Natural Selection is a collection of safari lodges and camps in Botswana and Namibia, founded in 2014 by Dave and Helene Dugmore. The company was created to offer high-quality safari experiences that directly fund conservation and community projects. Natural Selection operates approximately eight properties across two countries, with a concentration in Botswana's Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans regions.
In Botswana, Natural Selection operates camps including Tuludi, a treehouse-style camp in the Khwai area on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, and Jack's Camp, an iconic desert camp in the Makgadikgadi salt pans that has been operating since 1993. Jack's Camp is known for its unique desert experiences, including meerkat interactions, quad biking across the pans, and visits to Chapman's Baobab. The company also runs Camp Kalahari, a more affordable option in the Makgadikgadi, and Meno a Kwena, a tented camp overlooking the Boteti River.
Natural Selection's conservation model includes the Uncharted Africa Trust, which supports community projects, anti-poaching patrols, and wildlife monitoring in the areas around its camps. The company has invested in aerial survey technology to track wildlife populations and has supported programs to reduce human-wildlife conflict with local farming communities.
Rates at Natural Selection properties vary considerably, starting around $500 per person per night at Camp Kalahari and reaching approximately $2,000 per person per night at Jack's Camp during peak season. The company is headquartered in Maun, Botswana, and maintains a smaller portfolio than some larger operators, focusing on distinctive properties with strong conservation credentials.