Self Drive
Group size: 8 – 12 PEOPLE (Limited numbers)
Catering: Kitchen Confident
Bring your own drinks *BYO
Self Drive
Group size: 8 – 12 PEOPLE (Limited numbers)
Catering: Kitchen Confident
Bring your own drinks *BYO
Rate: R5645pp (sharing)
(*Which includes a R250pp fundraising donation towards the elephant research project). Single supplement can be arranged.
At the foot of the majestic Lebombo mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, you will find a special destination called White Elephant. It is a place with magic and soul, inspired by a dream and created with passion.
Pongola Game Reserve is the World’s second-oldest private reserve and the Oldest in Africa, dating back to 1894. Here, at the shore of the 15000-hectare Lake Jozini and at the foot of the majestic Lebombo Mountains you will find White Elephant Safaris. It is a place with magic and soul inspired by a dream and created with passion.
This unique lodge provides for a relaxed, private, bush experience. White Elephant Bush Camp is an escape from the busy, hurried world for families and friends. A Private Ranger will cater to your group’s activity needs. White Elephant is the only lodge in South Africa to offer Kariba-like, water-based safari activities (motorized and canoeing) as well as the traditional land-based activities. This sets them apart from other safari destinations.
Seven thatched en-suite chalets are generously spacious with quality linen and overhead fans. Open plan kitchen, dining room, bar, swimming pool and spectacular views ensure a “close to nature” relaxed ambience. We will venture into the wilderness with a field guide on bush walks, game drives, and a boat cruises looking for the Pongola Elephant herd. White Elephant Bush Camp is an ideal escape from the busy, hurried world and re-ignite the fire in your soul that might have gone out during covid 19.
White Elephant bush lodge owners and staff, are passionate about conservation and we will hear about their superb Black Rhino conservation project and they also have a fascinating Elephant research activity, which offers an educational, interactive and visual experience and an opportunity to spend time with our elephant researcher at the research centre.
They also offer the conventional activities such as game drives, educational bush walks, and superb bird watching possibilities, making this a truly unique South African Safari experience.
Some of the extraordinary experiences you can look forward to as part of this group of eco-travellers includes:
*PLEASE REMEMBER to bring your mask and hand sanitizer. We abide with COVID 19 rules and regulations*
Beneficiary: Pongola Elephant research
Accommodation: Bush Chalets
Price range: Mid-range
Min: 6 eco-adventurers
Max: 12 eco-adventurers
DAY |
DATE |
DAY |
DETAILS |
TYPE / MEALS |
ITINERARY |
1 | Thursday | 12 Nov | DBN/JHB to Pongola | Snacks- sunset Dinner (2 course) |
Self-Drive to Pongola Game Reserve 14h00 Arrival and relax (afternoon) 17h00 – Sunset snacks & drinks at Bush Lodge or similar 18h00 – Dinner + Story telling*Dr Heinz Kohrs to come talk about Pongola Game Reserve |
2 | Friday | 13 Nov | Pongola | Breakfast at BL Snacks on boat Dinner (2 course) |
07h00 – 08h00 – Breakfast at Bush Lodge 09h00 – 13h00 – Elephant river cruise & research project 19h00 – Food and Wine pairing (Diemersfontein wines) |
3 | Saturday | 14 Nov | Pongola | Breakfast/Snacks Brunch Dinner (2 course) |
06h30 – 07h00 – Coffee/tea/snacks 07h00 – 10h30 – Game Drive (3 to 4 hours) 11h00 – Brunch Afternoon – Personal Chill Time 15h00 – 16h30 Afternoon visit to Research Museum (Self Drive) 16h30 – Sundowners & Gin Bar 19h00 – Dinner + Carla presentation/talk (casual chat) |
4 | Sunday | 15 Nov | Pongola – DNB/JHB | Breakfast | 06h30 – 09h30 – Game Walk / Game Drive (*OWN Account) 08h00 – 09H00 – Breakfast 11h00 – Depart |
*Please note this itinerary may change slightly but the expedition leader will keep you posted and updated. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. *PLEASE REMEMBER to bring your mask and hand sanitizer. We abide with COVID 19 rules*
The idea behind this weekend is to get together a group of like-minded passionate souls that are in much need of a fun filled weekend out in nature. The itinerary is pretty simple. But we will have lots of fun, laughter , good food and company.
Basically food for the soul. Time to re-ignite that fire in your heart that might have gone out. Our catering will be done by Kitchen Confident – Micky is an artist when it comes to cooking delicious food. And our Wine tasting will be Diemersfontein wine. – which for many needs no introduction.
So start planning, grab your bestie, partner, hubby or sister ……or fly solo and dust those travel bags off and get ready for an amazing weekend.
These driving adventures are organised and led by Carla Geyser, the founder of the Blue Sky Society Trust (BSST) and Blue Sky Expeditions who has, to date, led many successful trips into Africa. If you are an enthusiastic adventurer who is passionate about conservation and takes life as it comes, then this is for you! #JWP brings together like-minded people from around the world on trips that focus on visiting and raising funds for wildlife initiatives along the route.
Carla is always looking for well-rounded individuals of various skills and interests. If you are an enthusiastic adventurer passionate about conservation and taking life as it comes, then our next #JWP expedition could be for you.
These expeditions often involve driving long distances over bumpy, dusty roads, camping in remote areas, at times being without mobile phone service for days, and of course, loads of giving back through hands-on charity work. Sometimes our accommodation varies from camping to chalets/rooms. Each journey is unique. So make sure you read the itinerary carefully.
This is not a ‘normal’ tour but rather a team expedition, and every now and then, team member (s) are requested to pitch in, if required, with cooking, cleaning, camp set-up etc. It is the experience of a lifetime, and we would love to have exploratory fun-filled compassionate spirits along for the ride.
This is a LIMITED entry journey, which means only a few people get to experience this unforgettable never-to-be-repeated experience. The minimum enrollment for this trip is six people. If minimum enrollment is not met 90 days prior to the departure date, the trip may be cancelled or postponed in which case full payment, excluding the deposit, will be refunded. (Minus the non-refundable deposit of R5000pp).
Safety is always a priority. We have a satellite phone, SATIB Insurance 24-hour medivac and assistance on call, and access to doctors 24/7.
Unless you are purchasing the airline insurance, it is a good idea to wait until departure is confirmed before buying plane tickets.
Please ARRIVE at the designated airport on a specific date (see itinerary)
Please book your DEPARTURE from the designated airport on a specific date (see itinerary)
Traveling before or after the program is totally fine – just let Blue Sky Expeditions know your plans.
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and that you have at least two blank pages in your passport (the back page does not count).
The colourful currency in each country will be explained – please do your homework or ask.
South Africa – SA Rand
Namibia – Namibian Dollar
Botswana – Botswana Pula
Zambia – Zambian Kwacha
Mozambique – Mozambique Metical
Zimbabwe – US$ *Cash only
Eswatini – SA Rand
Rwanda – Rwandan Franc
Credit cards are widely accepted so this can be your main form of payment. Reliable ATM’s in banks are available in certain cities . You may also bring cash to exchange at banks and exchange offices.
TIPPING: There will be some situations where you may feel the need to tip, but as always, it is up to your discretion. Typically, it is customary to tip our local guides $5-$10 per day per guide. But you are welcome to tip more.
**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/
DAY |
DATE |
DAY |
DETAILS |
TYPE / MEALS |
ITINERARY |
1 | Thursday | 12 Nov | DBN/JHB to Pongola | Snacks- sunset Dinner (2 course) |
Self-Drive to Pongola Game Reserve 14h00 Arrival and relax (afternoon) 17h00 – Sunset snacks & drinks at Bush Lodge or similar 18h00 – Dinner + Story telling*Dr Heinz Kohrs to come talk about Pongola Game Reserve |
2 | Friday | 13 Nov | Pongola | Breakfast at BL Snacks on boat Dinner (2 course) |
07h00 – 08h00 – Breakfast at Bush Lodge 09h00 – 13h00 – Elephant river cruise & research project 19h00 – Food and Wine pairing (Diemersfontein wines) |
3 | Saturday | 14 Nov | Pongola | Breakfast/Snacks Brunch Dinner (2 course) |
06h30 – 07h00 – Coffee/tea/snacks 07h00 – 10h30 – Game Drive (3 to 4 hours) 11h00 – Brunch Afternoon – Personal Chill Time 15h00 – 16h30 Afternoon visit to Research Museum (Self Drive) 16h30 – Sundowners & Gin Bar 19h00 – Dinner + Carla presentation/talk (casual chat) |
4 | Sunday | 15 Nov | Pongola – DNB/JHB | Breakfast | 06h30 – 09h30 – Game Walk / Game Drive (*OWN Account) 08h00 – 09H00 – Breakfast 11h00 – Depart |
*Please note this itinerary may change slightly but the expedition leader will keep you posted and updated. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. *PLEASE REMEMBER to bring your mask and hand sanitizer. We abide with COVID 19 rules*
The idea behind this weekend is to get together a group of like-minded passionate souls that are in much need of a fun filled weekend out in nature. The itinerary is pretty simple. But we will have lots of fun, laughter , good food and company.
Basically food for the soul. Time to re-ignite that fire in your heart that might have gone out. Our catering will be done by Kitchen Confident – Micky is an artist when it comes to cooking delicious food. And our Wine tasting will be Diemersfontein wine. – which for many needs no introduction.
So start planning, grab your bestie, partner, hubby or sister ……or fly solo and dust those travel bags off and get ready for an amazing weekend.
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The Blue Sky Society Trust is an accredited Non-Profit Organisation and Public Benefit Organisation. NPO number | NPO 118-708
PBO Registration number | 930046151
SATSA membership: 2773
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