Full Immersion with Africa’s First All-Female Anti-Poaching Team - The Black Mambas.

It’s a rare privilege to meet The Black Mambas on their home turf, so we are beyond excited to be the first tour operator to offer a fully immersive week-long experience with these incredible women. This trip will be led by experienced adventurer and conservationist Holly Budge, who has worked closely with The Black Mambas for the past decade. The Black Mambas are based in Olifants West Nature Reserve in South Africa and since their inception in 2013, elephant and rhino poaching has reduced by an impressive 76%.

| SOUTH AFRICA | DAY 1

Meet The Black Mambas

Depart Johannesburg on an internal flight to Hoedspruit. Transfer from Hoedspruit Airport to Ndlovu Bush Camp in Olifants West Nature Reserve. (approx. 25 mins drive).

In the afternoon, your host, Holly Budge, and the Black Mambas will give a welcome talk and provide you with valuable insight into their direct-action conservation efforts.

You will have time to relax and soak in your awe-inspiring surroundings before having a delicious dinner with your fellow travelers.

Join The Black Mambas for morning patrol

| SOUTH AFRICA | DAY 2

We will rise early for a morning patrol with The Black Mambas and Holly at 6 am, with a packed breakfast to enjoy ‘in the field.’ During the patrol, you will monitor the wildlife, seize snares (wire traps), and check the fencelines for incursions. You will then have time to rest and relax back at the lodge, reflecting on your day so far.

We will enjoy a delicious lunch with the group, and later in the afternoon, we will head out for a game drive and sundowners as the sun begins to set. Then it's dinner with your fellow guests.

Experience a night patrol with The Black Mambas

| SOUTH AFRICA | DAY 3

Rise with the sun for a 6:30am guided game drive. Experience the magic of the African bush in the Greater Kruger National Park, home to the Big 5: elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and lion. Afterward, you'll have time to rest and relax back at the lodge before enjoying a delicious lunch with your fellow guests.

In the early evening, join The Black Mambas for a special night patrol. Experience the bush's tranquility at night, when many animals become active, and you might be treated to some incredible wildlife sightings.

Visit the ‘Bush Babies’ schools in the local comunities

| SOUTH AFRICA | DAY 4

After breakfast, we will drive to the local community (30 mins) to visit local schools who are part of the Black Mambas hugely successful educational programme called ‘The Bush Babies’ . With over 2000 rural children enrolled, the Black Mambas educate the children how to conserve and nurture nature through community vegetable gardens, tree planting, social sciences and sustainable environmental management.

On return, we will embark on an exciting afternoon game drive, expertly guided by an experienced guide, well-versed in this Big 5 conservation area. As you revel in this natural beauty, remember that the challenges of encroachment on wildlife areas and the heartbreaking increase in poaching for profit and unwarranted medicinal beliefs are pressing issues. Rhinos, elephants, pangolins, and lions need our protection more than ever, making global awareness and support for ranger teams like The Black Mambas an urgent call to action.

Marvel at Blyde Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world

| SOUTH AFRICA | DAY 5

We will visit Blyde Canyon, one of the most recognizable and beautiful natural landmarks South Africa has to offer. Relax on a guided boat trip taking in the impressive mountain scenery. You will have the opportunity to buy traditional handcrafted African souvenirs from local makers.

In the afternoon, you will move from the lodge to Ndlovu Bush Camp, deep in the heart of Olifants West Reserve (20-minute drive). You will be treated to delicious food cooked on the fire right before you. There will be lots of chat and laughter, and you will feel truly alive, soaking in the magic of an authentic African bush camp.

Enjoy world-class wildlife sightings in the Kruger National Park

| SOUTH AFRICA | DAY 6

The Kruger National Park is one of Africa's grandest wildlife havens. Within its vast boundaries, you'll encounter an impressive array of Africa's famed Big 5: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. But that's not all! The park is teeming with hundreds of other fascinating mammals, and the skies overhead come alive with the calls of diverse bird species, from soaring vultures and majestic eagles to graceful storks. With its diverse landscapes featuring mountains, bush plains, and tropical forests, every corner of the park promises an adventure that’s as diverse as it is captivating.

While exploring the park, we will visit the Letaba Elephant Museum. It is a treasure trove of knowledge about elephants, offering insights into their evolution, biology, behavior, ecology, and ongoing research. You'll also find a unique display of ivory from eight of Kruger's most impressive tuskers.

Wrap up your day around the campfire with the Black Mambas, the perfect setting to unwind, share stories, and reflect on all you've seen and learned while enjoying a delicious meal cooked on the fire.

Wake up to the sounds of the African bush teaming with life. After breakfast, we will make your final preparations for your return flight to Johannesburg. You connect from the Domestic Arrivals Terminal to International Departure Terminal for your flight home.

Depart

| SOUTH AFRICA | DAY 7

  • The Details

    November 20-27 2024

    Limited spaces available

    Trip duration: 7 days

  • The Highlights

    Patrolling with The Black Mambas

    Indigenous community/schools visit

    Game drives in the Kruger National Park

  • What's Included

    Full-board accommodation

    Expert guiding and personal hosting

    All listed activities

Want to find out more?

This trip will be led by Holly Budge, a world-class adventurer and conservationist. As the founder of the UK charity ‘How Many Elephants’ and World Female Ranger Week, Holly has built strong relationships based on mutual respect and trust with many rangers and conservation organisations around the world. Her impactful work has been highly praised, including by Sir David Attenborough.

Holly launched Wildlife Positive Travel to create unique and impactful journeys that have a lasting impact long after you’ve gone home.

"Having supported and patrolled with The Black Mambas many times over the last decade, I've seen first-hand how these bold women are impacting lives; Protecting wildlife, educating communities and empowering other women."

Holly Budge | Leader