a diverse range of areas including the Kalahari and Okavango.

Conservation is at the very heart of Natural Selection and the business model from the outset has been to craft safaris that not only conserve but give back, to this end Natural Selection return 1% of revenue to various conservation projects.

The Natural Selection Camps stand out for their individual styles and characters. While the luxury ranges from private plunge pools and the finest cuisines to simple camp outs on the salt pans the experience is always expertly delivered and special.

The Natural Selection operates in two areas in the Okavango, the Mapula reserve in the north and the Khwai Private Reserve in the east, both beautiful and game rich areas. Mapula Lodge is a smart colourful luxury camp based on this northern reserve, their luxury private mobile outfit is also based on the Mapula reserve. On the vast Khwai Private Reserve lies Tuludi, the premier luxury camp, Sable Alley their smart tented camp, Jackal and Hide as their mid-range camp and Hyena Pan their most affordable camps. Skybeds is a unique three bed camp open half the year offering overnight stays under the stars.

In the Makgadikgadi, the salt flats of the Kalahari, are four camps which fall under the Unchartered Africa partnership. Most famous is Jack’s Camp, one of Botswana’s flagship lxury camps. San Camp is the elegant sister camp offering a luxurious safari experience while Camp Kalahari offers a more affordable and rustic experience. Planet Baobab is the budget option for self-drivers.

Meno o Kwena lies on the Boteti River, the frontier between the Kalahari and Okavango and offers a more rustic and affordable safari.

The Natural Selection portfolio also includes camps in Namibia and South Africa.
The four founders all began their careers in the bush many years ago. Colin Bell, Dave van Smeerdijk, Dr Jennifer Lally and James Ramsay are old friends. They have partnered with some of the biggest names in the safari industry including Ralph Bousfield (who founded Jack’s Camp and a number of other Uncharted Africa camps) and top guide Pete Alilison (author of the famous ‘Whatever you do, don’t run’).

One of the Founders, Colin Bell, was also one of the founders of the original Wilderness Safaris Company, currently the largest operator in Botswana. Through his work at Wilderness safaris he is recognised as one of the original pioneers of high-end safari tourism and wilderness conservation.