South Africa

Explore South Africa’s Wild Landscapes, Diverse Cultures, and Sustainable Future

Conservation Field Guide Training

Take part in a 5 day wilderness conservation programme - animal tracking, animal behaviour, wildlife photography, bush safety & conservation.

Township Community Life

Discover what life is like in the townships of Soweto & Kabokweni. Support local community projects and experience a homestay with a local family.

Incredible Adventures

Safaris, bushwalks, whitewater rafting, stargazing, township tours, homestays, wild camps & much more.

Spectacular Locations

The Blyde River Canyon, Kruger National Park & Makalali provide the breathtaking backdrop to this adventure.

Age Category

8 to 16 participants

Price

Open

Join Our Group Adventure

Date & Duration

1st - 12th Sep, 2026 - 12 Days & 11 Nights

Group Size

£2,250 Per Person

Destination

South Africa

Difficulty Rating

Moderate

Price Includes:

Activities (As identified in the itinerary)

Accommodation

Guide Services

Internal Transfers

Meals (11xB, 8xL, 11xD)

Solo Travellers:

Single travellers do not need to pay a supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin-share basis and, if you are travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another participant of the same sex.

On this trip, it may be possible to pay a supplement to have a room to yourself. The cost of this is £250 per person (subject to availability).

Price Excludes:

International flights

Travel Insurance

Single supplements

Tips and gratuities

Personal Expenses

Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Please note that the final itinerary is subject to change. Specific details such as flights and hotels will be confirmed at a later date. The itinerary may also change due to health and safety reasons during the trip.

Day 1 - Arrival Day - Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum

Day 2 - Soweto Bike Tour - Transfer to White River

Day 3 - Botanical Gardens - Sudwala Caves

Day 4 - Kruger National Park Safari

Day 5 - Wildlife Sanctuary - Community Project

Day 6 - Kabokweni - Township life experience & service work

Day 7 - Kabokweni - Township tour, school visit & Zulu dance

Day 8 - Blyde River Canyon & the Panoramic Route - Bushwise Field Camp

Day 9 - Field Guide Training - Bush walks, wildlife photography & bird study

Day 10 - Field Guide Training - Tracking wildlife & wild camping

Day 11 - Field Guide Training - Wilderness safety & mammal study

Day 12 - Field Guide Training - Ethical Conservation - Depart for home

Small Groups

There will only be between 8 and 16 participants on the trip.

Fully Supported

We provide pre-trip support and 24-hour support during the adventure.

What to Expect

You will be supported by expert guides throughout the adventure.

Fully Escorted

Accommodation

Township homestays, bush camps, safari lodges — every stay is part of the story, rooted in the local and full of character.

Ndula Luxury Tented Lodge

Set on a private reserve overlooking the Lowveld, this tented lodge blends wilderness and comfort. Think canvas suites, walking trails, and wildlife on the horizon.

Lebo's Backpackers

Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers is a vibrant, community-run lodge offering authentic township hospitality, local food, and a real connection to life in Soweto.

Mahlahla Lodge

Surrounded by ancient bushveld and rich with wildlife, this lodge offers a wild and exciting base for adventure, learning, and connecting with the spirit of the African bush.

Kabokweni Homestay

In Kabokweni, you’ll stay with carefully selected host families who offer a warm welcome, home-cooked meals, and a genuine insight into daily life in a South African township.

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation: Join bushwalks and wildlife monitoring in Makalali Private Game Reserve, helping protect endangered species and preserve critical habitats

All tours with Red Kite Adventures support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by incorporating meaningful experiences and initiatives that focus on sustainability, community well-being, and cultural preservation.

Climate Action in the Field: Learn from conservationists about the effects of climate change on South African ecosystems and contribute to on-the-ground environmental initiatives

Supporting Learning in Townships: Take part in projects that strengthen the work of Africa Schoolroom, enhancing educational opportunities for young people in underserved communities

Heritage & Community Connections: Engage with local traditions, stories, and cultural spaces, helping to keep South Africa’s heritage alive for future generations.

Bushwise Field Guide Training

Bushwise is a leading field guide training organisation in South Africa, recognised for delivering FGASA-accredited (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) programmes and producing some of the most respected guides in the industry. With a strong focus on conservation ethics, practical bush skills, and ecological knowledge, Bushwise combines classroom learning with hands-on field experience to prepare participants for life and work in the African wilderness.

On this Red Kite Adventure you will discover the skills of a field guide as you learn to read the bush; from tracking wildlife on foot to understanding animal behaviour and identifying plants. Connect with experienced instructors and conservation teams, gaining first-hand insight into the ecosystems that sustain South Africa’s biodiversity. Thrive as you take on practical challenges, from bush navigation to conservation tasks, that test your confidence, build your skills, and deepen your connection to the natural world.

Other Bushwise Opportunities

Don't forget that as an official Bushwise agent, we can connect you with their full range of accredited Field Guide and Conservation Training Courses, from career-launching programmes to specialist wildlife skills. If you cannot make our date or want a longer experience with Bushwise, just get in touch and we can help to sort it out for you.

We also organise private group immersive adventures with Bushwise, giving you exclusive access to expert guides, hands-on conservation, and unforgettable moments in the African bush.

The African Schoolroom

The African Schoolroom, run by Liz Mackintosh, is dedicated to improving education in rural and township communities in Southern Africa. They work closely with local schools to provide resources, teacher training, and infrastructure that create lasting benefits for both students and educators. Their mission is rooted in sustainability, ensuring every project empowers local people and strengthens the community for the long term.

On this Adventure you will discover how education shapes communities as you visit township projects supported by African Schoolroom. You will also responsibly connect with teachers, students, and local leaders through collaborative projects, from enhancing learning spaces to supporting after-school initiatives.

Who are these adventures for?

Adults who:

• Have a sense of adventure

• Have the desire to travel and experience new things

• Have a passion for sustainable development issues such as the environment and social equity

• Enjoy giving back to the world through service work

• Are interested in a career in conservation

• Want to build connections with other people and communities

Who are they not for?

These trips are not right for you if you:

• Have no interest in sustainability issues

• Are unable to work in a team and be kind and considerate to your other team members

• Are unwilling to behave in a culturally sensitive manner

• Want to sleep all day and party all night

Why Book A Red Kite Adventure?

Your travel choices matter. Every Red Kite Adventure supports sustainable practices and empowers local communities worldwide.

Purposeful Travel

Make a difference while you explore. Every trip supports people, planet, and progress.

Unique Adventures

Go beyond the usual. Wild places, big challenges, unforgettable experiences.

Ethical, local, and secure. No hidden costs. Just meaningful travel done right.

Travel You Can Trust

Booking Inquiry

To find out more, please complete the online form or feel free to give us a call or send an email.

Phone

+44 1242502269

Email

info@redkiteadventures.com

Itinerary

Day 1 - Soweto

Tuesday 1st September

Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport and transfer straight to the vibrant heart of Soweto. Your first night is spent at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers — a welcoming community hub with strong roots in local culture and social impact. Soweto itself is a powerful introduction to South Africa: a place of history, creativity, and everyday life lived with spirit

Meals: D

Accommodation: Lebo's Backpackers

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Ndula Lodge

Start the day on two wheels with a guided bike tour through Soweto, hearing stories of struggle, hope, and everyday life from those who call it home. After lunch, hit the road for Mpumalanga, a province known for its lush landscapes, rolling hills, and wildlife-rich reserves. Your base is the friendly town of White River, a gateway to Kruger National Park and the perfect spot to unwind before the next stage of your adventure.

Day 2 - Soweto & White River

Wednesday 2nd September

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Ndula Lodge

Begin the day exploring the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, where tropical plants, waterfalls, and river gorges create a lush, immersive landscape. In the afternoon, venture underground at the Sudwala Caves, one of the world’s oldest cave systems, to uncover ancient rock formations and hidden chambers.

Day 3 - White River - Caves & Botanical Gardens

Thursday 3rd September

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Ndula Lodge

Rise early for a full-day safari in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. With an expert guide, you’ll explore Kruger’s diverse habitats in search of the Big Five and more, from elephants and lions to rhinos, giraffes, and colourful birdlife. It's a day of unforgettable encounters and breathtaking scenery.

Day 4 - Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park

Friday 4th September

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Ndula Lodge

Spend the morning at a local wildlife sanctuary, learning about conservation efforts and the care of iconic species such as elephants or rhinos. In the afternoon, visit Mshadza Special Care Centre, a grassroots initiative supporting children with special needs, where you’ll gain insight into everyday life and resilience within the community.

Day 5 - Wildlife Encounters & Community Connection

Saturday 5th September

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Homestay

Travel to Kabokweni, a vibrant township near White River, where you’ll spend two days working alongside inspiring local leaders on grassroots projects that support education, health, and sustainable development. You’ll stay with host families in the community, a chance to experience everyday life, share meals, and connect across cultures in a meaningful way.

Days 6 & 7 – Community Immersion in Kabokweni

Sunday 6th & Monday 7th September

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Mahlahla Lodge

Journey through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking scenery as you follow the famous Panorama Route. Take in dramatic viewpoints over the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world, before continuing on to the Bushwise campus. Settle into your new surroundings and take part in a welcome induction to life at camp and the Conservation Field Guide Training Programme.

Day 8 - Blyde River Canyon & Bushwise Camp

Tuesday 8th September

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Mahlahla Lodge

Begin the day with an early game drive focused on the birdlife of the region, learning to identify species by sight and sound, while exploring nesting behaviours and habitats. After a hearty breakfast back at camp, there’s time to relax and take in your wild surroundings. In the afternoon, turn your attention to wildlife photography, with tips on capturing the perfect golden-hour shot and filming respectful, conservation-minded content for social media. Wrap up the day with a sundowner at the bird hide, then return to camp as nocturnal birds and bush sounds take centre stage.

Day 9 - Birds, Lenses & the Sounds of the Bush

Wednesday 9th September

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Mahlahla Lodge

Start the day with a guided bush walk focused on animal tracking and trailing, learning to read the signs of the wild and interpret spoor left behind on the landscape. After brunch back at camp and a chance to relax, you’ll set off again on foot, this time heading towards a remote wilderness camp. Along the way, you’ll observe how the bush prepares for nightfall. At camp, help prepare dinner and settle in for a night under the stars. As darkness falls, you’ll explore southern sky constellations and hear traditional Shangaan stories passed down through generations.

Day 10 - Tracks, Trails & a Night Under the Stars

Thursday 10th September

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Mahlahla Lodge

The day begins at the rifle range, where you’ll learn about firearm safety and the role of rifles in professional guiding — including how they are used in extreme situations like mock lion charge tests. In the afternoon, join a guided bush walk focused on mammal behaviour, learning to interpret alarm calls and subtle movements that reveal the presence of predators. As the sun sets, enjoy a scenic sundowner at a waterhole before retrieving camera traps placed earlier in the week. After dinner back at camp, gather under the stars to reflect on conservation challenges, human-wildlife conflict, and the role of education, all brought to life through the images captured in the wild.

Day 11 - Safety, Signs & Conservation Stories

Friday 11th September

Meals: B

Accommodation: N/A

On your final morning, take part in a closing session on conservation ethics, exploring the responsibilities that come with working in and travelling through wild spaces. After a traditional hot breakfast at camp, it's time to pack up and say your goodbyes. A private transfer will take you back to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, carrying with you unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of South Africa’s people, wildlife, and landscapes.

Day 12 - Conservation Ethics & Farewell to the Bush

Saturday 12th September

South Africa for All

Beyond the Safari Adventures

Immersive Itineraries in Stunning Settings

Private Groups from 4 to 20 People

Luxury to Cost-Effective Options

Fully Supported

Official Bushwise Agent

7 Day Field Guide Taster Courses

Longer course from 1 month to 1 Year

Formal, Industry-Recognised Qualifications

Genuine Career Pathway

Private Groups

Field Guide Training

Wildlife & Community Adventure

Fully Escorted, Small Groups

Field Guide Training, Safari & Township Life

September 2025 & 2026

Prices from £1,950

Red Kite Escorted Tours

Don't forget we also arrange Field Guide Courses from 7 days to 1 year, as well as immersive private group adventures.

We are members of the Travel Trust Association, number X7370, a trade association of Travel Agents, Tour Operators and Travel Organisers that operate trust accounts in order to provide financial protection for the consumer. Through our membership of the Travel Trust Association we are able to offer you the security of complete protection for your funds. You can verify our membership here.

This flight inclusive package is protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk.