It may be a while before safari travel gets back to its pre-pandemic pace in Africa, but the wilderness of the bush remains as untamed and beautiful as ever. Southern Africa is one of my favourite destinations for wildlife viewing and filming and I was supposed to be back there this year. However, with all Australians confined to their country that's not going to happen. But if you are able to travel you can now plan a small group safari in exclusive isolation in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia with 16 luxurious safari camps.

What this means is that you can book out the entire camp. Imagine you and your fellow travellers surrounded by Zambia's Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, a short distance from the Victoria Falls, with exclusive, private use of Thorntree River Lodge. The lodge includes modern accommodation inspired by local customs and culture with eight standard suites and two family suites of contemporary design situated along the edge of the Zambezi River.

Botswana and Zimbabwe

Alternatively, relax along the banks of a lagoon that flows into the Khwai River at Khwai Tented Camp in Botswana. The camp includes six Meru-style tents that are built on raised decking with 180-degree views of the bush. Or indulge in an "armchair safari" beneath the shade of a mahogany tree at African Bush Camps' (ABC) Kanga Camp in the most remote part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park, in Zimbabwe.

Then there's Khwai Leadwood, ABC's newest destination opened this year, along the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. It has a capacity for 16 guests in modern tents designed for comfort. Contemporary amenities include indoor/outdoor showers, and wooden decks wrapped around each tent offer the perfect vantage point for wildlife spotting.

Available now, as well as for future travel, exclusive use offers include everything guests look forward to on a safari, from game drives, guide-led walking safaris, birding outings, mokoro (dugout canoe) trips, to cultural visits that underline the operator's strong dedication to sustainability, empowerment and education of local communities. And, travellers will have all of it to themselves.

Multiple buyout options

A buyout of multiple ABC destinations is another appealing option, with travellers able to occupy two or more camps in succession and connect to each via private charter flights. Whatever the destination, trust that ABC staff are adhering to the strict bio-security protocols issued by the World Health Organization as well as country-specific requirements.

With 16 African Bush Camp destinations to choose from, there are many options for buyouts. Depending on the season and specific rates, a dual buyout of, say, Khwai Leadwood and Linyanti Bush Camp in the Chobe Enclave of Botswana's Chobe National Park for a group of 10 travellers can include:

• Exclusive use of camps

• Shared flights between camps

• Dedicated camp guides for the group

Sample itinerary:

• Day 1: Fly from Maun to Khwai Leadwood for 4 nights

• Day 5: Fly from Khwai Leadwood to Linyanti Bush Camp for 3 nights

• Day 8: Fly from Linyanti Bush Camp to Maun for departure

Cost per person, based on 10 adults sharing: USD $3,880.

African Bush Camps founder and CEO, Beks Ndlovu, said that a buyout was a great way for group travellers to experience the bush safely and affordably. "There is so much adventure and plenty of space to go around in the African bush," he said. "Guests will experience all of the exquisite comforts and authentic adventures that our team works so hard to provide."

Photos courtesy African Bush Camps

Useful links

​https://africanbushcamps.com/