Holidays

Presented by award-winning wildlife artist Ashley Boon:

Have you ever dreamed of getting away from it all and being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush?

Well, this is your chance to bid for an opportunity of a lifetime to do just that.

Ashley Boon is a British wildlife artist with a passion for Africa. In 2001 his great friend and experienced specialist guide Brian Gibson (who owns and runs one of the longest-established and highly-respected mobile safari outfits in Botswana), invited Ashley to join his safari enterprise. These safaris have now become affectionately known as “Boon-Gibson Safaris” and in 2023, the pair led their 22nd safari in 16 years.

The joy of mobile safari is that you live in the bush in total privacy, 24-7, gifting you the opportunity to enjoy this wild place, undisturbed by anything other than the incredible wildlife that abounds here.

The safari that is for auction will be taken at the end of October 2025 (exact dates TBC), a very good time as the water in the Okavango Delta is at its lowest. The game is therefore concentrated mainly near the water that remains - and the predators are never far behind. It can be hot but it is very productive! During this old-style safari you will seek out a great variety of Antelope, Impala, Waterbuck, Kudu, Lechwe, Steenbock, Reedbuck and Giraffe to name a few. You will see Hippos and Crocodiles and Northern Botswana has one of the greatest densities of Elephants in Africa.

This safari will be for a minimum of 4 people, based on 2 shared, comfortable 'Hemingway-style' tents. More people can join your party, but there will be an extra charge (by negotiation). 

Brian and Ashley guarantee to do their very best to deliver to you the trip of a lifetime. They aim to show you as much of the spectacular wildlife as they can and to share their knowledge and passion for this magical part of Africa.

Further information on what the safari will entail can be found here.

Exact itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Maun via Johannesburg to be met by Ashley & Brian and taken to the River Lodge. Time for a shower etc before going to the Elephant sanctuary for the baby Elephant experience. Please note that you must pay for meals (other than breakfast at the River Lodge) and drinks.

Day 2: Brian & Ashley collect you from the River Lodge and drive them into the Okavango Delta for 7 nights mobile camping (Moremi Game Reserve for 4nights and 3 nights in the Khwai Community Reserve although not necessarily in that order; this will depend on camp site availability. A boat trip on the Delta waterways will happen on the camp changeover day.

Day 9: After breakfast, say goodbye to camp staff before Brain & Ashley drive you back to Maun for the return flight to Johannesburg and onward journey.

Important information:

Flights are not included (NB. Ashley can help you arrange internal flights in Southern Africa).

Full payment must be made before the safari.

The cost includes all transport, accommodation, park fees, guide fees, all meals and drinks (excluding the meals and drinks other than breakfast at the River Lodge on Day 1). It does not include money for discretionary tips for camp staff and guides.

The Heather Trust benefits from a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this Lot. A base cost must be paid by the Trust when the Lot is successfully sold. Any revenues over and above these costs go directly to fund the Trust's work and initiatives.

Presented by Glenmuick Estate:

2 nights’ accommodation for a maximum of 4 guests with a morning (1-3 hours) feeding deer with our keeper who will talk about the deer farm and the deer.

The accommodation will be in one of the Estate's 4 bedroomed cottages (either Antlers or Gardener’s Cottage) that sleeps 4 guests and is fully equipped. Towels, linen and a supply of logs are provided.

To be taken within 12 months of the Sale closing. Because the Estate is so busy during High Season, this trip cannot be taken during August, September or October. Sunday check-ins not available.

Presented in partnership with LuxGive:

This year we are delighted to be partnering with LuxGive to bring you the chance to become spellbound in Venice, Italy, including:

• An opulent palazzo apartment with sun-kissed shared terrace for four guests over four nights
• Private Grand Canal tour, water taxi transfers, daily croissant deliveries, and pre-stocking
• The magic of Venice at your fingertips with the world-famous Piazza San Marco three minutes away
• Dedicated Concierge and trip planning services
• 18 month to travel

Room configuration:

Bedroom 1: King size bed

Bedroom 2: Convertible King / Twin size bed

Bathrooms: 2

12 MONTHS TO BOOK AND 18 MONTHS TO TRAVEL. SUBJECT TO TRAVEL AND AVAILABILITY YEAR-ROUND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE VENICE ART BIENNALE PRE-OPENING WEEK

FLIGHTS, TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD ARE NOT INCLUDED.

The Heather Trust benefits from a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this Lot. This Lot has not been donated to the Trust and therefore a cost is incurred by the Trust when the Lot is successfully sold. Any revenues over and above these costs go directly to fund Heather Trust work and initiatives.

Presented in partnership with LuxGive:

This year we are delighted to be partnering with LuxGive to bring you the chance to lose yourself in Iceland's untamed beauty, including:

• A luxury geodesic dome for two guests over three nights
• Your choice from three Icelandic adventures
• A private hot tub, wood burning fire and, private, fully equipped bathroom
• Premium Guesst Services for trip planning
• 24 months to travel

Bedroom configuration

Master: King size bed

12 MONTHS TO BOOK AND 24 MONTHS TO TRAVEL. SUBJECT TO TRAVEL AND AVAILABILITY YEAR-ROUND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DECEMBER 21ST - JANUARY 1ST.

FLIGHTS, TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD ARE NOT INCLUDED.

The Heather Trust benefits from a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this Lot. This Lot has not been donated to the Trust and therefore a cost is incurred by the Trust when the Lot is successfully sold. Any revenues over and above these costs go directly to fund Heather Trust work and initiatives.

Presented by Richard Cooke:

Treat yourself to a week in one of the stunning Old Springwell Croft cottages, midway between Glencoe and Fort William.

The cottage will have 2 bedrooms and sleep up to 4 people (selected from the cottages: Kerrera, Lismore and Shuna)

Old Springwell Croft is the ideal well-being self catering holiday destination whether it be to explore the Highlands, walk and climb the spectacular mountains, relax from the stresses and strains of everyday life, have a short break, ski at a choice of two resorts, watch the unique Scottish wildlife, go mountain biking, go whale watching, visit the beautiful Inner Hebrides or just have a cosy Winter break. All of these are possible from Old Springwell Croft in the Scottish Highlands.

Within 17 acres of native woodland there are designated walks up to and around the hillside; the higher up you go the more dramatic the scenery becomes as the Lochs and Islands widen out before you.

Old Springwell Croft is teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, pine martins, foxes, badgers, roe deer, eagles, buzzards, woodpeckers, chaffinches, blue tits, goldfinches, song thrushes, to name but a few.

The cottage consists of a sitting/dining room with panoramic views of the Lochs and Mountains. There is a 3 seater leather sofa and a leather armchair, a dining table and dining chairs as well as a TV, DVD and CD / Radio. The fitted kitchen has a fridge/freezer, oven and hob, microwave, toaster and kettle. The bathroom has a modern walk in shower with a fitted electric shower, sink, toilet and cabinet. The cottage has two bedrooms each, one bedroom with a double bed and the other containing two single beds, accommodating up to a maximum of four people.

The cottage is all electric including modern convection radiators and water heating. All windows are double glazed. There is ample parking.

Dates will be arranged with the donor based on availability and exclude high season.

More information can be found at: https://www.oldspringwellcroft.com/

Presented by P R Wilkinson, Pennyholme Estate:

http://www.theroyaloakgillamoor.co.uk/

A gift voucher for 1 night's Bed & Breakfast with a bottle of prosecco at The Royal Oak, Gillamoor.