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Discover the Real African Wilderness

Real African Wilderness invites you to embark on a personalized safari adventure across Southern Africa, where breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife await your discovery. Welcome to our world where adventure meets authenticity — where every journey tells a story and every moment is unforgettable.

 

Our unique African safaris are designed to take you far beyond the typical tourist trail, immersing you in the raw beauty, vibrant cultures, and untamed wilderness of Africa. Whether you're seeking close encounters with majestic wildlife, peaceful nights under starlit skies, or meaningful connections with local communities, our bespoke safari experiences offer something truly extraordinary. This is not just travel — it’s a deeper way to explore, to connect, and to rediscover the wild.

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Destinations

More about our destinations

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Namibia: A Land of Striking Contrasts and Untamed Beauty

Namibia is a destination like no other — a land of vast open spaces, dramatic landscapes, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. From the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert to the rugged peaks of Damaraland and the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast, Namibia offers some of the most surreal scenery on Earth. Its stark contrasts and ever-changing colors create a photographer’s dream, while its peaceful, wide-open spaces invite travelers to slow down and truly connect with nature.

Beyond its landscapes, Namibia is rich in wildlife and biodiversity. Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s premier game reserves, offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and an array of bird species, often gathering around shimmering salt pans. In the remote northwestern regions, you might even spot desert-adapted elephants and lions, uniquely evolved to thrive in harsh environments. Whether you’re on a game drive, guided walk, or scenic flight, Namibia delivers wildlife experiences that are as unique as its terrain.

What truly sets Namibia apart is its deep cultural heritage and strong commitment to conservation. Home to diverse communities such as the Himba, Herero, and San people, the country offers travelers authentic cultural encounters that add depth and meaning to every journey. Namibia is also a global leader in sustainable tourism, with community-run conservancies playing a vital role in protecting wildlife while empowering local people. For travelers seeking a destination that is wild, soulful, and responsibly explored, Namibia stands as one of Africa’s most remarkable and rewarding places to visit.

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Botswana: Africa’s Untamed Wilderness at Its Best

Botswana is one of Africa’s most pristine and exclusive safari destinations, renowned for its commitment to conservation and low-impact tourism. With vast, untouched wilderness areas and limited visitor numbers, Botswana offers an authentic and intimate safari experience like no other. The country’s diverse landscapes—from the shimmering salt pans of the Makgadikgadi to the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta—create dramatic contrasts and support a rich array of wildlife. Here, nature reigns supreme, and every moment feels like a step deeper into the wild.

 

At the heart of Botswana’s appeal is the world-famous Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest inland deltas on Earth. This unique ecosystem transforms with seasonal floods, creating a mosaic of islands, channels, and lagoons that teem with life. Exploring the delta by traditional mokoro canoe or on a guided walking safari offers a peaceful, immersive way to encounter elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species. Further north, Chobe National Park is home to Africa’s largest concentration of elephants, while the Linyanti and Selinda regions offer remote, predator-rich landscapes ideal for thrilling game viewing.

 

What makes Botswana truly special is its dedication to preserving its natural heritage. The country follows a “high value, low impact” tourism model, ensuring that the wild places remain unspoiled and the wildlife protected. Many of Botswana’s lodges are eco-friendly and community-operated, allowing travelers to directly contribute to conservation and local livelihoods. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure filled with raw beauty, be fully immersed in the wild, and a genuine sense of solitude, Botswana offers one of the most rewarding safari experiences on the continent.

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South Africa: The Rainbow Nation

South Africa is one of the most diverse and captivating tourist destinations in the world, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern sophistication. Known as the "Rainbow Nation," it boasts an incredible variety of landscapes—from the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the lush forests of the Garden Route and the dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg. Tourists can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, whale watching, and exploring scenic wine routes. The country's climate is generally mild, making it an ideal destination year-round.

 

Wildlife is a major draw for visitors to South Africa, with world-renowned game reserves like Kruger National Park offering the chance to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—in their natural habitat. In addition to traditional safaris, private game lodges and eco-reserves provide luxury experiences that combine conservation with comfort. Beyond the animals, South Africa’s biodiversity includes unique flora, particularly in the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its endemic plant species.

 

Culturally, South Africa offers a deep and complex history, with influences from indigenous African traditions, European colonialism, and a modern democratic spirit. Cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town are vibrant cultural hubs, filled with art galleries, historical landmarks, and culinary experiences that reflect the country’s multicultural identity. From visiting Robben Island to exploring Zulu villages, tourists can engage meaningfully with South Africa’s past and present. Whether you're an adventurer, a history enthusiast, or a leisure traveler, South Africa promises a journey that is as enlightening as it is exhilarating.

Our safaris

14-Day or 21-Day Namibia guided, self-drive, camping adventure

21-Day - A$7,450 per person sharing, single supplement applies.

14-Day - A$5,900 per person sharing, single supplement applies, shortened version of the 21-day safari.

Next tour dates: 10 May to 30 May 2026, 26 July to 15 August 2026

21-Day Namibia guided, glamping adventure

A$8,800 per person sharing, single supplement applies

Next tour dates: 7 June 2026 to 27 June 2026

13-Day Botswana guided, self drive, camping adventure

A$6,300 per person sharing, single supplement applies

Next tour dates: 5 July 2026 to 17 July 2026

Meet Our Team

The Heart of Our Service

Our dedicated team at Real African Wilderness (RAW) consists of a skilled and passionate couple who are committed to providing the highest quality of service to our guests. Each member of our team brings a wealth of experience to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of those we serve.

Alex was born and raised in South Africa and started his safari career in 1990 in Malawi and Zambia leading 14-day and 21-day safaris around Malawi and eastern Zambia. Alex was mentored by the great Herman M. of South Luangwa fame, who taught him the art of campfire cooking, about wildlife and the art of improvisation as Africa can be and is full of surprises. It was also during this time that he met his wife, Claire, whilst she was traversing Africa.

 

Claire is Australian and she and Alex decided to move to Australia to pursue a family and further their professional careers. However, Africa runs deeply in Alex's and Claire's veins and numerous self-drive safaris with their two children in southern and east Africa allowed them to reconnect with the wilds of this beautiful continent. After a hiatus during which he practiced his engineering training in Australia, Alex decided it was time to return to Africa and henceforth RAW safaris was born.

Stella is our trusty and hardworking Land Cruiser support vehicle. Stella carries all the supplies and comforts that is required to make your experience memorable.

The Pup is the newest member of our team and this is where all the food action takes place. The Pup is our mobile kitchen fitted with all the modern conveniences allowing our team to prepare scrumptious meals no matter the location.

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Alex & Claire Pelser

Safari Tour Guides

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Stella

Logistic Support

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The Pup

The Heartbeat of Our Camp

Testimonials

Real Stories, Real Experiences

"Alex and Claire offer an unique safari experience. we have been on two trips with them that covered Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. The safaris offered wonderful scenery, camping in magnificent locations, breathtaking wildlife, great company and good food. So much fun. They provide an adventure of a lifetime which stays with you forever and brings you back for more."

Michael, Port Macquarie

"I had a fantastic trip through Namibia.  Alex and Claire were very experienced and knowledgeable, and looked after us attentively. 

I loved the off-road driving, the camping and the small group size. It allowed me to truly experience the country and its amazing landscapes, wildlife and people."

Cathy, Brisbane

"Africa is truly a unique and wonderful place and there’s no better way to experience it! My favourite parts of this trip were the sundowners at the Hoada campsite, seeing a whole herd of elephants at a waterhole in Etosha and climbing to the top of Big Daddy in Sossusvlei. Every day was different and sometimes it was out of my comfort zone, but I would go back in a heartbeat and can’t wait to see more of Africa with RAW!"

Tom A., Brisbane

“RAW Africa was an incredible and unique experience! Camping allowed you to truly immerse yourself and experience the true Africa. I went to Namibia and each spot was magnificent!
Alex and Claire are both wonderful hosts, there were lots of laughs and delicious meals. Adventures like this make you want more!” 

Nicola, Queensland

"My journey with Raw – Real African Wilderness in Namibia was truly life-changing. From start to finish, I loved every single minute of the experience. The landscapes, wildlife, and culture offered so much to see and discover, making every day unforgettable.

Alex and Claire took care of every detail with such professionalism and warmth that I never had to worry about a thing. All I needed to think about was which optional activities to choose when we reached the longer stay destinations. Their organisation, knowledge, and passion for what they do made the whole trip seamless, enjoyable, and deeply rewarding.

I cannot recommend Raw highly enough — it is an adventure that leaves you with memories for a lifetime."

John K., Old Bar

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Contact Us

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