Fly in Durban International Airport, 6th May 2022 (By 10am)Projects
Fly out: Durban International Airport, 20th May 2022 (Afternoon flight) *OR Continue with us to Leg Two
Group size: 6 – 10 ladies
Ladies Only
Rate: Contact Carla for a price carla@blueskysociety.co.za
COVID 19 Rules and Regulations apply with all crew members.
T&C apply
It is said that to Travel is to take a Journey into Yourself.
I can’t think of a time that has ever been more appropriate, relevant, and necessary than right now, to grab the opportunity for a life-developing experience! It feels like our minds, bodies, and souls need gentle nurturing, deep joy, and belly-aching laughs.
In short, it’s time to LIVE again!
If the idea of feeling the warmth of the African sun on your face, as it rises in the morning, bringing to life the sights, sounds and smells of the wild creates a feeling of joy and excitement in you, then the Rise of the Matriarch expedition is for you.
If the thrill of self-driving through some of Africa’s unexplored terrain, setting up camp as the sun gently sets stirring the choirs of nightlife into action, sharing stories from the day whilst gazing into the glowing embers of a campfire that you gathered wood for and built, and quietly absorbing the beauty of the wild that you would have experienced in a very real way during the journey, then ROTM expedition is for you. It will give you as much time as you need to travel within to slough away and make sense of a world that has made no sense lately. It will offer you the opportunity to build beautiful relationships with like-minded women, it will allow you time to disconnect from the onslaught of media, information overload and reconnect you to your own thoughts, ideas, visions, and feelings. With your feet firmly grounded in African soil, you will feel wildly alive!
You will experience the joy of giving back as you engage with rural communities, conservation specialists, and get hands-on involvement in projects being managed by incredible people all with the common thread of being part of the change and solutions of Africa’s wildness.
This expedition will challenge you, delight you, love you, grow you and change you. Because of the nature of this, the Expedition leader Carla Geyser, is very careful and protective of the expedition, and therefore the numbers are limited, and personalities included in the journey need to be in alignment with the values of adventure, self-reliance, excitement and a genuine interest in African conservation.
“It is the experience of a lifetime, and we would love to have exploratory, fun-filled, compassionate spirits along for the ride” shared Carla in one of her recent interviews.
The first leg of the expedition will leave Durban on the 6 May 2022 and end 20th May in Pongola, where the 2nd leg of the expedition will begin in Hoedspruit on the 21st May to 2nd June 2022.
Game Drives + Game Walks
Meeting Conservationists from Wildlife Act
Visit Zululand Conservation Trust
Phinda – Pangolin replacing monitoring tags or similar conservation work in association with African Pangolin Working Group *This is dependant on work needed.
Soul2sole Or Rhino Art School work – We will be doing educational/community work in rural schools where needed
Boat Cruise, Snorkelling / Beach day
Pongola Black Rhino Range Expansion Project – we will get to work with Suzette and see the vital work she is doing for Elephants and Black Rhinos in this area. We will hopefully also get to assist with some Rhino work they need to do in terms of capture, measurements, DNA sample collection, notching etc (TBC)
Meeting local conservationists en route.
NB: Any work done with animals is done under the strict eye of wildlife vets and conservationists. Please also note that any images of Pangolins being handled are being done so by professionals and are in the interests of their own protection and preservation. The animal’s safety is always a priority and we encourage minimum or no human/animal petting or handling from our side.
Frequency: Bespoke once-off expedition
Fitness Ratings: Moderate/ Active
Tour Features: Wildlife conservation, Cultural Exchange, Youth Conservation Education, English-Spoken, Fundraising for Wildlife Conservation Groups, Women Only
Beneficiary: Wildlife Act & African Pangolin Working Group (Phinda) & Zululand Conservation Trust & Soul2sole shoe project
Accommodation: Mostly camping /bungalows /rooms (Sharing) **Single Supplement can be arranged on request
Price range: Mid-range
Min/Max: 4 – 10 eco-adventurers
All accommodation sharing (variety of Lodges/tents/camping/rooms) / Single occupancy can be arranged if needed
All meals (catered and self-catering)
All national park fees
A seat in a vehicle – fuel, tolls and vehicle insurance
All activities on itinerary, Conservation and community fundraising
Expedition leader/host to co-ordinate and lead you
Bottled water
All camping equipment where necessary
Pick up at start from Durban Airport or similar
Blue sky society Gift Bag and much much more…….
*Route may change slightly but we will always keep you posted
All international or domestic flights (To/From Durban)
Transport to and from start/finish
Transfer from Pongola back to Durban King Shaka Airport which is an extra R1200pp
Gratuities (we recommend R150 to R200 per day per person)
Travel & Flight insurance (compulsory)
Any Drinks or personal snacks
Any visas or inoculations
Personal expenses
Any extra activities not included on the list
Accommodation on either side of the expedition (Pre and Post Expedition)
Itinerary/ Rout(ish) *PLEASE NOTE THIS ITINERARY IS A GUIDELINE
| Day | DETAILS – 14 nights/15 days | ACTIVITES / COMMENTS |
| 1 | 6th May 2022 (Friday) DBN – Babanango Game Reserve |
Accommodation: Matetane Camp Type: Camping – Tents Meals: Dinner AM – Drive PM – Game Drive x 1 |
| 2 | 7th May 2022 (Saturday)
Babanango GR |
Accommodation: Matetane Camp Type: Camping – Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – Game walk /Game Drive |
| 3 | 8th May 2022 (Sunday)
Babanango – Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park |
Accommodation: Camping Type: Nyalazi camping Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (S/C) Activities: AM – Game Drive/Game Walk PM – Camelion night walk |
| 4 | 9th May 2022 (Monday)
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park |
Accommodation: Camping Type: Nyalazi camping Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (S/C) Activities: Full day trip into Hluhluwe Park with Wildlife Act Ambassadors |
| 5 | 10th May 2022 (Tuesday)
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park – Manyoni -Phinda |
Accommodation: Bayete Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM -Community work/School (2 hours) – Rhino/Elephant Art OR Rhino Walk with Nunu Drive to Phinda via ZCT MIDDAY/PM -Zululand Conservation Trust visit |
| 6 | 11th May 2022 (Wednesday)
Phinda |
Accommodation: Bayete Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – Game Drive PM – Game Drive |
| 7 | 12th May 2022 (Thursday)
Phinda Game Reserve |
Accommodation: Bayete Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – A conservation project PM – Game Drive |
| 8 | 13th May 2022 (Friday)
Phinda – Kozi Bay |
Accommodation: Amangwane Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – Game Drive/Community (TBC) PM – Drive to Kozi Bay |
| 9 | 14th May 2022 (Saturday)
Kozi Bay |
Accommodation: Amangwane Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – Boat Cruise (Kozi Lakes)+ walk |
| 10 | 15th May 2022 (Sunday)
Kozi Bay |
Accommodation: Amangwane Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: Snorkelling/Beach Day |
| 11 | 16th May 2022 (Monday)
Kosi – Tembe Elephant Park |
Accommodation: Tembe Lodge Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – School or community work Drive to Tembe PM – Afternoon TEP Game Drive |
| 12 | 17th May 2022 (Tuesday)
Tembe Elephant Park |
Accommodation: Tembe Lodge Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM/PM – TEP Game Drive x 2 |
| 13 | 18th May 2022 (Wednesday)
Tembe Elephant Park – Pongola Game Reserve |
Accommodation: Bush camp Type: Rooms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (S/C) Activities: AM – TEP Game Drive Drive/shop PM – Pongola GR Game Drive |
| 14 | 19th May 2022 (Thursday)
Pongola Game Reserve |
Accommodation: Bush camp Type: Rooms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (S/C) Activities: AM – Conservation Work with Black Rhino Expansion Project |
| 15 | 20th May 2022 (Friday)
Pongola GR to Dullstroom or Home |
Transfer back to DBN can be arranged (own cost) or Continue to Leg two
|
| * PLEASE NOTE: Prices and itinerary may vary slightly but we will keep you posted and updated to any changes | ||
South Africa will touch every sense, leaving an indelible mark on your soul. You’ll go home all the richer for it. There’s no question that South Africa gets under one’s skin and keeps calling travellers back to enjoy and engage with its people, heritage and culture, natural beauty, iconic wildlife, dazzling cities, and that unforgettable spirit of Ubuntu.
Immerse every one of your five senses in this extraordinary destination. Feel, hear, smell, see and taste every morsel that South Africa has to offer. We welcome guests with open arms, packets of biltong, a tot of Amarula, and the friendliness of a truly generous nation.
For a few years now, the idea of combining travel and giving it a purpose has been the key to an excellent experience for many fellow travellers and nature lovers and something that stays close to my heart. Our all-female Rise of the Matriarch 2022 Expedition is looking for ladies with a deep passion for conservation and a thirst for adventure. We have a few places left to fill and would love for you to be part of an implausible team. Download the brochure for more details
DEPOSIT – We require a deposit to secure a seat (non- refundable), and thereafter final payment to be received by the 1st February 2022
Covid 19 – Covid rules and regulations will apply with crew members
TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY
Prices and itinerary may vary slightly but we will keep you posted and updated to any changes
This is a malaria area so please consult your doctor if you are going to take medication.
If you are pregnant please discuss with expedition leader
Any medical conditions are to be made aware of to the expedition leader.
Each crew member will be required to sign an indemnity form
*The animals (and vets) safety is ALWAYS a priority so we will work under the professionals guidance.
**PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING TO READ AND SIGN OUR INDEMNITY. Each person must have signed this before departure
Expedition Agreement – https://www.blueskysociety.org/expedition-agreement-form/
Indemnity Form – https://www.blueskysociety.org/indemnity-online-form/
All accommodation sharing (variety of Lodges/tents/camping/rooms) / Single occupancy can be arranged if needed
All meals (catered and self-catering)
All national park fees
A seat in a vehicle – fuel, tolls and vehicle insurance
All activities on itinerary, Conservation and community fundraising
Expedition leader/host to co-ordinate and lead you
Bottled water
All camping equipment where necessary
Pick up at start from Durban Airport or similar
Blue sky society Gift Bag and much much more…….
*Route may change slightly but we will always keep you posted
All international or domestic flights (To/From Durban)
Transport to and from start/finish
Transfer from Pongola back to Durban King Shaka Airport which is an extra R1200pp
Gratuities (we recommend R150 to R200 per day per person)
Travel & Flight insurance (compulsory)
Any Drinks or personal snacks
Any visas or inoculations
Personal expenses
Any extra activities not included on the list
Accommodation on either side of the expedition (Pre and Post Expedition)
Itinerary/ Rout(ish) *PLEASE NOTE THIS ITINERARY IS A GUIDELINE
| Day | DETAILS – 14 nights/15 days | ACTIVITES / COMMENTS |
| 1 | 6th May 2022 (Friday) DBN – Babanango Game Reserve |
Accommodation: Matetane Camp Type: Camping – Tents Meals: Dinner AM – Drive PM – Game Drive x 1 |
| 2 | 7th May 2022 (Saturday)
Babanango GR |
Accommodation: Matetane Camp Type: Camping – Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – Game walk /Game Drive |
| 3 | 8th May 2022 (Sunday)
Babanango – Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park |
Accommodation: Camping Type: Nyalazi camping Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (S/C) Activities: AM – Game Drive/Game Walk PM – Camelion night walk |
| 4 | 9th May 2022 (Monday)
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park |
Accommodation: Camping Type: Nyalazi camping Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (S/C) Activities: Full day trip into Hluhluwe Park with Wildlife Act Ambassadors |
| 5 | 10th May 2022 (Tuesday)
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park – Manyoni -Phinda |
Accommodation: Bayete Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM -Community work/School (2 hours) – Rhino/Elephant Art OR Rhino Walk with Nunu Drive to Phinda via ZCT MIDDAY/PM -Zululand Conservation Trust visit |
| 6 | 11th May 2022 (Wednesday)
Phinda |
Accommodation: Bayete Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – Game Drive PM – Game Drive |
| 7 | 12th May 2022 (Thursday)
Phinda Game Reserve |
Accommodation: Bayete Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – A conservation project PM – Game Drive |
| 8 | 13th May 2022 (Friday)
Phinda – Kozi Bay |
Accommodation: Amangwane Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – Game Drive/Community (TBC) PM – Drive to Kozi Bay |
| 9 | 14th May 2022 (Saturday)
Kozi Bay |
Accommodation: Amangwane Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – Boat Cruise (Kozi Lakes)+ walk |
| 10 | 15th May 2022 (Sunday)
Kozi Bay |
Accommodation: Amangwane Camp Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: Snorkelling/Beach Day |
| 11 | 16th May 2022 (Monday)
Kosi – Tembe Elephant Park |
Accommodation: Tembe Lodge Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM – School or community work Drive to Tembe PM – Afternoon TEP Game Drive |
| 12 | 17th May 2022 (Tuesday)
Tembe Elephant Park |
Accommodation: Tembe Lodge Type: Tents Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Activities: AM/PM – TEP Game Drive x 2 |
| 13 | 18th May 2022 (Wednesday)
Tembe Elephant Park – Pongola Game Reserve |
Accommodation: Bush camp Type: Rooms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (S/C) Activities: AM – TEP Game Drive Drive/shop PM – Pongola GR Game Drive |
| 14 | 19th May 2022 (Thursday)
Pongola Game Reserve |
Accommodation: Bush camp Type: Rooms Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (S/C) Activities: AM – Conservation Work with Black Rhino Expansion Project |
| 15 | 20th May 2022 (Friday)
Pongola GR to Dullstroom or Home |
Transfer back to DBN can be arranged (own cost) or Continue to Leg two
|
| * PLEASE NOTE: Prices and itinerary may vary slightly but we will keep you posted and updated to any changes | ||
South Africa will touch every sense, leaving an indelible mark on your soul. You’ll go home all the richer for it. There’s no question that South Africa gets under one’s skin and keeps calling travellers back to enjoy and engage with its people, heritage and culture, natural beauty, iconic wildlife, dazzling cities, and that unforgettable spirit of Ubuntu.
Immerse every one of your five senses in this extraordinary destination. Feel, hear, smell, see and taste every morsel that South Africa has to offer. We welcome guests with open arms, packets of biltong, a tot of Amarula, and the friendliness of a truly generous nation.
For a few years now, the idea of combining travel and giving it a purpose has been the key to an excellent experience for many fellow travellers and nature lovers and something that stays close to my heart. Our all-female Rise of the Matriarch 2022 Expedition is looking for ladies with a deep passion for conservation and a thirst for adventure. We have a few places left to fill and would love for you to be part of an implausible team. Download the brochure for more details
To book fill in the form below
