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Scheduled Safari

Hands-On South Africa

March 29 - April 12, 2025
4
Destinations
15
Days
Icon Moderate Pace
Moderate Pace
Icon Specialized Aircraft
Specialized Aircraft
16
Guests
Bushtracks_Hands_On_South_Africa_Map_V2
Scheduled Safari

Hands-On South Africa

March 29 - April 12, 2025

Discover Hands-On South Africa. This expedition goes beyond traditional safari experiences, giving you the chance to actively participate in South Africa’s most critical conservation efforts. Witness first-hand the vital work of monitoring endangered species, embark on an anti-poaching patrol flight by helicopter with a field ranger, and join experts on a rhino conservation safari as they passionately share the stories of these majestic creatures.

You’ll visit four carefully selected private reserves: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Babanango Game Reserve, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, and Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve. Each reserve faces its own unique conservation challenges, met with unwavering dedication by their teams of experts. With landscapes ranging from lush savannas to the vast Kalahari, you’ll feel as though you’ve journeyed beyond South Africa’s borders.

This expedition is designed to foster a deeper connection with the land and its wildlife, leaving you inspired by the impact of conservation and the stories of those protecting these precious ecosystems.

Highlights

  • Take to the skies on a helicopter patrol with a field ranger in Timbavati, gaining insight into anti-poaching efforts from above.
  • Engage with renowned wildlife vet Dr. Peter Rogers, and learn about critical wildlife rehabilitation and translocation efforts firsthand.
  • Go “hands on” with conservation activities at Timbavati, participating in initiatives crucial to preserving local wildlife.
  • Track black rhinos and elusive cheetahs alongside expert conservationists at Babanango Game Reserve, where efforts have recently brought back the Big Five.
  • Immerse yourself in South Africa’s history with a visit to the Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift battle sites, iconic locations in the Zulu-British conflict.
  • Join a rhino conservation safari at Kwandwe, assisting in rhino notching and microchipping to support anti-poaching efforts.
  • Explore the unique desert and savanna ecosystems of Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve, where you’ll observe desert-adapted black rhinos, black-maned lions, and meerkats.
  • End your journey with a farewell dinner at famed Restaurant Klein JAN, savoring heritage-inspired cuisine that showcases the flavors of the Kalahari.

 

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 Johannesburg |
Gateway to South Africa
Day 2 - 4 Timbavati Private Nature Reserve |
Eye in the Sky
Day 5 - 7 Babanango Game Reserve |
Tracking and Safari
Day 8 - 12 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve |
Identification and Protection
Day 13 - 15 Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve |
The Green Kalahari and Farewell
Scheduled Safari

Hands-On South Africa

One Country. 15 Unforgettable Days
HOSA_Intercon1_552x378
A room at the InterContinental hotel.
A Tanda Tula vehicle in the sunset.
A lodge room in Tanda Tula lodge.
Madwaleni lodge in the sunset.
A dehorned rhino at Babanango.
A vehicle exploring Kwandwe Reserve.
Accommodation at Great Fish River Lodge.
Meerkats at Tswalu.
The firepit at Tswalu.

Expedition Leaders

Our Expedition Leaders bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to every Scheduled Safari. With years of expertise in leading safaris and coordinating complex travel logistics, they make sure each journey runs smoothly and exceeds expectations. From navigating Africa’s diverse landscapes to sharing their passion for wildlife, culture, and conservation, our Expedition Leaders elevate your experience with their personal insights and attention to detail. They are on hand throughout your safari to guide you through every step, so that your adventure is enjoyable, worry-free, and truly remarkable.

Journey Experts

Our seasoned Journey experts specialize in meticulously planning our Scheduled Safaris. With extensive experience in travel, tourism, and aviation, they have carefully designed every aspect of your safari to ensure an extraordinary adventure. Now that the groundwork is done, they will work closely with you to handle the finer details, from equipping you with information needed to obtain visas and vaccinations to providing essential packing tips and answering all your pre-trip questions. Their goal is to help you feel confident and excited as you embark on your safari, knowing that every aspect has been meticulously planned for a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Field Experts

Angus Sholto-Douglas, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Kwanwe Private Game Reserve

Angus Sholto-Douglas, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Kwanwe Private Game Reserve

Angus is the visionary behind Kwandwe Private Game Reserve which he co-founded in 1999. Passionate about wildlife conservation, he has spearheaded the reclaiming of 54,000 acres of farmland for wildlife, repopulating the landscape with over 7,000 animals, and reintroducing rhinos and cheetahs to this wilderness.

Learn about the conservation story unfolding at Kwandwe from this pioneer, who will lead our hands-on rhino experiences as well as enliven our dinners with the history of the Great Fish River Valley and his adventures in wildlife conservation.

Dr. Peter Rogers, World-Renowned Wildlife Vet

Dr. Peter Rogers, World-Renowned Wildlife Vet

Considered to be one of the most experienced wildlife veterinarians in the world, Dr. Peter Rogers has been dedicated to saving iconic wildlife for nearly four decades. From majestic rhinos to vulnerable pangolins, his work has spanned a remarkable spectrum of treatment, rehabilitation and translocation of some of South Africa’s most endangered species.

Dr. Pete will join our group at Tanda Tula for an illuminating evening recounting some of the captivating and inspiring experiences from his illustrious career.

Craig Sholto-Douglas, Ecologist, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Craig Sholto-Douglas, Ecologist, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Craig’s passion for the wild has led him to Kwandwe as an ecologist where he’s dedicated to conservation management, land restoration, rehabilitation, and reserve management. His expertise lies in creating a harmonious balance between flora and fauna, vital for rehabilitating  land to its natural state.

While at Kwandwe, Craig will introduce our group to some of the remarkable conservation initiatives underway. Also learn about the importance of restoring native spekboom vegetation for land rehabilitation and carbon offsetting. You’ll have the opportunity to plant some of this “wonder plant” yourself.

Edwin Pierce,  Warden, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Edwin Pierce, Warden, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Edwin is an ecologist with a lifelong passion for conservation and environmental management. In 2018 he was appointed as warden of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. He is a trailblazer, swiftly rising through the ranks and leading an exceptional team.

Join Edwin at the Graeme Naylor Museum in the Timbavati Headquarters as he shares invaluable insights on reserve management, wildlife conservation, and the critical role of security in safeguarding endangered wildlife.

Scheduled Safari

Hands-On South Africa

The Hands-On South Africa journey offers an all-inclusive journey where every aspect of your trip is thoughtfully planned to ensure a seamless and immersive experience. From the moment you arrive, all essential services are covered, allowing you to focus on hands-on experiences, connecting with the local environment, wildlife, and communities. This expertly curated expedition includes everything from accommodations and meals to private air travel, guided tours, and group activities, making it a truly worry-free travel experience. You’ll be accompanied by seasoned Bushtracks expedition staff and local guides, who will handle every detail so you can focus on the adventure ahead. With all logistics, transfers, and even gratuities taken care of, you’ll enjoy comfort, convenience, and unforgettable moments.

Included in your scheduled tour

  • All accommodations, meals, guide fees, park fees, community fees, tour transfers, and private air travel as indicated in the detailed itinerary.
  • The services of Bushtracks expedition staff and local guides.
  • All group activities and excursions.
  • Private group airport transfers to/from Johannesburg airport.
  • Drinking water (bottled water not always available), coffee and tea throughout the journey.
  • Local brand alcoholic beverages at group meals.
  • Limited laundry, where available, at two-night stays or more.
  • All airport departure taxes.
  • All gratuities during group activities and for the expedition staff.
  • Porterage of one soft-sided checked bag.
  • Medical evacuation insurance ($100,000) and Medical/Sickness ($25,000 per incident) for covered reasons.
  • 30-day MEDJETAssist membership.

Price

March 29 – April 12, 2025

$39,895 per person/$6,300 single supplement
Scheduled Safari

Hands-On South Africa

Test

Test

Trip Pace and Activity Level

Participants must be able to climb into and out of private aircraft, helicopters, and safari vehicles un-aided. Also, they must be able to climb up and down stairs without a railing. They should be fully mobile and capable of walking moderate distances at an easy pace, at times over rough terrain, and be able to withstand hard riding, four wheel-drive vehicles that travel over dirt roads and sometimes rough, bumpy ground.

Private Air

Our chartered flights utilize light aircraft in commuter configuration. The flight schedule may include unscheduled stops due to factors such as weather or fuel availability beyond the crew’s control. Flight schedules can also change at any time should security or other issues arise. The type, model, and registration of the aircraft is subject to change.

Climate & Seasonality

In the first two weeks of April, South Africa experiences the early stages of autumn, making it an ideal time to visit. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, depending on the region. Rainfall tends to decrease as the wet summer months come to an end. Overall, April offers comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and great opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly in the national parks and reserves.

Scheduled Safari

Hands-On South Africa

Make it Private

If you are traveling with your own group, Going Private is the ultimate way to personalize your flying safari adventure.

Hands-On South Africa can be exclusively booked for your group, offering complete flexibility and personal attention. With your own group, sharing a private aircraft is cost effective and an essential component to efficient, time saving travel, flying you directly to camps and making the most of your time in Africa’s remote and stunning wilderness.

Whether it’s a family celebration, corporate retreat, milestone anniversary, honeymoon, multi-generational family vacation, or a bucket-list journey with friends, a private safari is designed around your preferences, providing a seamless, immersive, and unforgettable experience. Perfect for creating lifelong memories, connecting with loved ones, or simply celebrating life’s most important moments in Africa’s breathtaking wilderness.

Price and availability are based on group size.

WHY GO PRIVATE?

  • Flexible Itinerary: Tailor dates and activities.
  • Exclusive Private Air Travel: Private charter flights ensure efficient, direct travel between remote destinations, giving you more time to explore and less time in transit.
  • Personalized Activities: Customize your safari experience with private game drives, guided bush walks, cultural visits, and exclusive wildlife interactions—just for your group.
  • Backstage Activities: Enjoy special conservation or community activities booked solely for your group.
  • Tailored Group Dynamics: Whether traveling with family, friends, or colleagues, your private safari can be adapted to accommodate traveler ages, fitness levels, and interests, ensuring everyone enjoys the journey.
We had a fabulous time in Africa! The whole trip ran very smoothly. We had no issues. Thank you for your diligence and attention to details. We appreciate greatly that everything ran like clockwork!
Erica Baylor
Africa was a lifetime experience. It was an amazing adventure that spanned generations offering the entire family a wealth of impressionable memories. It is a 'must do' on the bucket list and should be moved to #1 on your list.
Janice and Christopher Pieper
I have been blessed to see many places during my life, but no-where has been as memorable as Africa. It is still vivid and fresh and fresh in my mind and a place that Cathy and I long to go back to.
Peter and Cathy Seghesio

GO PRIVATE

Pilot with Cessna in Africa.

Exclusive Private Safaris

All of our scheduled safaris can be transformed into exclusive private experiences. This allows your group to enjoy the adventure together, with personalized service and a customized itinerary tailored specifically for your party.

PRIVATE AIR EXPERIENCE

A staff member greeting clients as they land in Africa.

Maximize Your Time in Africa

Private air travel is essential to our scheduled safaris at Bushtracks, seamlessly connecting you to Africa’s most remote and iconic destinations, maximizing your time in the wilderness while offering unmatched convenience, luxury, and safety.

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Credits

DESIGN: Pembroke Studios
DEVELOPMENT: Wine Works
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
© Jack Swynnerton, © Scott Ogg
© Bushtracks Expeditions, © Envato, © istock, © Unsplash, © Shutterstock

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