Our Portfolio 
SAFARIS & TRAILS
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The HEREandNOW TRAIL
Okavango Delta, Botswana
​Personally guided and hosted by Alan & Sarah McSmith

2025 dates:
​11th - 18th September

Our most basic aspiration, one that unites us all, is to discover peace and purpose in our lives. But how do we achieve it? This is what this trail is about; to rediscover solace in nature.  And in this process to touch the inter-being of it all. We invite you into our version of the Okavango, based from a vintage secluded tented camp ... to take our lead from the wild. This at the address of life: HEREandNOW dot com.

OKAVANGO WILDERNESS TRAIL / BOTSWANA
Chief's Island, Okavango Delta.
​Personally guided by Alan

​2025 scheduled dates:
​Trip1: 2-7 August / Trip2: 11-16 August / Trip3: 1-6 September

Join us in the majestic Okavango Delta in Botswana exploring the luxury of time, space and belonging. All unplugged, on foot and by dugout canoe. Rising with the sun and walking wild. Tracking and stalking big game, all based from a secluded mobile tented fly-camp. Simplicity that leaves us craving more of this thing called less!

KLASERIE PIONEER TRAIL
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve / Greater Kruger / South Africa

​2025 scheduled dates: 
Trail1: 1-4 April / Trail2: 13-17 April / Trail4: 25-29 Sept /
​Trail5: 1-6 Oct

Based from an explorers camp that was built in the 1930s, our trail rolls back the years. The homely comforts provide a springboard for an unlimited and varied exploration of an exclusive-use concession. We can drive here, walk here and even sleep here. This combination, of meaningful space and encounters, is where true luxury lies.

MAKGADIKGADI / BOTSWANA
Incorporated with the Okavango Delta

​The great 'dusty wetlands' of Botswana. Its a land of lunar-like landscape, of mysterious pans and of vast open spaces. Hauntingly beautiful and alive with wildlife, quiet and, wildy remote. Its a land of ephemeral desert rivers, transformation and stirring encounters like no other. This is the heartland of of the San Bushmen, and quite likely, the cradle of mankind. A visit to Makgadikgadi is essential for a complete Botswana safari experience. 

PRIVATE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE 
Okavango Delta / Botswana
​Co-led by Alan
2025 departures:
Trip1: 18th July - 1st August / Trip2: 24th October - 7th November

Based from a simple tented camp: a superb location for a 2-week deep exploration of the ecology and wildlife of the magnificent Okavango Delta. What a privilege to share so many meaningful moments and impactful encounters with a group of curious and enthusiastic conservation enthusiasts. If you are also curious about this unique product, watch the highlight video of the 2023 trip here (narrated by Alan)

ON AN ELEPHANT PATH WITH ALAN 
Umlani Bushcamp / Timbavati / South Africa
​2025 departures:
Trip1: 18-22 April / Trip2: 1-5 July / 

A unique specialised encounter focusing primarily on elephant behaviour and ecology.  All activities, on foot or by vehicle are conducted on an exclusive and private basis, and we are based at one of our all time favourite camps, Umlani Bushcamp.  The safari is about sharing fascinating elephant behaviour and their value as ecological landscapers; as well as platforming a greater awareness of their conservation requirements ... a donation for each safari goes to ELEPHANTS ALIVE, a leading conservation NGO.

SOUTH LUANGWA / ZAMBIA 
Incorporating Mfuwe Lodge
​Nov/Dec 2025

Once a year at Mfuwe Lodge, a unique wildlife spectacle unfolds. Wild elephant walk through the camp and reception to feed on wild mango trees. Its a scene like no other! This takes us to South Luangwa, one of the greatest game reserves in Africa.
The safari includes a stay at Mfuwe to connect with the elephants, as well as a visit to a remote Buch camp in the reserve. Victoria Falls/Livingstone is also highly recommended.

DESERT OF RIVERS SAFARI / NAMBIA
Hoanib Valley, Skeleton Coast & Koakoveld
As part of an itinerary ​

The sublime and rugged landscapes of Namibia, the oldest desert in the world, are an explorers dream. Ultra-remote and uber-silent the desert is a feast for the senses. Uniquely adapted lion and elephant populations are mammal highlight. A visit to the brutal Skeleton Coast or to Himba communities on Cunene River up north are a must.

DESERT ELEPHANT SAFARI / NAMIBIA
Damaraland
7 Nights / 8 Days

The legendary desert elephants of Namibia have beguiled conservationist and scientists for years. The safari explores this sense of wonder about them, how they adapt and survive in such harsh conditions. As we explore the beautiful rugged wild-lands of Damaraland in search of close up encounters with the herds, we camp wild in the desert and spend time with passionate local conservationists along the way.

ZAMBEZI LEGEND SAFARI / ZIMBABAWE
Victoria Falls & Mana Pools
9 Nights / 10 Days

A unique exploratory safari takes us through two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the legendary Zambezi River, boundary of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls and Mana Pools National Park on the lower Zambezi; a sublime game viewing paradise. We journey deeper here with time in a fly-camp at the ultra-remote Chitake Spring, a bonanza-magnet for game in the dry season.

BOTSWANA LUXURY SAFARI 
Okavango, Moremi or Selinda
Combining with Victoria Falls or Namibia

Sublime choices of camps, destinations and staggering game viewing define the hotspots of northern Botswana. Fly-in, boat-in, canoe-in or walk-in options are available. Private wildlife encounters are part of the fare offering front row seats to some of the most productive reserves in Africa. 

LOWER ZAMBEZI FOOT SAFARI / ZAMBIA
Incorporating Victoria Falls

Off the beaten track, wild and remote, the Lower Zambezi is an exclusive and sought-after destination for travelers seeking a little more. How about pushing the envelope a little? Lets walk and track big game on foot, from a superb charming mobile basecamp on the Zambezi. It doesn't get much better than this.


​These flagship safaris & trails epitomise 35 years of commitment to deliver meaningful experiences and conservation care. We trust that they provide you with insights of why and how we operate.
Should you wish to tailor-make your encounter anywhere in Africa, feel free to CONNECT with us and share. Let's design one together!

          CONTACT US

ENQUIRIES

SARAH MCSMITH
WHATSAPP: 0027 (0) 76 183 2040
EMAIL: [email protected]

SPECIALIST GUIDE

ALAN MCSMITH
WHATSAPP: 0027 (0) 83 472 4783
EMAIL: ​[email protected]

HEAD OFFICE

AMS SAFARIS & SERVICES CC
PO Box 1565, Hoedspruit, South Africa
WEB: www.alanmcsmith.com
​Wildlife Photography ©Jens Cullmann: instagram or  www.jenscullmann.de ​
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ©AMS Safaris 2023
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