Botswana-Ellies

Elephants of Botswana: A Safari with Colin Bell

The ultimate destination for a picture-perfect safari, Botswana is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife-viewing in Africa—and few times are better to visit than early October. This dry season draws an exceptional number of animals to the remaining waterholes, and it creates some of the best chances to see elephants, who have a greater need to stay hydrated. On this once-in-a-lifetime journey, you can join safari legend Colin Bell—co-founder of Wilderness Safaris and author of The Last Elephants—for thrilling drives through the bush and activities that support elephant-conservation programs. After six nights in Botswana, end the trip with two nights in the wild expanses of Namibia for one last adventure.

What to Expect

For this special journey, we are thrilled to partner with Colin and Heather Bell to give you unmatched access to Africa. Highlights of this itinerary include the opportunity to:

  • Experience safari in Botswana and Namibia with conservation and wildlife experts Colin and Heather Bell, who will share their knowledge and connections to bring you unforgettable wildlife experiences, up-close, during one of the region’s most active seasons. This itinerary will place a special focus on elephants, in addition to exceptional sightings of lion, leopard, wild dog and many others—away from the crowds.
  • Explore Botswana’s famous deltas and floodplains by mokoro canoe in the company of prominent biologists, with the chance to visit with local communities.
  • Venture into the eastern corner of Namibia to explore the new Nkasa Linyanti Camp, which sits within an incredible national park renowned for its elephant populations (hundreds of elephants can be seen here).
  • Relax at intimate, immersive luxury safari lodges: Tuludi Camp, Hyena Pan Camp and Unchartered Africa’s Luxury Mobile Camp.
  • Add on a bespoke post-trip extension designed by Indagare’s expert team to Victoria Falls, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa or beyond (at additional cost).
Book Now
  • When
    October 4-12, 2020
  • Length
    9 days / 8 nights
  • Type of Traveler
    Adventurers , Trailblazers , Soul Searchers

This Journey's Host

The South Africa-born Colin Bell landed his first job as a safari guide in Botswana in 1977—at a time when, in his words, “a cold beer came out of a wet long sock, tied to the side mirror of the Land Rover and cooled while hanging in the breeze.” In 1983, he co-founded Wilderness Safaris, which has become one of the most successful specialist safari companies in Africa. Colin sold his shares in the company in 2005 and went on to co-found Natural Selection Safaris. In 2013, Colin published and co-authored Africa’s Finest: The Most Sustainable Responsible Safari Destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands—a book about the good and the bad of the tourism industry—and, more recently, The Last Elephants, an important work calling for the protection of elephants and their habitats, in Africa and beyond. Colin’s wife, Heather, was born in Zimbabwe and has spent most of her working life in the safari industry. She will be a key part of coordinating and hosting this journey.

Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

Trip Details

In preparation for the journey, members will also receive a comprehensive departure package that includes an itinerary, packing list, accommodations overview and other important information.

  • When
    October 4-12, 2020
  • Length
    9 days / 8 nights
  • Group Size
    Up to 12 travelers
  • Host
    Colin and Heather Bell
  • From
    $13,900

Includes

  • All accommodations indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals and activities indicated in the itinerary
  • All guided touring, activities and admissions indicated in the itinerary
  • Group airport and camp transfers throughout the itinerary, as indicated
  • Expert guides, as indicated in the itinerary, including your expert hosts and our partners on the ground

Excludes

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Additional meals and alcoholic beverages; additional activities and transfers (not indicated in the itinerary)
  • Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control (change in flights, cancellations, political disturbances, natural phenomena)
  • Items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc.
Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

What To Read

Indagare has selected articles from our website and magazine to prepare you for your journey. Peruse inspiring slideshows, insider tips, reading lists and more.

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