Roger Dugmore Safaris (Safari Privé — Wild Heart)

Roger Dugmore Safaris is a family-run private mobile safari operator — not a fixed camp or lodge. Founded by John Dugmore and carried on by his son Roger, the business is now run day-to-day by Roger's cousin, Justin Everingham; the company markets itself as operating for "over 35-40 years" (site copy cites both "over 40 years" and "Botswana Safari Specialists Since 1989"). Every safari is fully private and exclusive-use: guests have their own camp, staff and vehicle for the duration of the trip, with no other guests sharing the experience, exploring the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and the Kalahari Desert.

Classic tented mobile camps are pitched at exclusive campsites in prime locations, using spacious walk-in Meru-style safari tents furnished with comfortable safari beds and high-quality linen, each en suite with a traditional bucket shower and an eco-friendly long-drop loo — the traditional spirit of an old-fashioned expedition rather than a fixed luxury lodge. Camps are capped at a maximum of 12 guests and relocate seasonally across the Delta and Moremi to follow wildlife movement, breaking down and "magically reassembling" at each new site. Camp staff — guide, chef, waiter, tent keepers, drivers and camp assistants — travel with the group; long-serving chef Dorcas (17 years with the company) cooks over an open fire, from porridge and coffee at sunrise to a plated dinner such as beef Wellington under the stars, paired with a curated wine, beer and spirits list.

Guiding is the standout: Roger Dugmore's own multi-decade guiding style is built on listening, watching, smelling and waiting — an encyclopaedic, multi-sensory approach that turns a game drive into an education in the bush rather than just a wildlife viewing. Activities include game drives and boating in custom-fitted vehicles/boats capped at six guests each (with fridge, blankets/ponchos, charging station, satellite phone and medical boxes), guided wildlife tracking and interpretive nature walks, bird watching, big cat and African wild dog sightings, and sunset cruises. Trips are fully tailor-made and can be combined with stays in permanent camps/lodges. The company is a member of HATAB and BOGA. All ages welcome.

Rooms: spacious walk-in Meru-style tents with linen and essential amenities, traditional bucket showers and long-drop toilets in each tent. Max guests: 12 per camp (fully private/exclusive-use). Positioned outside the conventional luxury-amenity ladder — the value is decades of guiding expertise and authenticity rather than five-star finish.