We are a small company offering small group scheduled departures and tailor made itineraries in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia – with options for trip extensions in must-see location such as Cape Town and Victoria Falls; beach extensions, or some unusual options such as Wilderness escapes in Namibia or houseboat trips on the Lower Zambezi.

If you are keen to learn about the customs and culture of local people, interested in knowing about the habits and behaviour of wildlife (as opposed to simply having it pointed out), and wanting to know that your visit has left a positive impact on local communities, then these trips will be for you. Adventure and fun feature prominently in all our trips too – with lots of options for activities unique to your surroundings ...and at the end of the day, you’ll more likely than not be sat round the evening fire with an aperitif under the stars and listening to the nocturnal sounds deep in the African bush ... a sure sign that you are a long way from home!

We use suppliers who are actively involved in ensuring that the benefits of tourism are widely spread, offer our clients opportunities to donate unwatned items such as stationery, toys or clothes to local villages, and have teamed up with the Against Malaria Campaign, pledging to donate a malaria net for every client who books with us.

The air holidays and flights advertised are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 9709.

We pride ourselves on our customer service, our knowledge of the destinations we operate in, and the accommodation suppliers and guides we use. We have carefully researched these and are proud to be able to publish our Clients' comments.

We have also received some significant press coverage following our Director's nomination into the Courvoisier Top 500 Entrepreneurs club - see below.

"Thank you we had a fabulous trip, so many highlights. We loved the V&A Waterfront, The accommodation at Franschhoek was fantastic and of course our safari was brilliant. We went Zip Lining in the Titsikamma NP, fed the elephants in Knysna Elephant Park. Thanks for all your help in making this trip special for us both!"

Mrs Ryan, County Wexford, Ireland. January 2010. (Garden Route Self Drive)

"Margaret and I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to you for organising such a fabulous trip for us.

We really did have a great holiday. Words just can’t express what a magical time we had with Charl as our guide. His passion knowledge and love for the animals, the communities and that part of his beloved Africa were second to none. We got to see what Zulu life was really like thanks to his inside knoweldge of where to go, and the canoe trip and a trip to see the turtles were just WOW".

Kathleen Butler, Bournemouth, January 2010 (Garden Route self drive, guided in KwaZulu Natal & Houseboat on the Zambezi River).

"Thank you for putting together such a brilliant itinerary. We came away from SA with a really good feel for the Cape and our time in Mauritius provided a welcome chill out after all the exertions in SA!"

Mr & Mrs Conquer, Cheshire. November 2009. (Self Drive Garden Route & Mauritius)

"We are back after having a wonderful time in Namibia. The whole holiday went like clockwork. We were upgraded at Okonjima, just perfect on every level. The lodge we stayed at in Sossusvlei was perfect - we were spoilt rotten and looked after very well. A very successful holiday and will look forward to returning in a few years time. We have no hesitation in recommending Namibia and Native Escapes. Thank you for all your efforts".

Mr & Mrs Smith, Essex. Nov 09. (Self Drive Namibia trip)

Thank you so much for organising an amazing trip to Namibia for us. It really was the holiday of a lifetime and the perfect destination for our honeymoon. Highlights included a catamaran cruise in Swakopmund to see Dolphins, Seals, Turtles, and White Pelicans, a fireside dinner at a beautiful Mountain Camp, and the accommodation and welcoming people. We had a brilliant time and we are so glad that we booked with you. I don’t think we would have got the same ground support from anyone else.

Mr C Horridge, Aberdeen. October 2009 (Self drive to Namibia & Cape Town)

"Overall, I don’t think we could have had a better introduction to South Africa. Our trip was extremely varied and brought us into contact with a whole variety of South Africans, all willing to share their experience of which ranged from periods of imprisonment and torture under the Apartheid regime, through modern life in townships to the family life of rich families under Apartheid and since 1994 – a fascinating mixture of first hand accounts. The Drakensburg reserved its best possible weather for us and so did the Cederberg. Table Mountain showed us how it looked with and without the table cloth. Zululand was a little grey but we were more interested in the people there than the scenery. So, thanks once again for organising this trip".

Mr Towell, Bolton. October 2009 (Privately guided trip to South Africa)

"Our guided trip to Namibia was just fabulous – there were so many highlights it is difficult to pick them out. Our guide, Perez, had a fabulous ability to spot wildlife – in particular we had a couple of rare Bat-eared fox sightings, an excellent early morning viewing of zebras at a waterhole and fabulous elephant herd sightings in Etosha. We also saw lots of Desert Adapted Elephant in Damaraland.

We really can’t speak highly enough of Perez – he really made our holiday".

Mr I Webb, Sheffield, September 2009 (Privately Guided Trip to Namibia)


"I have been meaning to email you to say a big thank you. We had an amazing time and Namibia really is a beautiful country. We saw some wonderful things and met some lovely people. Saw lots of wildlife, desert elephants, kayaking with seals, etc. The car was great, accommodation fantastic wherever we went. Once again thank you for organizing such an amazing trip, I have already recommended you to a friend and hopefully we will come back to you soon to arrange a Botswana or Mozambique trip"

Mr B Curme, Bristol. Sept 2009 (Self drive Namibia)

"What can I say? Thank you SO much for helping us have the best holiday ever! It was all I hoped for and so very much more, just marvellous and worth waiting 50 years to 'live my dream'. Everything was perfect and we were most fortunate to view a great deal of animals, literally being in just the right place at the right time.

Charl is a wonderful Guide, so knowledgeable and such a gentleman he made us feel very looked after and spoilt. I would be more than happy to thoroughly recommend 'Native Escapes' for the professionalism, efficiency and personal service we have experienced in all our communications with you.
Back to work (and hard reality!) on Monday and I will be saving hard for our return to such a wonderful country. Africa really ' hugged'' us and left a lasting magical memory. Thank you again.

Rose Shepherd, Morayshire. August 2009 (Privately guided South Africa)


"What can I say about our holiday to South Africa - FANTASTIC, AMAZING, THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!!

The itinerary was very interesting and varied, but because South Africa is such a big country, I feel we still only had a "birds eye view". I am sure we'll go back at some time in the future.

What can I say about Charl; he was an amazing guide, so knowledgable, so attentive and such a gentleman. We could not have been treated better, we felt like Royalty. All the accommodation was excellent and again, we were treated extremely well everywhere we stayed.

I can't thank you enough for everything you arranged for us and I shall certainly be recommending you, your company, Charl and South Africa to many of my friends.

Once again, thank you so much for the holiday of a lifetime.

Jean Carter, West Midlands, August 2009 (Privately guided South Africa)


"Our Walking Safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa was excellent – the walking and the guides so good and the food just amazing – it’s incredible how we were served fresh bread and cakes which had been cooked in a hole in the ground! We were made to feel part of a family and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We saw lots of wildlife and stood on the edge of the Victoria Falls at Livingstone Island".

Mrs Muddiman, Cheshire, July 2009 (Fly in to Zambia)

"We had an absolutely fabulous trip – accommodation was excellent and we were treated so well by the proprietors. Our safari was wonderful – we had a great welcome, and the guides on the game drives were knowledgable. The arrangements were slick and we are so grateful for everything you put into place. We will definitely be recommending Native Escapes."

Mr Jones, Gwent - Lions Tour, June / July 2009 (Self drive South Africa)

"Just wanted to drop you a note to say that we had an absolutely wonderful day in S. Africa, so thank you for everything. Flights, transfers, accommodation, safari etc was first class and so rarely have I personally been so happy with many aspects of a holiday. I will have no doubt recommending you to any friends or family who are going to Africa".

Craig Wild, Sheffield. July 2009 (Self drive South Africa)


"Thank you for arranging our honeymoon to Zambia, Botswana & Mozambique. There aren’t the words to say just how memorable and special it was – we can’t thank you enough!"

Jennie & Tim Swann, Surrey June 2009 (Fly in Botswana)


We had a fabulous holiday - it exceeded expectations. We could not have asked for a better guide in Orlando - he was so knowledgeable and even cooked us the best braii ever. When people ask me how our holiday was, my answer has been " it was fantastic, the wildlife and our experience exceeded expectations". The trip has been mind blowing, the deserts, the dunes, the wildlife, the mountains, Orlando, the accommodation, the service and warmth that we received by so many of the staff at the different boutique hotels / lodges has been outstanding.

Jenny Forster, Hertfordshire, June 2009 (Small Group Trip to Namibia)


Steven and I discussed various ways to thank you for the trip.

We had a glorious time, this being the first time Steven has used a travel agent, was good that we had you organizing and looking after us so well. All places we stayed were exceptional, beautiful, well maintained, and the staff friendly, hospitable, and knowledgeable. We look forward to contacting you for our next adventure.

Marca Joelson, Birmingham. April 2009 (Namibia Self Drive)


A special thank you for what was for me "the holiday of a lifetime". We visited Canada two years ago which was an excellent trip but our trip to South Africa surpassed that trip. We don't normally return to holiday destinations but would be pleased to have another opportunity. I have recommended you to the people I work for who would like to visit South Africa and will continue to fly your flag.

Thank you once again for all your assistance and for the wonderful memories.

Mr & Mrs Richards, Shropshire. March 2009 (Cape Town & Garden Route Self Drive)


"We have just returned from South Africa. We had a great time and everything ran very smoothly due to your planning. The places we stayed in were delightful, very comfortable and friendly staff. The food was wonderful especially in the Drakensbergs where we did lots of walking and birding – and eating – can’t imagine how I ate it all! On safari, we had a wonderful driver and tracker and our own jeep as well as 5 star treatment – very spoiling. Thanks for everything".

Mr & Mrs Chappell, Perthshire. February 2009 (Self Drive South Africa)


Both Anna and I want to say a huge thank-you for everything you did for us to make our honeymoon so wonderfully special. The camps and staff in Botswana were fantastic and way beyond our imagination in terms of comfort - we never knew a tent in the bush could accommodate his & her sinks, a four poster bed and a chez lounge! The staff were delightful too. Everything from the food they prepared, their level of knowledge and the song and dance routines to wish us well at the start of our marriage, so lovely! Your research and recommendations for all of the accommodation, restaurants and places to see in South Africa were also spot on and really made it a trip that we'll never ever forget.

Mr & Mrs Blackwell, Surbiton. February 2009 (Honeymoon to Botswana, Victoria Falls & Cape Town)


I'd like to extend my grateful thanks for the wonderful service you have provided to this point - a service which has treated me like an individual person and not just another customer. Somewhat rare these days!

Ms Merlin, Cornwall. December 2008 Tailor Made Safari to Botswana (pre departure)


"We had a fantastic holiday in Zambia, Botswana and Mozambique. Tongabezi in Livingstone was beautiful, and very relaxing. The Linyanti was very green and whilst we didn't see as much wildlife because the rains had started, we did see a lioness and her cub whilst out walking. The Delta was just fabulous: we loved being in the wilderness. Our lodge in Mozambique was lovely - we would highly recommend horseriding along deserted beaches and over the sand dunes".

Dr K English, Leeds. November 2008 (Tailor Made trip to Vic Falls, Botswana & Mozambique)


"Just a quickie to say we are back and had a fantastic time.
We love Namibia and the trip you set up was fantastic. My husband loved it and was frequently spoilt with gifts for his birthday - so thanks for putting that in the booking!

I will tell all our friends how fantastic you are. Thanks again for the trip of a life time - you could not have been more helpful or efficient. I wish your business every success - it deserves it ".

Mrs Purbrook, Brighton. October 2008 (Self Drive Tailor Made Trip to Namibia)


"We had a wonderful time in Namibia. Everything went well. It is a beautiful country. Can't believe we saw so much in such a short time.

Our guide, Paulo de Oliviera, was excellent. We were quite apprehensive being the only two on this safari, but he put us at our ease immediately and made the holiday very special. Nothing was too much trouble, and he has a wealth of knowledge about his country which he obviously loves.

Looking forward to our next trip with Native Escapes".
Mrs Muddiman, Cheshire. September 2008 (Small Group Trip to Namibia)


"Back today from SA. Had a wonderful time, Charl, our guide, was absolutely fantastic with us and especially brilliant with the kids. He is a fantastic guide and thoroughly recommend him to anyone. The places we saw were brilliant but having someone like Charl to take us around really made it for us". Mrs Waller, Surrey (Guided Family Safari, July '08)

We have been thrilled to receive some excellent press coverage: firstly following a nomination for our Director, Sharon Holmes, to Courvoisier’s Top 500 list which recognises and rewards the country’s most innovative business brains and creative talent. And guess what, she even made it on to the Top 100!

Then, the Observer showcased Native Escapes on the front page in January 2009, naming them amongst a select group of companies as 'The New Face of Travel'.

An article in Eastern Airways in-flight magazine with our Director Sharon Holmes in April 2009 followed.

All our trips have been developed in line with our following principles:

Typcially qualified in botany or natural history, our guides have been carefully selected to ensure an educational but fun experience. Their wildlife-spotting experience ensures that you get the most from your safari, and their ability to speak the local language gives first hand knowledge on where the action in the game reserves is at! Their knowledgeable about local cultures ensures a priviledged insight to how local communities protect their traditions – and the impact of globalisation on their lifestyles.

You may stay in a luxury permanent tent in the African bush, complete with en suite, hot showers, private balcony overlooking a waterhole, or at a unique lodge set in the middle of the desert. In some locations, you may wake up to find a pod of hippos sleeping outside your tent, or hear the calls of baboons as the bush comes to life in the morning. The priorities are on comfort, excellent hospitality and food and unusual settings.

Watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon over the Namibian Desert; take a scenic flight over the Victoria Falls, glide through the Okavango Delta in a dugout canoe, or go whale watching off the Elephant coast in South Africa. Unique experiences befitting the destination they are set in.

Travel with a Conscience is about shunning traditional mass market tourism practices which are more likely to benefit multi-national companies and erode traditional customs. Instead, travelling with a conscience advocates:

• Ensuring visitors have some interaction with their host community – even if only by way of a local guide, whose ability to speak local languages can bridge a gap between visitors and locals and encourage two-way communication.
• Using local guides; locally owned and managed accommodation and buying souvenirs made by local communities – so that the revenue earned benefits the local communities.
• Staying in accommodation that is actively involved in a local project – just ask, there are lots of them.
• Travelling in small groups, which is less overwhelming, and which is more likely to give a sense of respect for local customs and cultures, and ensure their preservation.
• Being aware of the realities of local life, and having an opportunity to give something back.
• Donating unwanted items such as toys, books, clothes or deflated footballs which would be gratefully received by local orphanages or schools,
• Having a real opportunity to experience something unique, but leaving behind only footprints.

If you want to support the notion of ethical tourism, we invite you to join the group 'Travel with a Conscience' on Facebook. To do this, sign up at Facebook.com and type ‘Travel with a Conscience’ into the search box.

We have recently teamed up with Against Malaria, a charity looking to expand the use of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Africa, with the ultimate aim of combating the disease which kills nearly a million people, mostly children, and mostly in Africa. We are buying a malaria net for every person who books with us, and clients can see where ‘their net’ ends up by visiting the Against Malaria website. You can also donate extra nets here – which may make an unusual but worthwhile gift.

The air holidays and flights advertised are ATOL Protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 9709. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.

In compliance with the UK Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 an insurance policy has been arranged with IGI Insurance Company to protect customers’ prepayments paid in respect of the ground handling aspects of packages where the customer is responsible for arranging travel to the destination, offered on this website (subject to the terms of the insurance policy), for:
• a refund of such prepayments if customers have not yet travelled, or
• making arrangements to enable the holiday to continue if customers have already travelled in the unlikely event of our financial failure.