Lot 5.0: On safari with wildlife artist Ashley Boon: 4 people, Botswana, October 2025

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.