Discover the wild heart of South Africa on this exclusive luxury conservation safari in the Greater Kruger region, curated by One Niner Expeditions.
Set in the Hoedspruit wilderness bordering Kruger National Park, this intimate journey blends luxury safari comfort with rare conservation access.
Your experience begins at a private lodge in Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, exclusively reserved for your group. With full lodge buyout, guests enjoy complete privacy, personalized service, and uninterrupted immersion in the African bush. Daily game drives reveal elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes, while evenings are spent in elegant suites with fine dining and fireside relaxation under the stars.
The journey continues to a riverside lodge on the Olifants River, where the conservation focus deepens. Here, guests begin their immersive experience with the world-renowned Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit, including behind-the-scenes access to headquarters and insight into frontline anti-poaching operations.
This is more than a safari. It is a private conservation journey through one of South Africa’s most important wildlife regions, designed for travelers seeking exclusivity, connection, and purpose.
This experience is ideal for small private groups (minimum 4 guests per departure) looking to share a meaningful journey together. With exclusive-use lodges, private guiding, and seamless hosting throughout, it is designed for couples or close friends who want a fully curated safari without logistical stress.
Beyond the wildlife experience, guests gain rare insight into the human side of conservation, engaging directly with those working on the frontline of wildlife protection in South Africa. It is a journey that combines comfort, connection, and purpose in one of Africa’s most iconic safari regions.
Three nights at safari lodge, a five-star lodge in Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve. Includes full board and twice-daily game drives.
Morning and afternoon game drives led by experienced, lodge-based safari guides and trackers.
On-trip hosting, coordination, and support by One Niner Expeditions.
All applicable entry and conservation fees for Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve.
Enjoy a selection of tea, coffee, and fruit juice, served with breakfast. Throughout the day, soft drinks, local beer, and house wine are also available at the safari lodge.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during your stay, expertly prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Available at safari lodge.
Private en-suite accommodation for 2 nights in a tranquil, riverside setting near Hoedspruit.
Join the Mambas on a guided walk along the Poachers Trail, learning about anti-poaching techniques and daily patrol life.
Participate in a non-operational snare sweep with the Mamba team at Ekuthuleni — a key conservation activity on the ground.
Learn from the founder of the Black Mambas, Craig Spencer, during a relaxed sundowner session at the lodge.
All private transfer in Hoedspruit during the whole safari.
International flights aren’t included, but we’re happy to help with domestic flights, including round trips between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit!
Not included. Comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended to protect against medical emergencies, delays, or cancellations.
Tipping is customary for guides, lodge staff, and tour hosts. We recommend budgeting 10–15% of your trip cost for gratuities.
Not included. Available for purchase at the lodges.
Any additional activities not listed in the itinerary are at your own cost.
Guests are responsible for checking visa requirements and securing any necessary visas prior to travel.
Laundry is not included. Available at the lodge for an additional fee.
Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your One Niner Tour Host and lodge staff and transferred through open bushveld to Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, where your luxury safari adventure begins.
Settle into your luxurious suite, complete with panoramic views, a private deck, and the sounds of the wild just beyond your door. After some time to unwind, head out on your first guided game drive with expert trackers. As the sun dips below the horizon, pause for sundowners at a scenic lookout and soak in your first golden hour in the bush.
Return to the lodge for a gourmet dinner under the stars, and relax by the fire as the nocturnal rhythm of the African night comes to life.
Your safari adventure is now in full swing at Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, where each day flows with the natural rhythm of the wild.
Morning Game Drive
Begin at dawn with fresh coffee before heading out with expert guides in search of the Big Five. Midway, pause for coffee in the bush as the sun rises and the landscape comes to life.
Bush Breakfast & Leisure
Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then spend the late morning at your leisure. Lounge by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply relax on your private deck, watching wildlife drift past.
Lunch & Afternoon Rest
After a light lunch, enjoy a quiet afternoon of reading, napping, or dipping into your plunge pool as the heat of the day settles.
Afternoon Game Drive & Sundowners
As the bush cools and animals become active again, head out on another game drive. Stop for sundowners in a scenic spot and soak in the magic of golden hour.
Dinner Under the Stars
Evenings are for gourmet dinners by firelight, beneath the stars, with the sounds of the African night as your soundtrack.
Throughout your stay, the One Niner team ensures every detail is taken care of, blending adventure and relaxation in one of South Africa’s most exclusive wilderness settings.
After your morning safari and departure from Hoedspruit, you’ll transfer to your riverside lodge on the banks of the Olifants River, your base for this immersive conservation experience. Settle in before visiting the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit Operations Room for a rare introduction to their pioneering work in wildlife protection.
Continue with a guided Walk & Talk patrol along the Poachers Trail, gaining first-hand insight into frontline conservation efforts. Return to the lodge to relax and unwind in the peaceful bush setting.
The day ends with drinks and dinner at the lodge, followed by fireside conversation under the African night sky.
The day begins with a peaceful breakfast at the lodge, followed by one of the most impactful moments of the experience, joining the Black Mambas on a snare sweep at Ekuthuleni. This hands-on conservation activity offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of protecting wildlife on the ground.
After returning to the lodge to refresh, enjoy a leisurely lunch and time to relax by the river. In the late afternoon, you’ll be joined by Craig Spencer, founder of the Black Mambas and director of Transfrontier Africa, for a casual drink and open conversation about conservation in action.
As the sun sets, gather for dinner with Craig, a thoughtful and inspiring close to a day dedicated to purpose, connection, and real conservation impact.
Savor a final, slow morning in the bush with breakfast at, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Take time to reflect on your experiences with the Black Mambas and the lessons learned about wildlife protection in South Africa.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Eastgate Airport (HDS) for your onward journey, leaving not only with unforgettable memories but a deeper understanding of the people and purpose behind conservation in the region.
