It is perhaps easier to say what it isn’t. It’s not about set itineraries. It’s not about large lodges filled with guests all going out into the bush in convoy on scheduled game drives.
So what is a private guided safari? It’s a safari that is exclusive to you and hosted from the moment you arrive on safari to the finish of your trip by an expert safari guide. Using mobile private tented camps or small camps and lodges, the itinerary is designed exclusively around you. Perhaps surprisingly, a private guided safari need not cost any more than a regular safari.
Ideal for families, including large multi-generational family parties, private guided safaris are entirely flexible. We also see single travellers and couples who come back year after year to return on safari with their favourite guide. An experienced safari agent will discuss destinations, options and activities; will get to know you, discuss your expectations and will match you with a private guide. From there we will develop your own personal itinerary.
Ideal for families, including large multi-generational family parties, private guided safaris are entirely flexible.
Mobile camps give access to remote areas and you can explore these in a 4 x 4 with your own expert guide. With superb tracking skills and exceptional knowledge of wildlife, you will have a truly unique in-depth safari experience.
For the more adventurous, private guided safaris can also include a range of activities like walking safaris, boating or canoeing safaris, horse riding or quad bike safaris. Photographers particularly benefit from private guided safaris and many guides are accomplished photographers themselves. Above all, however, a private guide is your host: from smoothing your way through transfer arrangements to being a raconteur around the campfire.
Private guided safaris are usually 10-12 days duration led throughout by one expert guide.
Private guided safaris are usually 10-12 days duration led throughout by one expert guide. Or you may prefer one or two 4-7 day private guided safaris within your itinerary. It all depends on your requirements and interests. Accommodation is traditionally in a mobile private tented camp which is moved ahead of your party by the full team of camp staff. But if you don’t want to stay in a mobile tented camp, the guides are just as happy to host you in small camps and lodges. A combination of the two is often popular.
At Bushbuck we have over 35 years’ experience in Africa and our specialisation has always been private guided safaris. All the private guides we work with are personally known to us, as are their operations, and we know they will provide our clients with an outstanding experience. Booking through Bushbuck gives the benefit of this knowledge so that we can match our clients to the best private guide for them, but at no extra cost. It is the same price, and sometimes less, booking through Bushbuck as booking direct.
