Forty Years of Changing Lives with Wilderness

Wilderness was the brainchild of two forward-thinking guides back in 1983; two intrepid individuals fiercely passionate about the environment, called to share their knowledge of the wonderful ways of the wild. Expert guiding has always been central to the Wilderness experience; now, more than 250 qualified guides proudly wear the Wilderness badge. Highly trained and knowledgeable, our industry-leading guides continue to inspire, immerse, and narrate nature’s most thrilling moments.

From tiny tents to world-class safari lodges in Africa’s wild places

It all started in the Okavango Delta, a place that remains close to Wilderness’ heart. After humble beginnings running overland adventures to remote areas of the Delta and camping in the wild, the first fixed tented camps were established in 1985. In 1990, Wilderness acquired Mombo, the mother of all camps that still proudly holds the flagship title. Situated in a particularly beautiful area on the northern tip of Chief’s Island, the area had been heavily hunted. As photographic safaris began to replace hunting, it became renowned as a wildlife haven. Thirty-three years later, Mombo has maintained its reputation as the Place of Plenty.

Over time our reputation and operating experience allowed us to expand into key areas in seven countries, resulting in the unrivalled suite of camps and concessions we offer today. From Botswana, Wilderness expanded into Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, and most recently Tanzania. Now, 60 award-winning camps across Southern and East Africa continue to prove that low-impact, high-value tourism is the future of Africa’s wild places.

Making mokoro rides sustainable

There’s nothing more symbolic of an Okavango Delta safari than a peaceful ride in a mokoro. It’s a quintessential Botswana experience, one that has been practised for hundreds of years by local communities, and enjoyed by travellers for decades. For centuries, local communities in and around the Okavango Delta have used the wood of the sausage tree (Kigelia africana) to craft these traditional dugout canoes. Early Wilderness guests will remember being poled through the channels in these solid mekoro, but with the tremendous increase in tourism to the region, it became apparent that this ancient craft would not be sustainable forever.

So, we made a change. A traditional carved mokoro needs to be replaced every four to five years, while the alternative fiberglass mokoro in use today has a lifespan of approximately 10 years. Added to that, fibreglass mekoro are lighter, more stable, and have no impact on the Delta’s magnificent tree population.

From a single Cessna to Wilderness Air’s impressive fleet

Flying in a small bush plane over sprawling, wild land, while wildlife gathers and gallops below is one of the greatest safari thrills. In the early 90s Wilderness Air (known as Sefofane back then) boasted a fleet of one: a single Cessna 206 which serviced two camps in the Delta.

Thirty years later, Wilderness Air has expanded into Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and gained a stellar reputation for dependable operations and excellent guest service. Under the expertise of a team of passionate and professional pilots, Wilderness Air’s fleet of over 25 strong fleet of light aircraft transports guests, staff and supplies, in safety, comfort and style.