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Healthy beetroot smoothie

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“Believe in yourself! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”
– Hosea Ballou

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Lightbox Gallery

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Don’t forget to explore these things in Iceland

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Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora.
Torquent per conubia nostra
Per inceptos himenaeos.

Latest Wildlife Sightings: Dry Season Delivering Epic Encounters

Dry season in the African bushveld is known for delivering spectacular sightings and this season has been full of epic, action-packed encounters. From big cats to birds of prey, the predator-prey action has been off the charts.

Here are the latest wildlife highlights and sightings from our collection of camps in the Greater Kruger and Botswana.

Sharing unfenced border with the Kruger National Park and Timbavati, animals roam freely in this wildlife-rich region. nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot have been brimming with incredible sightings and unforgettable moments in the wilderness. With dreamy star-studded open skies to morning coffees that look like oil paintings, The savannah grasslands and dense bush (which is thinner in the dry season months) of the Klaserie have been full of adventure with exciting encounters around every acacia.

Dreamy sunsets at nThambo Tree Camp

Photo by Max Beeson, Leopard in the Klaserie

Photo by Guest, Tyron Vermaak in the Klaserie

Spa baths and close encounters at nThambo Tree Camp

The undulating terrain of the rugged Maseke at Chacma Bush Camp has been brimming with beautiful big cat encounters. From a regal queen lioness to a leopard up close. Dry season this year has been one for the books.

Powerful and majestic. Captured by guide, Nicole

Named Kadimba, meaning ‘ancient’, a younger male leopard. Photo by Chacma guide, Matt Smith

Guests have been treated to elephant soirees right from the beautiful deck overlooking the sandy banks of the Mohlabetsi River at Nyala Safari Lodge.

Unforgettable moments from the comfort of camp

Leopards lazing and lions roaring, it’s been wildly beautiful at Nambu Camp.
Spot the oxpecker’s catching a ride on the rhino’s back!

Captured at Nambu camp by guest, Caroline Culbert

That deep guttural bellow. Captured at Nambu camp by guest, Caroline Culbert

While a guest at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside captured predator-prey action of another kind!

Remarkable capture by guest, Paul Zimmer

While it may be dry season in Botswana, this refers to the skies. The plains fill with water and form the meandering channels of the delta. Water and life are abundant.

Boteti tented camp

Boteti Tented Camp

Boteti Tented camp

When are you booking your next wild adventure?

Contact our reservations team here for any questions or enquiries.

Your Safari Guide to the Wild: Meet Ingrid from nThambo Tree Camp

Guiding is an art and our guides are phenomenal so we are diving deep and sharing more about the unique individuals that make your safari experience an unforgettable one. Tracking animals through the fresh spoor markings on the ground in the early morning light, explaining behaviours and patterns, leaving you in awe and wonder of the natural as their infectious curiosity and love for the wild radiates from them.

At each of our camps and lodges across Southern Africa and Botswana, there are twice-daily guided game drives and optional walking safaris at some. Marvel at nature as you explore the wilderness through the eyes of an expert. Safaris are an immerse learning experience where you get to interact and connect with the wilderness on a profound level.

We may be biased but we think our remarkable guides are next level.

Meet Ingrid. A powerhouse and wealth of knowledge.
She left her career as an attorney to follow her passion and love of the wild and pursue a career in guiding. She has been sharing her wisdom of the wilderness at nThambo Tree Camp since 2017

Every game drive with her is an adventure, an immersive one packed with insight, observation and experience.

Where did you grow up and what first drew you to the bush?

I grew up in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
What first drew me to the bush was my childhood experience with nature. But after living in Ghana and a bit in Zambia, I realised what I really missing while having a professional career.

Do you remember your very first safari experience?

Not much about my first driving safari experience but my first walking safari, which changed my whole outlook on my guiding career. I had just done my first bush walk (as new guide) and the next moment I was to walk the guests back to the safari vehicle with the guidance of the trails guide. This was where my Trails Guide journey started.

How did you become a guide? What was your journey like?

In 2017, I was fortunately enough to be given the opportunity to change careers which I should have done ages ago. Started with Limpopo Field Guiding from there just continued obtaining experience on foot and on a vehicle. It was not an easy journey, as COVID was part of this journey but an interesting one. It is still a very much male orientated career and as a female guide, you do face a lot of challenges. Got to meet so many interesting people and got to learn so much in this time. Started in the Western Cape and made my way back to Gauteng (Dinokeng Game Reserve). From there to the Lowveld.

How long have you been at nThambo? What’s your favourite thing about being in the Klaserie?

I started in March 2023 at Nthambo and my favourite part is maybe the fact that the lodge is without a fence. We had a lot of animals moving through the camp the last couple of years including lions, hippo, honey badgers etc.

What’s your favourite thing about living and working in the wild? Not to be living in the city, the everyday traffic and in the normal 9-5 working days. There is not one day that is the same and with a different type of “traffic”.

Is there a moment on safari that sticks out / you’ll remember forever?

Too much to remember but maybe my first Wild Dog kill. Experience the confusion of the hunt and how the dogs swam after a waterbuck.

What’s the most unusual or surprising animal behaviour you’ve ever witnessed?

Maybe starting a game drive and just finding fluff everywhere. Just to discover that a leopard stole a big cushion from the neighbour and carrier up in a tree and just ripped it apart and left the remaining parts up in the tree.

What’s the most valuable thing you ever learnt from the bush?

Expect the unexpected.

What’s one thing guests are often surprised to learn about safari life?

With us is the fact that we can get close to the animals and that they do not react to the vehicles if we keep a safe distance.

Do you have a favourite animal sound or bird call?

The fish eagle call is my favourite and the best if the hippos are calling together. Just such an African moment, I would call it.

What do you hope guests take away from a safari with you?

A bit of Africa and incredible memories.

What does it feel like going back to the city or when you’re away from the wilderness?

Run 😊, just the rush is enough to chase you back to the wilderness.

Nothing quite like an African sunset

Guided safaris turn every journey into an immersive adventure. Experiencing the wilderness this way is remarkably different to self drive safaris as you are guided by individuals with years, decades, sometimes even an entire lifetime, of bush experience.

Sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, book your next safari at nThambo Tree Camp located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Game Reserve.

Safari Rituals: Dawn to Dusk Adventuring and Everything In Between

From dawn until dusk, every moment of the day on a safari feels like a sacred ritual that pulls us into the present moment.

Smiles and sunrises at Africa on Foot

Waking up to a gentle tap at the door, before even the dawn chorus of birdsong has begun, wrapping up in layers for a crisp dawn game drive with a quick cup of coffee from either the station in your room or fresh coffee at the meeting area. Heading out with anticipation to see what adventures will unfold and what special encounters the day will hold. A liminal moment when you move from sleep into the raw wilderness surrounding you.

In the winter months, the air has a bite to it so gloves and beanies are recommended. All of our lodges have blankets to wrap around your legs that come in handy as soon as the vehicle begins moving and the air feels icy.

Morning rituals

Mornings are a special time on safari. Thermoses packed and binoculars ready, everyone quietly climbs into the open vehicles. There’s a softness, a sleepy excitement that accompanies morning drives. With visible yet baited breaths, game vehicles head out to explore and uncover what the animals got up to during the night. Who made it through another wild night and who did not. Many predators such as leopards, hyena and lions are nocturnal and hunt during the nighttime. You maybe heard the coughs, whooping calls or deep throated grumblings echoing around you while sitting beside the campfire.

Reading the ‘The Daily Mail’ aka the tracks written in the sand, guides will lead you on a journey of discovery. Fresh dew upon the grass means the cats are likely to walking on the road or a path. Eyes peeled and ears open for any alarm cries or calls from the wild. With each sunrise comes a spectacular painting splashed across the sky, the morning palette of candy floss colours that welcome in the new day.

Open plains and freshly brewed coffee at Nyala Safari Lodge

Each day is unique in that, there is no way of knowing what will happen or what you will encounter. The ritual lies in awakening to that simple and beautiful truth. Opening and engaging your senses to take in whatever unfolds before you. Stilling your mind so that you can tune into the wilderness around you.

As the sun begins to heat up the bush around and you slowly begin to lose a layer or two, guides will find the perfect place in the wild for you to have a stop, a stretch and a delicious cup of (Amarula-laced?) coffee or tea and something delicious to nibble on. Lips begin to loosen as you recall the incredible sightings or special moments that have been shared. Before heading back to camp for a hearty breakfast before another quintessential safari ritual – a midday siesta.

Peaceful moments

Sleep. Safari. Eat. Repeat

Literally and simply, your schedule on safari, with perhaps a some more snacking in between.

Relaxing and unwinding on the deck at Nyala Safari Lodge

Midday siesta or afternoon snoozes are deeply rooted in the daily rhythm on safari. Exceptionally early wake up calls are felt in the body after a few consecutive days so it’s essential to make the most of these hours. Retreat to a shady spot by the pool or take a rest in your beautiful room. Relaxation spaces are spread throughout the camps. Whether it’s finding a quiet spot on the deck overlooking the wilderness to read and doze to lounging on a sofa or sunbed. The heat of the day (even in winter) means everyone including the animals are taking a time out. Aligning ourselves and tuning our rhythms to that of the wild.

Enjoy tranquil downtime at Chacma Bush Camp

Staying cosy at Nambu Camp

The heat of the day signals a pause. A moment to exhale and find stillness and relaxation in the wilderness. Enjoy the comfort of camp while unwinding and appreciating the nature that surrounds you. This is really where you get to sense into the vacation or holiday element of your safari. Time to read, journal, swim, decompress, simply be.

Sundowners on safari

Nothing quite like an African sunset

After a slow afternoon, before the light begins to shift, the energy picks up as temperatures slowly begin to cool.

Afternoon game drives usually head off around 3-4pm. Jackets and warm things may not be required just yet but as soon as the sun begins to dip they’ll become necessary.

Guides tune into the wilderness to follow the sounds, smells and signs that lead to animals and encounters. Maybe to a water source in the drier winter months or a place with elevation or shaded spots.

Sundowners are quintessential on safari. Finding the spot where the light hits just right. Guides are often on the lookout for that special place. Overlooking a plain or space where you can fully appreciate the wild nature all around. More than a drink, a sundowner is a toast to the day, to adventure, and to being alive.

Think G&T’s, wines, beers and biltong with francolin’s calling in the distance or plains game grazing with ever-watchful eyes and twitching ears. Soaking up the magic of golden hour, when the light is at its most beautiful.

Sundowners on the Olifant’s River at Nambu Camp

Heading off into the night with a spotlight for eyes. The bush truly awakens at night. Sounds and calls and movements begin to stir as the sun dips.

Fireside rituals and storytelling

Boma area at Nyala Safari Lodge

Time bends on safari, where the day is measure in moments not minutes.
Time takes on a different quality. No longer are we confined to time by appointments and duties but rather sinking into natural rhythms. Following an ancient way of being. Morning rising, Midday pausing, Evening adventuring and Fireside endings. There is something incredibly nourishing about ending a day beside a fire.
Campfires are called Bush TV for a reason, they are mesmerising.

Crackling fires in the boma at Nambu Camp

An ancient ritual that connects us to the elements as well as others. Stepping away from phones and screens and enjoy the thick Milky Way above you on clear winters nights.

These rituals tether us to something wilder, slower and more real.

How can you bring the essence of the safari way of life into your every day? Finding stillness, appreciating nature, tuning into natural rhythms. Perhaps, it’s the clinking of enamel mugs, the smell of wild sage, or crackling outdoor fires that transport you back to the bush. They remind us that the essence is something you carry home with you.

To book your next escape into the wild. Contact our reservations team here.

Adventures in the Klaserie: Guest Review of nThambo Tree Camp

Situated in the vast wilderness of the Klaserie, nThambo Tree Camp sits perched on stilts, overlooking a wild plain.

Guest, Max Beeson, sent us some incredible imagery taken on his safari visiting this dense, wildlife-rich region.

We took the opportunity to dive a little deeper and find out more about his experience visiting this slice of bushveld paradise in the Greater Kruger region.

Hi Max! Tell us a little about where you are from and if this was this your first time on safari?

I am from the United Kingdom, I have been on safari before – this was my third time. Previously I have travelled to Kenya’s Masai Mara and 2 years ago I went to Botswana to visit the Okavango Delta and a Chobe national park.

Tell us a little about your photography! Have you photographed wildlife before? How was your experience of shooting wildlife? Were there any animals you really wanted to photograph?

I’m not a professional photographer, I’m just a person who enjoys taking photos of wildlife. I’ve always had such an interest in wildlife and art, especially the African species and in particular the three big cats that live there (lion, leopard and cheetah). The only time I get to do it really though is when I have been on my safaris so whenever I get a chance to take photos of these such impressive animals I take all the opportunities I can get.

Photo by Max Beeson

I have fortunately been able to see all the Big five, incredibly I saw all 5 in one drive in my recent safari to South Africa where I stayed at Nthambo Tree Camp in Kruger. In terms of the animals I really want to photograph except for the big cats are the other predators, one in particular is the African hunting dog. I was fortunate to see them again in Kruger but it was only a quick glimpse. But I hope to be able to get some pictures of them in my future safaris.

Outside of the predators the best animal to take pictures of are the giraffe- they look so elegant when walking along but also they stand out as looking so unique in the bush. My favourite picture while at Nthambo was one we came across on a drive where I got it walking through the trees with treeline on the horizon.

Photo by Max Beeson at nThmabo Tree Camp

Can you walk us through capturing your favourite safari photo – what was happening in that moment?

When taking the pictures I try to get down low to the animals eye level to get a sense of perspective. I also don’t always place the animal in the middle of the picture as this was to give the picture better composition. And this is advice I would give to others on their pictures. Another thing that I learnt after some advice from other photographers is not always to zoom in up close to the animal as if all you see is the animal and none of the environment and habitat around them then when you or anyone else looks at the picture then the animal may as well be in a zoo, so showing the habitat that it’s in makes the picture look sometimes more interesting.

Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo Tree Camp

Do you have anything to share about nThambo? How was your experience at the camp?

Nthambo was a great experience. I loved it, the lodge was always kept in good condition for us each day and when we got back from our afternoon drives the staff were always there to welcome us back with a drink and warm towel. The food was awesome everyday- cultural and tasty at each meal we had. I never felt hungry at any point whilst there. The rooms were very comfortable, you were always warm at night thanks to the hot water bottles the lodge provided for you each night.

How would you say the Klaserie differs to the other places you have been on safari?

In comparison to my other two safaris the main thing that differed was the environment and habitat that you were in. This was one of the main reasons as to why I chose to go to Klaserie in Kruger, as it was so different to the other places I’ve been to.

The Klaserie is thick dense bush where the animals are able to hide. So seeing animals in completely different contrasting environments instead of seeing them in all the same different types of biomes. It means that when I look at my pictures I can tell where it was taken not by the memory but also by the habitat the animal is in.

Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo Tree Camp

What a pleasure receiving snippets of guests adventures in the wild. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to share about your experiences at any of the Sun Destinations camps and lodges.

Ready for your next adventure into the heart of the African wilderness?

Connect with our reservations team today.

Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo Tree Camp

Photo by Max Beeson at nThambo

Storytelling beneath the Stars: Campfire Chats

Going on safari in winter in South Africa and Botswana means crisp, clear skies, wrapped up in blankets, storytelling beneath the stars, the vast thick river of the Milky Way above.

An ancient pastime, Chacma Bush Camp

Is there anything more ingrained within our bones than sitting beside a flickering fire and sharing stories?
An act as old as man, storytelling is in an ancient pastime that reminds us so beautifully of our shared humanity.
It is part of what makes us humans so compelling and interesting. The ability to tell stories, to remember, and sadly, to sometimes forget. The ability to imagine and to dream, to hope and to wish. They give us meaning, can act as messengers of truths, and remind us that life was never meant to be taken too seriously.

Campfire at Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails

Before we learnt to write, we had words. Stories have for lifetimes been shared through the oral tradition of storytelling. Sitting in front of a warm crackling fire and connecting with the other souls around us. What more inspiration does one need than nature and our imagination? The perfect canvas for cosmic chaos and magic.

The Ash of Our Ancestors

Sitting beneath the guiding light of stars, people of the past, our ancestors, wondered what the bright lights above them were. As the great fiery red orb in the sky disappeared each day, suddenly they would, like magic, begin to slowly turn on. Some brighter, some lighter. They found in time they could make a tiny orb of their own, passed down to them through the hands of their elders. A magic shared that kept them warm on cold and clear nights.
A magic that cooked their food and boiled their water. The stars let them know when animals would move and migrate. It signalled the changing of seasons. It was within this shared circle of warmth that stories began.
Gazing into its ever-moving depths, as sparks flew skywards, the fire created a trail much like the stars shining bright above them. As above, so below. The stars were, like a path of ash trailing high above, the ancestors and Gods themselves. The Milky Way- the river of stars above them- was the ash of our ancestors. They served as a reminder in the darkest of hours, that they were always above, watching down, keeping them warm, and guiding them home.

The Upside Down Tree

Baobab at Camp Savuti

There was a time when the baobab was the biggest, most beautiful and boldly brilliant tree. Or so he liked to boast to everybody. He would make fun of the palms with their spindly long trunks when secretly he loved their wide leaves that created the most beautiful, dappled shade and swishing sound in the wind.
Baobab would pretend he did not like the smell of the frangipani even though he was intoxicated by its sweet scent. He would tell cedar that his bark looked flaky even though he used it for its many medicinal uses. The last straw was when he pretended to the marula tree that his fruit was sour even though he would pick them all up while marula slept and gobble them up so that he could get drunk on the fermented cream of the fruits. The Gods became furious. They decided that baobab needed to be taught a lesson. They turned baobab upside down so that his roots became his branches and his big head was buried deep in the sand.

The beautiful thing is that baobab learnt his lesson. He decided to let his roots grow deep. Baobab became what he imagined but now without the arrogance.

This wisdom allowed baobab to grow very, very old. The fruit he bears is incredibly nutritious and he is the meeting point in many a village. He now, humbly, shares his wisdom with all.

Sit beneath the stars at Nyala Safari Lodge

The Sacred Sound of Rain

Pangolin is considered to be a mystical creature. He is seen to be a gift from the Gods. If a drop of pangolins blood spills on the earth then devastation and natural disaster will follow.
Pangolins rare appearance is an omen of change, blessing, and of rain. It is said that the sound of thunder originates from the shaking of pangolin’s scales.
If a pangolin is found, it must never be harmed. Instead, it is taken with great reverence to the local chief or spiritual leader. When the pangolin is present, a ritual is held that involves many offerings, songs and dance.
Pangolin is seen to act as a link between people and the spirit world. The pangolin is not displayed or made part of a public spectacle—it’s handled with deep respect and secrecy. Never harmed, they are returned to the wild.

An omen of good luck, a pangolin sighting at Africa on Foot

As the world’s most trafficked animal, it has never been more important to protect and conserve these remarkable creatures. If you have not watched the Netflix documentary on Pangolins called Kuru’s journey (directed by My Octopus Teacher Pippa Erhlich) then this is your sign to do so. Get involved and read more about protecting pangolins here

The Daily Mail (is written in the sand)

Walking in the wild, reading the daily mail

Stories are not for just for around the campfire. Every moment on safari is the story of nature unfolding. Coming across tracks and following them to uncover the movements of animals in the night. Seeking them out as they seek shade to shelter from the heat of the day.

Seeing upturned earth and wondering who was there and what were they digging for? Listening to the calls of birds or impala and deciding if it’s a real threat or not. Going on a game drive is in itself a game. A game of Cluedo where we try and work out who has been where and what did they do. In a moment a lion might appear from the dry grass where it’s pelt is perfectly camouflaged. Blink and you might miss it. Move too quickly and it might appear the moment after you leave. It’s part luck of the draw and part knowledge of the bush.

As the grass begins to dry and the landscape begins to brown, there are two constellations that appear together for a while in time. Scorpius slowly begins to creep it’s way up the horizon and soon dominates the winter sky. While Orion begins to fall from sight. Edward, one of our fantastic guides at Chacma Bush Camp stopped and shared this beautiful rendition of a story of star-crossed lovers in the African winter night sky.

Star-crossed lovers

Antares is the bright ruby red star seen in the Southern Hemisphere at night. She is said to be Gaia, the Goddess of nature and is the heart of the Scorpio constellation. It is said that long ago, Antares/Gaia fell in love with Orion. Charmed by him, she falls madly in love, only to find out later that Orion is a hunter and claims he can kill any beast upon Earth. Horrified she banishes him to the night sky and places herself across the heavens on the opposite end of the Earth. It is only now in the Southern skies winter where for a brief moment they share the sky. Forever out of reach, she is the one creature he will never be able to catch.

Sit around the fire at Nambu Camp

Safaris provide the perfect opportunity to awaken and stimulate the imagination. Let it run as free as a wildebeest on migration. Going on safari can awaken a sense of awe and wonder with our natural world. Encountering creatures, great and small. Some of our lodges are child friendly such as Chacma, Africa on Foot and Umkumbe Safari Lodge (5+)

Boma at nThambo tree Camp

While others prefer that children are a little older before joining in on all the fun.
Safaris are truly fun for the entire family. The perfect fusion of adventure, learning, and relaxation. Disconnecting from our busy modern lives and tuning into the pristine surrounding wilderness. It is something that remains awe-inspiring no matter how old you are or how many safaris you have been on. Enquire which lodge perfectly suits you and your safari needs with our knowledgeable reservations team here.

Night sky at Africa on Foot

The Art of Tracking: Tips, Tricks, Signs and Wonderful Discoveries

“The bush is that of a treasure hunt – sometimes you find things, and other times you don’t. And when you don’t, your knowledge is key and your most powerful tool in how to find the things all of our guests desire to see.

Although the big “things” are amazing, it’s the smaller things we often miss that are pivotal in making the big “things” possible.

As guides, the grounds and the skies provide us with guidance and assistance. The grounds give us evidence of what last was here and how long ago – and how long ago, would be a sign to tell us if something is worth following through with the finding of potentially one of the big 5. However, making use of the nature above us such as the sounds of the oxpeckers gives us a possible indication and direction as to where an animal might be for viewing on the vehicle, but especially tracking animals on foot as we are more vulnerable. The oxpeckers, tree squirrels, monkeys, and baboons become a form of communication and safety net to us as they indirectly engage with us by engaging with each other for any danger near and around. Their sounds navigate our directions and findings.

Although we are guides, nature is our guide, and we use it to the best of our ability. We move either with or against the wind, and this in itself, helps us to find what we are looking for, especially our beloved rhinos as their vision isn’t the greatest and they use the wind to pick up any scent around them as to what could be a possible threat to them. The wind magnifies some of their senses to compensate for their eyesight. We take this into consideration when doing a Trails, both for our safety as well as the animal. The wind also allows us to trace the freshness of a track. The fresher, the better.

The slightest crackle of a branch is vital to us. Sounds provide us movement. Any form of movement, is a form of life.”

Leopard male track, Chacma Bush Camp

This beautiful piece was composed by Chacma guides: Edward, Matt, and Trent.

Understanding the intricacy of the wilderness on a bush walk at Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Tracking is a subtle art. It requires intense observation, learning, and patience.

Many of our guides are master trackers. Dedicated hours in the bush have taught them this incredible art.

Nature is our greatest classroom.

Africa on Foot Wilderness trails

Walking safaris provide the ideal opportunity to experience this gentle, ancient way of being. Traversing the wilderness on foot allows for more keen observation of the wild’s signals and signs of life. Grass blades bent differently, the tiny markings of trapdoor spider’s doorway, details that are easily missed while travelling in a vehicle.

Encountering animals on foot is just one of the many highlights. Immersing in nature and the feeling of becoming part of nature are is truly makes the experience alike any other. Vehicles cover ground while walking safaris immerse you in it. Both have unique advantages.

Africa on Foot Wilderness Trail

To find out more about which of our incredible offers walking safaris, our 3 day wilderness trail, or just general safari enquiries, contact our reservations team here.
They will guide you in curating your dream safari.

Make all your wildest wishes come true

Safari Super Moms: Matriarchs of the Animal Kingdom

In the vast tapestry of our natural world, motherhood manifests in many forms. Each is uniquely adapted to ensure the continuation of life. As we honour mothers in Southern Hemisphere today, we shine a light on the remarkable female leaders of the animal kingdom, those whose diverse approaches to nurturing the next generation inspires both wonder and reflection.

From the fiercely protective elephant matriarch who guides her herd through decades of collective wisdom, to the ancient dinosaur-like crocodile who guards her nest with unwavering vigilance, to the python who creates the perfect eggs and nest and then leaves them to live out their own wild journey of independence. Each embodies a different facet of what it means to bring new life into the world.

Nature teaches us that motherhood isn’t confined or defined by a single expression.
It reminds us that our own human experiences with our mothers-whether they were constant presences, guiding lights, or complex figures in our lives—all form part of the universal story of nurturing and becoming.
An ever-present thread reminding us of our interconnectedness with nature. Not apart from but a part of.

Today, we honour this diversity. Seeing how in all its many forms, motherhood shapes our world in profound and lasting ways.

Exploring some of nature’s most fascinating maternal figures. We celebrate the many ways that female animals lead, protect, teach, and ultimately, let go…

The Wisdom of Elephants

The most well known and impressive matriarchal societies in the animal kingdom is the African elephants.
Led by the oldest (and often largest) female, elephant herds rely on their matriarch’s wisdom and experience to navigate their wild world. When people speak of an elephant’s memory, it is because of this fact. An elephant matriarch is a repository of crucial knowledge about migration routes, water sources, and safe passages. It can mean the difference between life and death during droughts for her and her family. Her decades of experience and extraordinary memory support the entire herd.

Herds are a multi-generational family of 6 to 12 members, most of which are her offspring, her sisters, and their offspring. Young female elephants begin learning leadership skills early by “babysitting” calves. This crucial development ensures they will learn the necessary leadership skills when it is their turn to lead.

Matriarchs express their dominance in both competitive and cooperative situations. Though traditionally thought of as autocratic, making most decisions and leading docile “followers,” research shows that any member of a family may make suggestions about plans of action.

“Most successful matriarchs are not self-appointed females who force their way into the position, but are instead chosen by other members of the family – often because of her age and/or perceived wisdom.” Read more here.

Spotted Hyenas

We’ve spoken about how hyenas have got a bad reputation (read our previous post on The Most Misunderstood African Animals here) Disney’s villains are, in fact, remarkable and fascinating creatures. They have one of the most complex and interesting social structures in the mammal world. Their clans are led by an alpha female who establishes the social hierarchy of the entire group.

Female spotted hyenas give birth through their narrow pseudopenis (an enlarged clitoris), which often tears during first births and can lead to fatal complications. Females make males work incredibly hard before mating for this reason. When cubs are born, they immediately enter a highly competitive environment. Spotted hyena mothers don’t intervene when same-sex cubs fight, even when these fights become severe or fatal. Hierarchy/status is often passed down through the mother and what may seem harsh to us is a survival tactic and from an evolutionary perspective, it ensures that at least one strong offspring survives rather than potentially losing both to resource scarcity.

Kindergarten

Spotted hyenas are however dedicated mothers in their own way. They nurse cubs for up to 18 months and defend them fiercely against predators. Spotted hyenas have a unique communal den system. While females initially give birth in isolated dens, they later move their cubs to a shared “kindergarten”. Although there may be many cubs from different mothers in the communal den, each mother nurses only her own cubs.

Baboons

Baboons have been studied extensively to gain insights into early human evolution and behavior due to certain similarities in their adaptations to diverse environments.

Helicopter parents take note! Research, particularly on yellow baboons by Jean Altmann, has identified two distinct maternal styles: permissive and restrictive. Permissive mothers stop restraining their infants at a younger age (around 0.5 months) compared to restrictive mothers (around 2.25 months).

Interestingly, permissive mothers tend to be higher-ranking females, with an average rank of 6, while restrictive mothers have an average rank of about 11. This suggests social status influences maternal style, though the exact reasons aren’t fully understood. “

Read more on this fascinating research here.

Female baboons typically give birth after a six-month gestation period, usually to one infant. Females are the primary caretakers, though several females may share duties for all offspring.

Allomothering, or care provided by individuals other than the mother, is an important aspect of baboon social systems. For mothers, allomothering reduces the time and effort allocated to infant care, allowing them to increase their foraging efforts and efficiencies.

Just like humans, baboons benefit from communal care structures. The saying ‘it takes a whole village’ to raise your children applies seemingly, not only to us, but to baboons and other primates too.

Allomothering appears to help nulliparous (females who have never given birth) develop mothering skills. Studies on vervets found that first-time mothers with high alloparenting experience raised 100% of their first offspring to maturity, while those with low experience had less than 50% survival rate of their first infant.

The Queen Bee

No discussion of matriarchal societies would be complete without mentioning honey bees. The entire hive revolves around the queen, who is the mother of nearly every bee in the colony.

The queen bee is one of the most complete examples of female reproductive dominance. The entire social structure of the hive exists to support her reproductive capacity and the continuation of the colony.

Isn’t that sweet?

Celebrating all mothers and matriarchs today and everyday.
To organise an extra-special safari adventure, connect directly with our reservations team here

Botswana’s Safari Seasons: Wildlife, Weather & When to Visit

Botswana doesn’t follow the seasons the way most places do, it moves to its own rhythm, governed by water and wildlife. Whether you’re drawn to abundantly green and luscious landscapes of summer, the golden hues of autumn, or clear skies of the dry season as the quiet miracle of the flood’s arrival trickles into the Okavango Delta. Each chapter of the year reveals its own unique magic in this pristine, remote region in the wild.

Mokoro boat ride through the winding water channels of the Okavango

Loleme, the tongue

A slow trickle, known as loleme, the tongue in Setswana, is the name given to the first trickle of water that creates the famed Okavango Delta. Slowly feeling it’s way forward, it traces an ancient path, said to taste the dry earth as it goes. What begins as a mere trickle soon becomes the mighty Okavango River in flood, spilling across the land to create a mosaic of luscious, lily-filled, papyrus-lined channels and mirrored floodplains. Teeming with wildlife, birds, fish, and people.

Revered by locals, the arrival of the flood is a celebration. Locals run to meet loleme and walk, dance, and celebrate its arrival.

The beginning of the flood is here.

With it comes the abundance of life that only water can bring.
In Africa, and especially in the Delta, water truly equals life.

A mosaic of papyrus lined waterways

This water travels one thousand two hundred kilometres to reach the delta, originating in the highlands of Angola. It is one of the most incredible natural journeys on earth. The Okavango delta ends not in an ocean but in a desert. Massive storms occur from November untilnMarch in the Angolan highlands and the rain collects into the Cubango and Cuito Rivers, merging to form the Okavango River. This river slowly snakes southeastward, across the Caprivi Strip in Namibia and into the Kalahari Basin of Botswana.

Ancient pathways carved through the desert sand

This ancient and slow journey brings the promise of flood, only reaching and creating the network of winding waterways months after the rain has fallen. While Botswana’s own rainy season ends in March, the Delta doesn’t begin to flood until May or June. The water moves at a snails pace (about 1 kilometer per day!) seeping into the Delta like the slithering tongue loleme, it is named after.

When reaching the delta, the water splits and spreads along ancient carved fault lines and in the plains and across sand and clay. It creates the myriad of winding waterways that becomes home to hippos, frogs, crocodiles and countless other forms of life. Instead of draining into the sea, the water is absorbed into the dry Kalahari desert earth and evaporates into the sky.

This flood reaches its peak in July or August, in the middle of Botswana’s dry season. While the rest of the region bakes, the Delta bursts with life.

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge

By October, water levels drop. The land hardens. Channels dry. The Delta contracts, and the dry earth begins to crack once again. It waits for the distant rains in Angola to begin the cycle once more.

It is one of the very few inland deltas in the world and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to one of the most pristine ecosystems left on Earth.

Botswana has a low-impact, high-value tourism model. They have a conservation and sustainability led approach which means fewer people but at a higher cost. This limits environmental impact and preserves a sense of deep wilderness.

Savuti marsh

It helps to keep wild places, well, wild.

Not only does it mean safaris are more intimate and you’re unlikely to cross paths with other people but wildlife flourishes in low-pressure habitats.

Visit our exquisite camps

Nestled between acacias and situated on the Boteti River, Boteti Tented Camp blends seamlessly into the wilderness surrounding it. Only a 45 minute drive from Maun, it is conveniently located yet still remarkably remote-feeling. Enjoy an intimate connection with the wild in a comfortable Meru-style tented camp. With only 5 Meru-style tents, sleeping 10 pax, it is an exclusive, boutique safari experience. Watch hippos, crocs, and countless bird species frolick while relaxing with a drink in hand on the deck. Take a dip in the pool during the heat of the day or enjoy one of the many safari activities that the camp offers. From afternoon mokoro boat ride through the papyrus lined channels or helicopter rides enjoying the mosaic from above. There’s a host of exciting things on offer.

Boteti Tented camp

Boteti Tented Camp from above

Nights are magic in the wild, Boteti Tented Camp

Maun is a small bush town where you can fly directly into, enjoying an array of restaurants and shops. A great spot to begin and end a safari. It is also where the celebration of loleme can be witnessed as the first trickles of water begin to fill the delta.

Where luxury and the wild meet

Camp Savuti offers another authentic Botswana safari experience where luxury and wilderness meet. Camp Savuti is an eco-friendly camp situated on the wildlife-dense Savuti marsh. It is an area famous for its exceptional game viewing opportunities, in particular for lions that prey and hunt on elephants, which are found in abundance in the area.

Surrounded by the wild, Camp Savuti

Sleeping in luxurious canvas tents on stilts, enjoy wildlife as it saunters by right below your deck. Guests can enjoy a range of diverse activities from game drives through Chobe National Park and exploring the fringes of the dry marsh region. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool on afternoons between dawn and dusk game drives.

Camp Savuti is in a private game reserve bordering the Chobe National Reserve. The Savuti Airstrip is accessible by light aircraft. It’s a 40 minute flight from Maun and Kasane. General transfer times are 40 minutes from Maun, 40 minutes from Kasane and 20- 40 minutes from most other lodges in northern Botswana

Camp Savuti

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge overlooks a thriving waterhole in the remote Kasane Forest Reserve, a relatively unexplored concession bordering the Zambezi National Park in the northern stretches of Botswana. The closest safari tourist town is Kasane, which has an airport open to both domestic and international flights.

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge

Perfect for larger groups, it has 20 bedrooms that all face the water hole. There are also 2 luxury Meru style tents on raised platforms for guests seeking something special. every stay includes two activities per day, which guests can choose from either sundowner drives to the Kazuma Pan; a full day into the Chobe National Park for game drives and a boat cruise; cultural village tours; and day trips to Victoria Falls.

Cool off in the pool at Chobe Mopani

Crackling campfires beneath the stars, Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge

An astounding 40% of Botswana’s land is protected—national parks, game reserves, and wildlife management areas. Many lodges in the Delta are built using eco-conscious designs that leave Littleton no trace on the landscapes.

Green season – the time of rain, birth, and renewal

Botswana has its own rainy season from Nov- March which saw an abundance of rain this past year after a two year drought. Summer down South is known as green season as it turns dry savannahs into emerald paradise for animals. Usually coinciding nicely with the rutting and calving season. Most wild animals are incredibly attuned with nature and its cycles, syncing births with the seasonal rains, when food and water are most abundant. In drought years some grazing animals are known not to conceive at all. Thunderstorms pepper the afternoons and dramatic skies make for incredible photographic scenes.

Migratory birds flock to South and the sky is vibrant with over 500 birdspecies. Have you ever seen the vibrant coral of the carmine bee eater as they swoop down scooping up insects?

Why visit:

Lush landscapes and dramatic thunderstorms
Excellent birding and newborn animals
Fewer guests and great photographic light
Escape winter up North for Summer down South

Everything is golden – Autumn in the bush

The rain peters away. Landscapes open up and everything is simply golden. Golden hour seems to stretch as the autumn light drenches everything in its warm hues. Days are still warm while mornings and evenings begin to get crisp.The tongue of the floods begin to arrive up North.

Why visit:

Comfortable weather
Quiet beauty and shifting golden light
The first trickles of flood in the Delta
Not too busy

Sunsets on the water, Mokoro rides

Floods have arrived/ Dry season

The delta begins to fill and meandering waterways filled with an abundance of life and game viewing. Watch elephants cleaning the mud from reeds as you float by in a traditional mokoro or taste the seeds of a waterlily. Dry weather means open, clear skies. Think storytelling beside a crackling campfire beneath star-filled skies.

Why visit:

Peak wildlife viewing
The season delta dreams are made of
Mokoro and boat safaris at their best
Crisp mornings, starry nights, crackling campfires

Hot, dry season

October is the hottest time of year in Botswana. The land holds its breath in anticipation for the next rainy season to begin. Trees are bare, grass is low and wildlife clusters around water sources so game viewing is spectacular.

Why visit:

Superb game viewing
Dramatic light makes it a photographer’s dream and high predator activity makes for exciting game drives
Adventurous atmosphere

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Contact our reservations team here to help curate the ultimate Botswana safari experience.

Safaris and Conservation: A Wild Pact

Safaris stay with you long after the dust has settled. They are so much more than simply a journey into the wild, not only are they an extraordinary experience, they help protect the wild places you visit. Know that your presence and choice to go on a safari matters. By visiting the wild, you play an active in conservation efforts. In honour of Earth Day, we take a deeper look into the connection between safaris and conservation.

Ezulwini

Most people do not realise that safaris and conservation go hand in hand. It’s a little like the symbiotic relationship that exists between the ox-pecker and the rhino. They are mutually beneficial. Without conservation efforts, there would be no safaris; and without safaris, conservation would lack a sustainable funding model.

Every day is Earth Day

The wild places of our world are shrinking. Larger populations means more space is needed, not only for humans to live but to grow their food. Agriculture is the biggest driver of destruction of wilderness. “Land is a Finite Source. Land occupies roughly 29% of Earth’s surface. Of that land, 38% is used for agriculture” (Read source article here)

Elephants are amongst many species that need large roaming areas to thrive, Chacma Bush Camp

It is one of the most contentious issues in conservation. Human-wildlife conflict. When wild animals roam beyond protected areas in search of food, water, or space, they sometimes come into conflict with the people and communities who live nearby. A lion might kill livestock. An elephant might destroy a farmer’s entire yield of crops. This can be massively devastating for locals.

That is why it is incredibly important that communities that live alongside wild places see the value of protecting wildlife. Well-managed safari operations will ensure that they employ locals from nearby communities ensuring income and jobs. Education is key. It is vital to support educational programmes and trainings so that communities understand the importance of maintaining wilderness areas.

Conservation isn’t just about protecting animals. It’s also about protecting the delicate balance between people and wildlife.

Nambu Camp

Several community-based programs in the Greater Kruger area focus on training young people as rangers, guides, and eco-monitors. This gives them a stake in wildlife protection and a path to employment.

The Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit is the first all-female anti-poaching unit in South Africa. Founded in 2013, the unit consists of 36 badass women who operate, unarmed, in Balule Nature Reserve. They patrol the 50,000-hectare private concession in the Greater Kruger National Park, that is home to Nambu Camp.

Passionate about wildlife and especially rhino conservation, they act as a voice to their communities. Not only do they act as protection with boots on the ground but also through being role models in their communities.

“The importance of the Black Mambas is unique in that the program directly reaches multiple generations within their communities and builds trust, loyalty and environmental patriotism. The Mambas fulfil a crucial role of early detection and prevention of rhino poaching. Their method of disrupting the landscape makes it very difficult for poachers to enter and exit the protected areas. The catalytic role that the Mambas have played in the international rhino poaching conservation arena has been legendary and brought a unique set of values and perspective to conservation on all continents.”

Craig Spencer, Founder, The Black Mambas

Always an exciting sighting. Even more so when you realise how much goes into protecting these remarkable creatures

Home to most of the rhino’s left in the world, The Greater Kruger faces poaching threats on a daily basis. Hunted relentlessly for their horns (made of the same stuff as our fingernails!) rhino populations have suffered devastating declines. One of the methods employed to combat rhino poaching is dehorning. As sad as it may be to see this ancient giants without a horn, the removal of the rhino’s horn is done in order to make them less valuable to poachers. It is a painless procedure that is done under sedation. The horn is removed just above the growth plate and is akin to trimming your fingernails. Regrowth is slow and the procedure needs to be done every few years.

Many of our camps have their own Anti-poaching units employed to protect the wildlife in their region.

Rhino at Nambu Camp

The wild dog is another one of the world’s most endangered mammals

Charismatic wild dogs playing

Wild dogs cover immense distances, often over 20 km a day. Like elephants they need large roaming areas and the creation the Greater Kruger, removing fencing, was critical in aiding both of these species.

Collaring wild dogs such as seen in the image below is a way to protect nt only the dog that is collared, but their entire pack. Researchers are able to monitor and track the movement of packs, quickly responding to any threats and prevent any conflict with communities before it occurs.

Collared wild dog, Ezulwini Lodge

“The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.”
— Sir David Attenborough

Protecting Pangolins! A positive step in the right direction

Pangolin’s are amongst the world’s most trafficked animal. Similar to the rhino horn, their scales made of keratin and are highly sought after in the illegal trade market. These secretive creatures are at high risk of extinction. In a positive conservation step, Wildaid shared that China has dropped the use of pangolin-based medicines!

“China’s recently released 2025 Pharmacopeia reveals that 19 traditional Chinese medicines will be removed—including Guilingji, a formula containing pangolin parts. This new edition also confirms that no new medicines containing wildlife ingredients will be added. These new standards, which will go into effect October 1, 2025, signal progress in reducing the use of wildlife in medicine.”

A full, explicit ban is still urgently needed but it is a step in the right direction that hopefully saves these remarkable wild creatures.

There is no planet B

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
— Dr. Jane Goodall

We all need to play a part in protecting the planet and all creatures that call it home. It is us to each one of us to travel responsibly and with meaning. Wild places aren’t just beautiful, they’re essential. The animals that roam the wilderness are part of a deeper, living balance that sustains us all. We breathe the air from forests, rely on water that flows through them, find healing, presence and perspective within them.

Going on safari offers us the chance to be reminded of the importance of nature and how we are part of it.

Travel with purpose. Connect with our reservations team here to curate your next meaningful adventure. Experience the magic of Africa and its wilderness.

Walk in the wild, Africa on Foot Wilderness Trail

Critter Encounters in the Wild: Surprising Small Sightings on Safari

Most safari dreams are made of giant golden manes and spotted coats, but the puzzle of a safari includes a host of fascinating, less familiar critter encounters that you may never even have considered sighting.

Dikdik, a tiny buck that leaves its tears (secretions) on twigs as a scentmarking

Pieces of a puzzle

An amazing guide once shared that going on safari is like doing a large puzzle. Each visit into the wild, allows you to put a few pieces of the puzzle in place.

The puzzle has thousands of pieces. Each mammal, reptile, bird and bug has its own special place in the interconnected tapestry of the African bush and is a piece of the puzzle. From the small-5 to the Big-5, they are all as exciting, fascinating and vital in the roles they play in the ecosystem.

One of the little five – the leopard tortoise

Can you name the little 5?

For many guests coming on safari for the first time, it takes a day or two for them to unwind from their busy daily lives.
To let go of to-do lists and a western goal-oriented mindset. It can take a moment to tune in to the different kinds of sounds and find your rhythm within nature. Some arrive with the Big-5 on a checklist but nature plays to its own rules.
Animals move freely. It’s what makes the wild so incredibly special. While we can listen out for the warning calls alerting us to predators- be it a lion, a mongoose, or snake- and we can look to the traffic of tracks that write the stories of movement in the sand, there is no way you determine what encounters you will have.

Each creature is critical including all critters

Every creature plays an important role in the ecosystem. From the termites to the trees, the hyena to the leopard tortoise, every creature, insect, and plant has their place in the puzzle. While choosing a favourite is a little like trying to decide which star in the Milky Way is the most beautiful, here are some critters encounters that you might (or might not) sight next time round in the bush.

Dinosaur-looking Monitor lizard

Common dwarf mongoose, small cousin to the banded mongoose

Banded Mongoose

These small carnivores are aptly collectively called a mob of banded mongoose. One almost expects them to have balaclava like markings however their distinctive dark stripes across their backs are not far off. They work as a team. Females breed simultaneously and they raise pups in a communal litter.. They live in highly social groups of anything from 8-40 and are remarkably egalitarian.

They move as a coordinated unit and keep in contact with constant twitters and calls. They complex vocalisations for group communication. Individuals take turns watching out for predators. Unlike their cousins, the more famous meerkat, they prefer wooded areas to desert ones.

Though they look somewhat similar with their small size and alert postures, you can distinguish them by the banded mongoose’s distinctive dark stripes which meerkats lack and the meerkat’s more upright standing position.

A walking artichoke?

Pangolin

Affectionately known as walking artichokes, pangolins are the only mammal completely covered in scales. Their scales, for which they are trafficked and endangered, are made of keratin – the same stuff as our fingernails.
Their name is derived from the Malay word “pengguling,” meaning “one who rolls up”. When threatened they will roll up into a tight ball that is impenetrable to predators.

They have a specialized tongue that extends up to 40cm, perfect for slurping up ants and insects. It is attached near the pelvis to the last pair of ribs rather than the throat. Pangolins can close their ears and nostrils while feeding to keep insects out. Some pangolins have been observed holding their breath for up to 6 minutes while feeding inside ant nests.

Pangolin

They are known as nature’s gardeners because of the way they forage and dig, aerating soil and distributing nutrients.
When walking on all fours, they walk on their knuckles to protect their sharp digging claws from wear. These secretive creatures are hard to spot, not to mention critically endangered, and are an incredibly special encounter.

On the move, Honey badger

Don’t mistake him to be sweet. The honey badger

Fearless and tenacious, honey badgers have quite the rep in the bush.

Honey badgers have incredibly loose, thick skin that allows them to twist around and bite an attacker even when caught. This skin is also nearly impervious to bee stings, snake bites, and even porcupine quills. Honey badgers have been documented killing and eating some of Africa’s deadliest snakes, including puff adders and black mambas. They possess some natural resistance to snake venom. How is that for an evolutionary upgrade!
Despite their relatively small size, their remarkable intelligence, attitude, and adaptations make them one of the bush’s most successful and wildly fascinating predators.

Escape artist

One of the most incredible honey badger stories involves a famous individual named Stoffel who was kept at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Hoedspruit, South Africa. Stoffel became renowned for his extraordinary escape artistry – using tools, climbing walls with makeshift ladders, and even using rakes to scale enclosures. His problem-solving abilities were so advanced that keepers had to continuously redesign his enclosure. At 26 he’s still going strong although lives out his days in peace with his partner, Hammie. Watch this video on Stoffel here .

Genet

Though they look remarkably cat-like with their spotted coats and long tails, genets aren’t cats at all. They belong to the family Viverridae (along with civets) which makes them more closely related to mongooses than to felines.

You may have spotted their eyes shining bright in the spotlight at night, most likely up in a tree. They’re exceptional climbers with semi-retractable claws and extraordinary balance from their long tails which helps them navigate easily through trees.

At every one of our camps, our passionate and knowledgeable guides take you out on twice-daily game drives. Attuned to the subtleties of the bush, they share their in-depth knowledge and tracking skills as they navigate the wilderness with you. No two days are ever the same. Camps like Chacma, Africa On Foot, Africa On Foot Wilderness Trails, and Umkumbe Safari Lodge include walking safaris or bush walks which offer an immersive, unique way of experiencing the wilderness.

Connect here with our dedicated team to plan your dream safari

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Lightbox Gallery

Don’t forget to explore these things in Iceland

Here are the latest wildlife highlights and sightings from our collection of camps in the Greater Kruger and Botswana.

While it may be dry season in Botswana, this refers to the skies. The plains fill with water and form the meandering channels of the delta. Water and life are abundant.

When are you booking your next wild adventure?

Meet Ingrid. A powerhouse and wealth of knowledge. She left her career as an attorney to follow her passion and love of the wild and pursue a career in guiding. She has been sharing her wisdom of the wilderness at nThambo Tree Camp since 2017

Where did you grow up and what first drew you to the bush?

Do you remember your very first safari experience?

How did you become a guide? What was your journey like?

How long have you been at nThambo? What’s your favourite thing about being in the Klaserie?

Is there a moment on safari that sticks out / you’ll remember forever?

What’s the most unusual or surprising animal behaviour you’ve ever witnessed?

What’s the most valuable thing you ever learnt from the bush?

What’s one thing guests are often surprised to learn about safari life?

Do you have a favourite animal sound or bird call?

What do you hope guests take away from a safari with you?

What does it feel like going back to the city or when you’re away from the wilderness?

Sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, book your next safari at nThambo Tree Camp located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Game Reserve.

Morning rituals

Sleep. Safari. Eat. Repeat

Sundowners on safari

Fireside rituals and storytelling

These rituals tether us to something wilder, slower and more real.

Hi Max! Tell us a little about where you are from and if this was this your first time on safari?

Tell us a little about your photography! Have you photographed wildlife before? How was your experience of shooting wildlife? Were there any animals you really wanted to photograph?

Can you walk us through capturing your favourite safari photo – what was happening in that moment?

Do you have anything to share about nThambo? How was your experience at the camp?

How would you say the Klaserie differs to the other places you have been on safari?

The Ash of Our Ancestors

The Upside Down Tree

The Sacred Sound of Rain

The Daily Mail (is written in the sand)

Star-crossed lovers

This beautiful piece was composed by Chacma guides: Edward, Matt, and Trent.

Make all your wildest wishes come true

The Wisdom of Elephants

Spotted Hyenas

Baboons

The Queen Bee

Celebrating all mothers and matriarchs today and everyday. To organise an extra-special safari adventure, connect directly with our reservations team here

Loleme, the tongue

Ancient pathways carved through the desert sand

It helps to keep wild places, well, wild.

Visit our exquisite camps

Where luxury and the wild meet

Green season – the time of rain, birth, and renewal

Everything is golden – Autumn in the bush

Floods have arrived/ Dry season

Hot, dry season

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Contact our reservations team here to help curate the ultimate Botswana safari experience.

Every day is Earth Day

Conservation isn’t just about protecting animals. It’s also about protecting the delicate balance between people and wildlife.

The wild dog is another one of the world’s most endangered mammals

Protecting Pangolins! A positive step in the right direction

There is no planet B

Pieces of a puzzle

An amazing guide once shared that going on safari is like doing a large puzzle. Each visit into the wild, allows you to put a few pieces of the puzzle in place.

Can you name the little 5?

Each creature is critical including all critters

Banded Mongoose

Pangolin

Don’t mistake him to be sweet. The honey badger

Escape artist

Meet Ingrid. A powerhouse and wealth of knowledge.
She left her career as an attorney to follow her passion and love of the wild and pursue a career in guiding. She has been sharing her wisdom of the wilderness at nThambo Tree Camp since 2017

Celebrating all mothers and matriarchs today and everyday.
To organise an extra-special safari adventure, connect directly with our reservations team here