- BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA & SOUTH AFRICA
Natural Selection creates extraordinary experiences in some of Africa’s most remote and untouched wilderness areas. Guided by a conservation-first philosophy, the company exists to protect wild spaces for the future while actively supporting the communities that live alongside them. This is not conventional safari travel, but purposeful, impact-driven exploration rooted in respect for nature.
Founded in 2016, Natural Selection brings together decades of experience shaping conservation across Southern Africa. Today, the collection spans 26 family-owned and community joint-venture camps in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, safeguarding over 1.6 million hectares of wildlife land, employing more than 1,200 people, and delivering meaningful conservation and community impact across the region.
Fast Facts
Type
- Family-owned and community joint-venture camps and lodges across Southern Africa
Key highlights
- 26 family-owned and community joint-venture lodges across Southern Africa
- 5% of every booking supports conservation.
- Each lodge located in wilderness areas where animals are abundant, and safari-goers are few and far between.
- Family-friendly with all lodges and camps welcoming children from either all ages or 6 years +
Rooms
- From x2 rooms to x12 rooms in a mixture of private houses, tented camps and lodges across Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
Location
- 16 camps and lodges in Botswana within the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Plains
- 8 camps and lodges in Namibia within Sossusvlei, Etosha, Kaokoland, Skeleton Coast and Linyanti Wetlands.
- 2 lodges in South Africa in the De Hoop Nature Reserve and the Mkambati Nature Reserve.
Getting there
- Key access point for Botswana is flights into Maun and then onwards journeys
- Key access point for Namibia is Windhoek and then onwards journeys
Child policy
- Most camps and lodges welcome children from 6 years+
- Many camps also welcome children of all ages, especially in Namibia
- Sky Beds in Botswana welcome children 16+
Open
- All Botswana camps are open all year round except the Sky Beds and San Camp which are only open April- October.
- All Namibia camps are open all year round
- All South Africa camps are open all year round
Meet the Owners
The founders of Natural Selection, Dave van Smeerdijk, Jennifer Lalley, James Ramsay, and Colin Bell, each began their careers as guides in the African bush. Over the past three decades, they have pioneered safari experiences across some of Southern Africa’s most remote and unexplored landscapes, conducting wildlife research and playing a transformative role in shaping the region’s conservation story.
In 2016, united by a shared vision to redefine the role of conservation-led, nature-based tourism, they founded Natural Selection. From the very beginning, the company has been built on meaningful partnerships with like-minded landowners, communities, and conservation organisations, an approach that continues to drive lasting, positive impact for both people and wilderness.
Dave van Smeerdijk, Jennifer Lalley, James Ramsay & Colin Bell
Since 2016
“Natural Selection was founded to protect the world’s wild places through conservation-led tourism, grounded in genuine partnerships with communities, conservationists and people who truly care.”
“Wanderlust- a deep uncontrollable desire to wonder and see the world”
Honour loves Natural Selection for their energy, forward thinking spirit and genuine people first approach, where conservation, community and incredible wild experiences all come together with real purpose.
Tor (Jacda) loves Natural Selection’s evolving portfolio of stunning camps in remote destinations is incredibly exciting. Combined with their exceptional, supportive team, they are an absolute joy to partner with.
Top 3 USPs:
• Immersive, inclusive, unforgettable.
• Championing natural habitats while offering experiences that inspire connection to the wild
• Genuinely awesome safari and landscape experiences across South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
Explore & Experience
Across Natural Selection properties, an endless array of carefully curated activities ensures unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. From guided game drives and walking safaris in the wilderness, to habituated meerkat encounters on the Makgadikgadi Plains, each adventure is designed to connect visitors with the natural world.
Spot Southern Right Whales along South Africa’s dramatic coastline, while in Namibia, giraffe conservation-focused safaris provide a rare opportunity to witness and support vital research efforts with top scientists in their field. Every activity is thoughtfully designed, allowing guests to explore, discover, and engage with Africa’s landscapes and wildlife in ways that are both meaningful and memorable.
Why we love it?
We love Natural Selection because they represent a truly unparalleled collection of properties, each thoughtfully designed to offer extraordinary experiences while creating real, lasting impact. Built on wonderfully strong, visionary foundations, the company was founded with the purpose of preserving the very land we travel through, ensuring that every adventure contributes to conservation and community upliftment.
It’s genuinely inspiring to see what they have achieved, how tourism can not only showcase Africa’s incredible wilderness but also serve as a powerful testament to protecting it and empowering the communities who call it home.
Accommodation
Natural Selection offers a remarkable variety of accommodations, blending stunning tented camps with beautiful permanent lodges, all set deep in the heart of the wilderness. From classic safari camps to unique experiences like sky beds under the stars and the one-of-a-kind Shipwreck Camp in Namibia, to private lodges for families and groups, there is an endless choice to suit every traveller’s needs.
While each property has its own distinct style and character, guests can always expect warm hospitality, engaging local staff, and expert guiding throughout the collection. Whether perched on the waterfront, nestled in the desert, spread across the plains or savannah, or set along the rugged coastline, these properties offer unparalleled access to the most stunning landscapes Southern Africa has to offer.
Stay with Purpose
At Natural Selection, every stay makes a meaningful difference. Their regenerative tourism approach ensures guests give back more to communities and conservation than they take, supporting ecotourism development, job creation, and sustainable local enterprise.
By expanding wildlife protection, empowering rural communities, and minimising environmental impact, their properties help safeguard Africa’s wild spaces. In addition, 1.5% of every booking is donated to conservation, and the per-person, per-night Community, Conservation, and Reserve (CCR) Fee directly supports wildlife reserves and local communities, making every safari a positive, lasting impact.
Image Gallery
Step into life at Honour Way clients through the lens, from wild landscapes and welcoming spaces to the experiences and little details that make each stay unforgettable. Please download your images here or contact us for more.
