Hands-On South Africa
Johannesburg
1 Night
Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant gateway city. Settle in at the elegant Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, an oasis with lush gardens, a renowned spa, and serene suites—perfect for unwinding after your international flight and preparing for the journey ahead.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
4 Nights
After a welcome breakfast, fly to Hoedspruit and the remote Timbavati Private Nature Reserve—135,000 acres of pristine wilderness within the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Meet the reserve warden, join a field ranger for a helicopter patrol, and go hands-on with the Endangered Wildlife Trust to learn about critical conservation work. Explore the remarkable Graeme Naylor Museum, home to rare species like white lions and pangolins. Evenings invite stargazing and quiet reflection in the bush.
Stay at Tanda Tula Safari Camp, where glass-and-canvas suites with heated plunge pools overlook a tranquil riverbed—true to its name, “to love the quiet.”
andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
4 Nights
Explore Phinda’s seven ecosystems—home to over 400 bird species and a range of wildlife including cheetahs, black rhinos, and pangolins. Enjoy game drives, bush walks, and a behind-the-scenes look at conservation efforts, including time with the reserve’s anti-poaching canine unit. On your final day, visit the untouched beaches and marine life of nearby Maputaland for a refreshing coastal escape.
Stay at Phinda Mountain Lodge, set high above the bush with sweeping views and luxurious comfort.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
4 Nights
Travel to the Great Fish River Valley in South Africa’s Eastern Cape for an immersive look at conservation in action. At Kwandwe, join an ecological technician on a rhino conservation safari, take part in a rhino notching program, and assist a vet team during a vital intervention—helping protect one of Africa’s most threatened species.
Stay at Great Fish River Lodge, where elegant suites overlook the river and offer sweeping views of the valley, with wildlife often visible right from your private deck.
Johannesburg
1 Night
Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant gateway city. Settle in at the elegant Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, an oasis with lush gardens, a renowned spa, and serene suites—perfect for unwinding after your international flight and preparing for the journey ahead.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
4 Nights
After a welcome breakfast, fly to Hoedspruit and the remote Timbavati Private Nature Reserve—135,000 acres of pristine wilderness within the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Meet the reserve warden, join a field ranger for a helicopter patrol, and go hands-on with the Endangered Wildlife Trust to learn about critical conservation work. Explore the remarkable Graeme Naylor Museum, home to rare species like white lions and pangolins. Evenings invite stargazing and quiet reflection in the bush.
Stay at Tanda Tula Safari Camp, where glass-and-canvas suites with heated plunge pools overlook a tranquil riverbed—true to its name, “to love the quiet.”
andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
4 Nights
Explore Phinda’s seven ecosystems—home to over 400 bird species and a range of wildlife including cheetahs, black rhinos, and pangolins. Enjoy game drives, bush walks, and a behind-the-scenes look at conservation efforts, including time with the reserve’s anti-poaching canine unit. On your final day, visit the untouched beaches and marine life of nearby Maputaland for a refreshing coastal escape.
Stay at Phinda Mountain Lodge, set high above the bush with sweeping views and luxurious comfort.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
4 Nights
Travel to the Great Fish River Valley in South Africa’s Eastern Cape for an immersive look at conservation in action. At Kwandwe, join an ecological technician on a rhino conservation safari, take part in a rhino notching program, and assist a vet team during a vital intervention—helping protect one of Africa’s most threatened species.
Stay at Great Fish River Lodge, where elegant suites overlook the river and offer sweeping views of the valley, with wildlife often visible right from your private deck.
Hands-On South Africa
Discover Hands-On South Africa. This expedition goes beyond traditional safari experiences, giving you the chance to actively participate in some of 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 animals.
You’ll visit three carefully selected private reserves: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and Kwandwe Private 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 and rolling hills to sand forest and wetlands, you’ll feel as though you’ve journeyed beyond South Africa’s borders.
This fully inclusive 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 the Timbavati, gaining insight into anti-poaching efforts from above.
- Join a rhino conservation safari at Kwandwe, assisting in rhino notching and microchipping to support anti-poaching efforts.
- Go behind the scenes with the bird of prey team of the Endangered Wildlife Trust and witness the capture, tagging and release of endangered white-backed vultures.
- In addition to the “Big Five” and a great variety of plains game, spot rare and elusive wildlife such as cheetahs, African wild dogs, and brown hyenas.
- Learn about the work of highly trained anti-poaching dogs and their handlers in the fight to combat poaching.
- Meet some of the dedicated ecologists, researchers and wildlife vets working tirelessly to restore critical habitat and help vulnerable animal species thrive.
- Explore the pristine coastline of Maputaland and discover some of South Africa’s marine diversity on an ocean safari.
Itinerary at a Glance
Hands-On South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
Begin your adventure in Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant main travel hub and a gateway to some of the continent’s most iconic destinations. Take the evening to unwind at luxurious hotel, allowing yourself to recover from your international journey. Whether you choose to relax or explore, Johannesburg offers a perfect introduction to South Africa, blending urban sophistication with rich history and culture. Recharge and prepare for the exciting days of adventure that lie ahead.
The elegant Fairlawns is an oasis of tranquility, featuring lush gardens, an award-winning spa, and well-appointed suites for a comfortable rest.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa 
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
After meeting fellow travelers at our welcome breakfast, we fly to Hoedspruit, a charming town on the edge of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. This 135,000-acre wilderness, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, is untouched by mass tourism and known for exquisite game viewing thanks to prolific and diverse wildlife. Meet the Timbavati warden to gain insights into reserve management, then join a field ranger on a helicopter patrol flight and learn about the importance of this “eye in the sky.” Go “hands on” with members of the Endangered Wildlife Trust and learn about critical wildlife rehabilitation and protection efforts. Visit the one-of-a-kind Graeme Naylor Museum – a stunning collection of taxidermied birds and mammals (including rare white lions and pangolins), allowing for close and unhurried study of these animals. At night, enjoy the serenity of the bush and stargaze the southern hemisphere night sky.
Tanda Tula Safari Camp sits on the banks of the seasonal Nhlaralumi River. Tanda Tula means “to love the quiet,” and the camp truly delivers. Secluded canvas and glass suites feature private decks and heated plunge pools in a peaceful setting overlooking the riverbed.
Tanda Tula Safari Camp 
andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
With its seven distinct ecosystems, including marshland and critically endangered dry sand forest, Phinda is home to abundant and diverse wildlife and over 400 bird species, offering rich safari experiences from game drives to bush walks in a variety of magnificent landscapes. Phinda is renowned as a sanctuary for threatened wildlife, including pangolins, cheetahs and black rhinos, and has garnered recognition for conservation and responsible tourism. We’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at reserve management and meet the hardworking dogs and their handlers in the anti-poaching canine unit. On our final day, explore the pristine coastline and marine life of nearby Maputaland for a respite in paradise.
Phinda Mountain Lodge 
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Journey to the Great Fish River Valley, a lush, undulating landscape in the Eastern Cape and take a deep dive into understanding wildlife conservation and habitat regeneration with a variety of “backstage” experiences. Kwandwe employs cutting-edge technology to counter the threat of poaching. Experience their efforts firsthand as you accompany an ecological technician on a rhino conservation safari. You will then have the rare opportunity to join the vet team on a necessary rhino conservation intervention and assist with essential tasks as the rhino receives medical treatment or is outfitted with microchips and ankle collars for protection and identification.
Perched above a magnificent perennial river, spacious suites at the elegant Great Fish River Lodge are designed to showcase the majestic setting. Enjoy uninterrupted views from your private deck and watch kudu and nyala graze near the riverbanks below.
Great Fish River Lodge 
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.
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.
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, Kwandwe 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 74,000 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 experience as well as enliven our dinners with the history of the Great Fish River Valley and his adventures in wildlife conservation.
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 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 Timbavati Headquarters as he shares invaluable insights on reserve management, wildlife conservation, and the critical role of security in safeguarding endangered wildlife.
Angus Sholto-Douglas, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Kwandwe 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 74,000 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 experience as well as enliven our dinners with the history of the Great Fish River Valley and his adventures in wildlife conservation.
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 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 Timbavati Headquarters as he shares invaluable insights on reserve management, wildlife conservation, and the critical role of security in safeguarding endangered wildlife.
Hands-On South Africa
Hands-On South Africa 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 deeply connect with focus on hands-on experiences, connecting with wildlife and communities. This expertly curated expedition includes everything from accommodation and meals to private air travel, group activities and gratuities, 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 taken care of, you’ll enjoy comfort, convenience, and unforgettable moments.
Included in your scheduled tour
- All accommodations, meals, park fees, community fees, tour transfers, and private air travel
- 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.
- Medical evacuation insurance ($100,000) and Medical/Sickness ($25,000 per incident) for covered reasons.
Price
April 11 – 24, 2026
Hands-On South Africa
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.
Our chartered flights utilize light aircraft in commuter or VIP 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.
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 95°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.
International air to and from Johannesburg and any other commercial flights that are not part of the program; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; porterage of carry-on luggage; items of a personal nature such as curios, spa and room service expenses, minibar charges, and express laundry services; premium brand drinks; communication costs; costs of obtaining passports, visas, or other travel documents; inoculation fees; extra beverages, meals, or gratuities when not with the group; extra tours and activities.
Hands-On South Africa
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.
STUNNING SUNDOWNERS
EPIC GAME DRIVES
ENDANGERED BLACK RHINO
WILD LUXURY
STUNNING SUNDOWNERS
EPIC GAME DRIVES
ENDANGERED BLACK RHINO
WILD LUXURY
GO PRIVATE
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
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.
