Written by Courtney Drysdale

‘‘Experience the wild in its purest form. Immerse yourself in the most pristine surroundings. Get closer than ever to untouched nature. Discover those unique cultures for whom wilderness is home. Explore one of the last natural havens on our planet and observe its thriving wildlife.’ 

Established in 1996 by those who adore all things wild, Bush Ways is a safari group that offers exquisite sustainable stays across Botswana and Victoria Falls. From iconic locations such as the Okavango Delta to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and many more, Bush Ways prides themselves on being a thoughtful and eco-friendly tourism player that focuses on bringing travellers to some of the world's most incredible untouched spaces. 

Bush Ways Safaris understands the importance of sustainability for our planet and people. They take pride in their commitment to eco-friendly practices, responsible tourism, and conservation of the environment. Read on to learn how Bush Ways strives to ensure their safaris have a minimal environmental and maximum social impact while providing guests with an unforgettable and sustainable experience.

Read on to find out why Bush Ways is such a sustainable group…

A love and dedication to wild spaces and local communities

Keeping wonderful spaces wild

Bush ways operates in incredible wildernesses with delicate and abundant biodiversity. As a result, they take extra care when moving through in the form of mobile safaris and in their static safari camps. Conserving wild spaces is integral to their core ethos, seeing Bush ways having plenty of unique initiatives and projects working to preserve and protect their lodges and camps' destinations.

For the love of community

In addition to a love for direct wildlife conservation, Bush Ways has a dedicated approach to community-based conservation, with extensive upliftment schemes ranging from sports sponsorship to installing clean energy like solar in local communities, to employing local people and varied educational programs. Below are some of the fantastic ways that Bush Ways is achieving this…

Pack for a Purpose

As Pack for a Purpose members, Bush Ways supports multiple community initiatives in Botswana, such as The Medical Help Project in Maun, Bana Ba Letsatsi children's refuge, Khwai Gunners Soccer Team and Khwai Pre-school. View a complete list of their needs here and learn how to support these life-changing programs in our blog post. 

Bush Ways Foundation

For nearly 2 decades, Bush Ways Foundation has collaborated with multiple organisations (often daily) to improve the lives of people in communities across northern Botswana. Some incredible past and ongoing outreach programs include installing solar lamps in the remote Khwai village, a Christmas drive in Dithiping Village, the Teen Mother Project in Khwai, the library project in Mabele Primary School and helping Mrs Caroline Mazunga, a retired teacher, educate the children of Kavimba village by building a pre-school. 

Some of our favourite Bush Ways stays

Deception Valley Lodge

Set in Botswana’s distinct Kalahari region, this lodge offers an unpretentious and thoughtful escape into a unique landscape. The lodge sits in a colossal private conservancy and is populated by extraordinary wildlife like bat-eared foxes, black-maned lions and oryxes. Guests can explore the area with the indigenous Naru-speaking San tribe members as guides.

Pioneers Victoria Falls

A classically ordained and comfortable adventurers lodge that provides the perfect gateway to the UNESCO world heritage site, Victoria Falls. Witness one of the 7 wonders of the world before relaxing at this equally sumptuous and eco-friendly stay.

Chobe Elephant Camp

Set in the tremendously biodiverse Chobe region, famous for its enormous elephant herds, this lodge offers rustic and authentic farmhouse-style accommodations overlooking the Chobe river. The lodge is built in a true wildlife haven, offering unbeatable game viewing and the opportunity to learn more about the area from the local Sibuya Tribe.

Sango Safari Camp

Resting amongst the shady trees on the Khwai River on the border of the famous Moremi Game Reserve, this traditionally tented safari camp offers incredible wildlife viewing and a look into a vibrant local culture who have helped develop the camp.

So, are you ready to explore Botswana and beyond? Look no further than a Bush Ways safari, which you can book with just a few clicks with Viatu. Prick those ears for cackling hyenas, watch out for wild dogs and mind the ellies. We’ll see you in the African bush.