On Track Safaris offers a fresh approach to African wildlife safaris in South Africa. Not only do we offer a unique wildlife experience, but invite our guests to become involved in wildlife conservation.
We are first and foremost wildlife conservationists primarily conducting leopard research (www.ingweleopard.com) under the auspice of PAW Conservation Trust (www.pawct.org).We formed On Track Safaris in 2008 as a commercial venture to raise funds for PAW. We not only wanted to raise much-needed funds but also provide a different safari. Sure we know that folks want the five star lodge, big five game viewing etc. but we also want our guests to be involved in our work in conservation. That involvement is tailored to suit our guests. For some this may mean something as simple as just being shown inside the world of conservation and gaining a better understanding of the bush and their bush senses, predator behaviour and tracking that sort of thing. For others who wish to be more involved they can go as deep as they wish into being involved hands on, but all with a luxurious lodge at the end of the day a lovely meal taken with our team and time for some R&R.We split our time between the normal safari game viewing and conservation elements and can add things such as a cultural element if asked to do so, for example with a visit to one of the farm schools we sponsor and support. The overall aim is to go beyond the normal safari and enable our guests to gain a better insight into the bush, nature and wildlife. We believe in personal service, transparency and quality for money that is born out by the stunning reviews we receive.Our po

‘In Africa, everyone is capable of making a difference’We are first and foremost wildlife conservationists primarily conducting leopard research (www.ingweleopard.com) under the auspice of PAW Conservation Trust (www.pawct.org).We formed On Track Safaris in 2008 as a commercial venture to raise funds for PAW. We not only wanted to raise much-needed funds but also provide a different safari. Sure we know that folks want the five star lodge, big five game viewing etc. but we also want our guests to be involved in our work in conservation. That involvement is tailored to suit our guests. For some this may mean something as simple as just being shown inside the world of conservation and gaining a better understanding of the bush and their bush senses, predator behaviour and tracking that sort of thing. For others who wish to be more involved they can go as deep as they wish into being involved hands on, but all with a luxurious lodge at the end of the day a lovely meal taken with our team and time for some R&R.We split our time between the normal safari game viewing and conservation elements and can add things such as a cultural element if asked to do so, for example with a visit to one of the farm schools we sponsor and support. The overall aim is to go beyond the normal safari and enable our guests to gain a better insight into the bush, nature and wildlife. We believe in personal service, transparency and quality for money that is born out by the stunning reviews we receive.Our policiesEconomic responsibilityWhen purchasing items such as artwork, meals and souvenirs, we recommend that visitors buy locally produced goods and support local artisans. In this way, visitors are able to help sustain the local community, contribute towards conservation and enrich their own lives. During your stay there will be opportunities to purchase goods from local artists, market stalls and restaurants in keeping with the ideals of fair trade.Our guides will advise on a ‘fair price’ if requested, however it is worth noting that a relatively small sum can make a huge difference to peoples lives in Africa and guests are asked to consider this when bargaining with market stallholders. Do not buy products that exploit wildlife, aid in habitat destruction, or come from endangered species. Our staff are encouraged to develop their own skills in producing goods such as art work for sale. 100% of the proceeds from these sales go to the originator.Environmental responsibilityConservation – Our management and safari staff have many years experience in wildlife conservation and are actively involved with ongoing conservation projects.Each safari aims to provide an insight into the real issues associated with African conservation. The extent of this element is tailored to suit individual and/or group interest and is normally established prior to each safari.Guests are offered the opportunity to become further involved in conservation projects (for example Leopard Resaerch) if they wish, by accompanying our staff.Safari’s are conducted in a responsible manner with respect for the location and wildlife and include visits to the Kruger National Park and wildlife conservation centres such as the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre.We hold an informal chat with newly arrived guests at the start of each safari. This is intended to inform guests of environmental and conservation matters associated with their safari and answer any questions or queries.We believe that everyone is able to help make a difference towards conserving our environment. When on safari or in the bush, we operate a policy of ‘bring out what you take in’ ie. we leave no litter or man made products behind.Game drive vehicles do not deviate from existing roads and tracks, however guided foot safaris will access game trails which cannot be reached by vehicle. When on foot, stay on the trail as deviating can cause erosion and other environmentally harmful impacts.Respect wildlife. Viewing animals from a safe distance is fine. Touching, feeding, or affecting their behaviour is not.Do not litter. Even if you see a local person littering (and you probably will), set an example and dispose of your garbage appropriately.Recycling facilities are extremely limited in South Africa. Avoid products with excess packaging; opt for beverages in glass bottles as they tend to be re-used.Use only biodegradable soaps and shampoos.Our staff are actively involved with a variety of conservation and research activities on a daily basis. Areas such as the ‘Working for Water’ program, Ingwe Leopard Researcht, bird tagging and monitoring, research into invertebrates, vegetation and fauna are all covered.Our base is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. This area is recognised as being highly important in terms of bio-diversity as it forms a transitory region between the Sekhukaneland and Lydenburg centres of endemism. Guests are afforded the opportunity to gain an insight into real African conservation work if they wish, either by observing our work or assisting our Rangers. In this way we hope guests will help to spread the message of what real African conservation is and what the needs are.Guests are able to assist in offsetting carbon emissions by contributing towards our bush rehabilitation program. As well as removing fences, we are rehabilitating areas of bush which have been over grazed, by encouraging the repopulation of indigenous vegetation. More information available on request.Without doubt one of the biggest issues in Africa is water conservation. The preservation of this most important resource is at the top of our agenda in both our land and accommodation management. Our guests are also able to contribute towards water conservation during their stay. For example taking showers not baths, conserving water from a reduction in the laundering of towels and linens and significant water savings can be made by guests if they let us know when towels are unused.We operate our water conservation policy in line with the Mpumulanga Parks Board ‘Working for Water’ Group, primarily with regard to the eradication of ‘Black Wattle. Further information on this work is available on request.Environment – Each safari is conducted in an environmentally respectful manor, in that our policy is one of not affecting the behaviours of wildlife and/or the location.Vehicle access is limited to existing roads and tracks and no off road bush driving is conducted. Our preference is to escort clients on bush walks to view game, birds and flora and fauna. Throughout each safari we operate a policy of ‘bring out what you take in’ i.e. no man made products are left behind in the bush.Our base at Black Leopard Camp is run on a carbon neutral basis, using solar power, river water for irrigation and self composting. There are many environmental matters to consider, however we have prioritised maintaining the water flow in our rivers, which feed many communities down stream from the Conservancy, as well as maintaining the veldt and indigenous wildlife. We employ a policy of eradicating ‘Black Wattle’ (an invader which is currently choking the mountain streams and river courses). This work is being carried out on behalf of and in association with, the Mpumulanga ‘Working for Water Group’, who unfortunately do not have the resources to deal with the huge Black Wattle issue in all but a few areas.Guests are transported with a minimum of vehicle movements. No off road vehicle access is allowed. Only existing footpaths are used. Our bush rehabilitation program repopulates surrounding grassland with indigenous tree species and simultaneously acts to offset our carbon emissions.Electrical power is via solar energy. We have deliberately installed a system which is only sufficient for lighting and some other minor consumption uses. Guests are asked to consider power consumption, we do not encourage the use of electric hair driers etc.We recycle and reuse waste. Kitchen waste is composted where possible together with garden waste. Plastic, cans, glass and paper is segregated and recycled. Also we reuse as only Africa can, by utilising some waste products for a variety of ingenious uses. We constantly look for methods of reusing waste products.Water saving is integral in our operation rather than an add on. We ask guests to consider their use of water, use showers not baths, consider towel and linen usage, etc.Only fallen trees are used for camp fires and in that, only those which can be removed within the natural order. Black Wattle eradication also provides an abundant source of wood for camp fires and cooking.We aim for a paper free office and prefer to conduct our business via internet. We strive to achieve a paperless office in the following ways:• Encourage suppliers and our bank to use e-mail and electronic transfer.• Maintain our own records on magnetic media.• Use website and magnetic media as marketing tools rather than brochures.Social responsibilityRespect cultural differences. Local customs and traditions may be different from your own. Take the time to learn what behaviour is acceptable and what is not. Always ask permission to take photos of people and respect their wishes if they refuse. If you do take a photo, offer to send copies back to them and make sure to follow through with your promise.Social Responsibility – We operate eco-tourism with the intent of providing a low impact commercial venture, which continues to sustain the existing employees and their families living on the land. We have a policy of recruiting staff who have lived and worked within the area for many years. This policy has proved very successful and the resultant loyalty from both employer and employee benefits all. In addition we minimise any negative security issues, which sometimes occur when recruiting from outside.Our safari staff are encouraged to develop within the company. Staff receive a reward package made up of a fair base salary, accommodation, their individual performance and that of the company. Personal development lies at the corner stone of our staff policy. Individuals are encouraged to develop within the organisation to achieve their goals and where applicable to produce conservation based items for sale (100% of the proceeds going to the originator).All of our food, bathroom and kitchen supplies are from local sources and as far as possible, we aim to use a combination of organic, fair-trade and sustainable products. In the case where a local supplier has no formal policy in place, we conduct our own assessments, which helps to highlight those areas of supply which fall outside of our desired criteria and require improvement. Records of these assessments and our policy are available to all visitors on request, as part of our ‘open book’ policy. It is worthy of note, that this concept is relatively new to this location and as such provides long term opportunities at many levels for improvement. Thankfully many Suppliers are by their very nature operating in a responsible manner, however have not considered or recorded their policy. We encourage improvements, where necessary, and when invited, advise in a respectful manor.Whilst on safari customers are encouraged to purchase goods and souvenirs from fair trade shops and market stalls. Our Safari Rangers provide guidance and advice in this matter.Big five safaris are conducted in the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands.. Tours in the Kruger National Park fall within that organisations and governmental rules, regulations and boundaries for fair trade and Black Empowerment and by the very nature of the location have a strong bias towards conservation. Any other big five lodge or location (such as Sabi Sands), will have been vetted by our management prior to being used and a record of their compliance to our own operation policy made.

Booking Terms & Conditions

RESERVATION CHARGES:
A 40% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking with the balance to be paid at least 45 days before the tour begins. For last minute reservations conditions will change.

CANCELLATION CHARGES:
Prior to tour departure, for cancellations received by us in writing:-
from booking time to 35 days prior : 50% tour cost
34-15days prior: 75% tour cost
14 days or less prior or no show: 100% tour cost


CANCELLATION BY ON TRACK SAFARI
OT reserves the right to cancel your safari in any circumstance, for any reason and at any time before full payment has been received. In these circumstances, we will return to you all monies paid. OT reserves the right to cancel your holiday at any time due to circumstances amounting to force majeure, which include war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, power failure, technical problems with transport, flood, drought, Government action, and other unusual and unforeseen circumstances. In circumstances amounting to force majeure no compensation will be payable.
AMENDMENTS TO HOLIDAY BY OT
It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your safari, although we reserve the right to make changes at any time. If there are any changes, most of these will be minor and we will advise you of these in writing at the earliest possible date.

WHAT IS INCLUDED/EXCLUDED
All quotations you receive from us detail what is included and what is excluded in order that you have all the information you require. Please contact us if you have not received this information.