Veteran of the Wild, Shaping Your Safari
One Niner Expeditions specializes in luxury, bespoke African safaris with a deep commitment to wildlife conservation. Founded in 2024, we craft private safaris that connect you with Africa’s most iconic landscapes, wildlife, and cultures.
Whether you’re seeking an intimate experience in luxury lodges or an immersive adventure on a guided overlanding safari, we customize every journey to reflect your unique interests. Each safari offers unparalleled adventure while supporting long-term conservation efforts.
We partner exclusively with highly skilled, trusted guides and choose accommodations and locations that prioritize authenticity and conservation. From wildlife-packed expeditions to remote escapes, our safaris provide transformative experiences that make a lasting impact on both you and Africa’s ecosystems.
At One Niner Expeditions, our mission is to offer world-class safaris that protect Africa’s wild places and help you create unforgettable memories.
The Team Behind One Niner
Joshua Lawes
Founder | One Niner Expeditions
At 18 years old, Joshua left his hometown of San Diego, California, and traveled to South Africa to volunteer with an anti-poaching unit in the Greater Kruger region. After years on and off patrolling game reserves, learning to track dangerous game, and living with the land, he developed a deep respect for African culture and wildlife.
In 2019, Joshua joined the U.S. Army as an infantryman with the 3-509th Infantry Airborne Battalion in Anchorage, Alaska. In 2023, he returned to Africa to continue his conservation work bordering Zambia’s Kafue National Park, protecting wildlife along the Lunga and Kafue River systems.
Driven by his love for Africa’s landscapes and wildlife, Joshua founded One Niner Expeditions in 2024. He combines his hands-on conservation experience with a passion for custom safaris, offering travelers an authentic connection to Africa’s wildlife while promoting sustainable conservation.
Jack Lawes
Filmmaker | Wildlife Photography Instructor
Jack is more than our in-house filmmaker, he’s family. A seasoned cinematographer and documentary storyteller, he has captured life in some of the planet’s most remote and breathtaking locations, from Greenland’s frozen wilderness to Indonesia’s underwater worlds.
With a deep respect for nature and narrative, Jack brings a personal touch to every frame. He is the creative force behind all films and content for One Niner Expeditions, managing everything from shooting to editing. While he doesn’t join every expedition, Jack is available to accompany safaris as a dedicated filmmaker, creating a bespoke cinematic record of your journey.
On select wildlife photography safaris, Jack offers hands-on instruction in wildlife photography and editing, guiding travelers to capture stunning images of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. His work has been featured in projects for British Airways, The Independent, and The Guardian.
PARTNERS AND AFFILIATES
Transfrontier Africa
Transfrontier Africa is a leading conservation organization protecting wildlife and supporting community-based initiatives in South Africa. As founders of the Black Mambas, Africa’s first all-female anti-poaching unit, they’re redefining conservation through empowerment and action. Through our partnership, guests can join a Conservation Safari that directly supports their work.
Wayne Parker Art
A Cape Town based wildlife artist whose architectural background and passion for conservation bring technical precision and deep sensitivity to works that capture the emotion and essence of Africa’s wild places. Through our partnership, guests can commission custom artwork inspired by their safari experience. Unique creations that serve as lasting memories of their time in the wild.
Leopard's Bend Wildlife Foundation
The Leopard’s Bend Wildlife Foundation is a South African non-profit founded in 2019 by Garth Wolff to protect endangered species within the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve in Hoedspruit. Through our partnership, guests experience this remarkable landscape on immersive safaris that directly support its continued protection.
Outlawes Films
Outlawed Films is a documentary led production studio co-founded by Jack, focused on character-driven storytelling from around the world. The company creates cinematic short documentaries and brand films rooted in authenticity, culture, and emotional depth. Their work spans global expeditions, luxury travel, and human-centred stories designed to shift perspectives and inspire.
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