Gather every generation and ease back into travel together with a private family safari from African Bush Camp (ABC). The experience-focused, 100% African-owned and operated safari company offers 16 luxury tented bush camps and lodges in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The operator invites families to enjoy wilderness adventures at their own pace in their own private space. The destinations include 12 luxury units or less to ensure comfortable separation between guests.
ABC not only welcomes but goes out of its way to cater to guests of all ages. The company’s Ngwana Club – meaning ‘explorer’ in Setswana – is a family-friendly program designed to ensure a variety of age-appropriate activities and safari-related adventures for children under age 16.
The programming ranges beading with hosts and hostesses to making cookies and pizzas with the camp chef, from molding plaster casts of animal tracks to fishing ponds and lakes. Mor adventurous options include excursions via canoe and traditional mokoro (where applicable) and guided nature walks with junior Guide Certificates and Badges awarded at trek’s end.
Beks Ndlovu’s Private Vacation Home: Khayelithse House
Khayelitshe House – Surrounded by a natural amphitheater of balanced rocks and massive boulders in Zimbabwe’s Matobo Hills, Khayelitshe House is named for the Ndebele words ‘Ekhaya’ and ‘Litshe’ – ‘Home of the Rocks’. Originally built by ABC founder and CEO Beks Ndlovu as a home away from home for his family, the house has four guest rooms and space for up to eight guests in a remote setting. Furnished with locally crafted furniture, artwork, antiques from around the world, recycled railroad beams, and carved stones related to the history of railways in Africa, the House captures a worldwide culture in the African bush. A still-growing Combretum Molle tree with trunk and branches rising from the wine cellar through the first floor is a testament to the ABC’s commitment to environmental sustainability and light-footed approach to design.
At Khayelitshe House, guests enjoy complete privacy off the grid. Without an internet connection to distract from the wonders of nature and 360-degree views. Perfect for stays of three nights or more, the fully serviced house offers guided activities, including rhino tracking, game drives, and explorations of local sites including Khoisan rock art dating back more than 13,000 years and the historic Khami Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are great hikes and walks for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers, with sights and sounds that can’t be experienced anywhere else. From $2,400 (R34,334) per night for the whole house for groups and families. For six nights or more, the daily rate is $2,280 (R32,618). 
Baobab Villa Overlooking Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge – An exquisite setting within a range of remote hills in one of Zimbabwe’s finest wilderness locations, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, is a haven of serenity overlooking the trees and waters of Lake Kariba, with easy proximity to Matusadona National Park. Among 10 spacious and modern appointed suites is the Baobab Villa, a private, two double-bedroom villa with its own living room bar and indoor and outdoor dining decks ideal for traveling families. Fully serviced with a private butler, safari guide, and dedicated safari vehicle, the lodge offers endless opportunities for guests to melt away modern stresses, including a blissful spa with an infinity pool overlooking Lake Kariba, a fully equipped gym, and wildlife roaming freely along the shoreline and between Matusadona and the Bumi Hills private concession. Guests can spend days cruising the lake, meandering on walking safaris, and discovering fossilised footprints unique to the area. Guided activities include boating, birding, catch-and-release fishing, stargazing, cultural visits to the local community, and day or night game drives. Lodge rates from $520 (R7,439,)per person per night; Baobab Villa from $2,600 (R37,196) per night for groups and families up to 4 guests. A discounted rate applies when booking 6 nights or more.
PICTURES: Supplied
