Fly in: JHB, TBC
Fly out: JHB on TBC
Group size: 6-8 pax (Closed Group)
**Due to Covid 19 pandemic we are waiting to see when airports will open to re-set these dates**
Rate: US$ 4932pp sharing (US$600 non-refundable deposit required to book a seat)
Africa…… The one place on Earth where you’re guaranteed to fall in love with raw, magnetic natural beauty. It is an intoxicating mix of sights and sounds, wildlife and natural splendour that enthrals, captivates and will literally take your breath away. Our Kalahari Expedition is a unique adventure spanning into the remote Kalahari area in South Africa, in search of elephants. We will be collaring 4 elephants in this particular area.
Some of the extraordinary experiences you can look forward to as part of this group of eco-travellers includes:
Frequency: Bespoke once-off expedition
Fitness Ratings: Moderate
Tour Features: Wildlife Conservation, Cultural Exchange, Youth Conservation Education, English-spoken, Fundraising for Wildlife Conservation Groups, Male/Female
Beneficiary: Wildlifevets
Accommodation: Mostly rooms/chalets/rondavels
Price range: Mid-range
Max: 8 eco-adventurers
Seven elephants were introduced to a reserve near Kalahari from an Elephant Back Safaris company, after the closure of their commercial operation at the time. The companies management ethos was that any of the fostered elephants that started to show signs of wanting to move on will be respected and a solution to this will be sought for this elephant.
The reserve agreed to provide a new home for these elephant as it provided the ideal area for such a rehabilitation. It had all the right qualities like space and habitat available to make the rehabilitation of these elephants back to the wild a success
The reintegration of these elephants into their new home was very successful. The elephants have adapted to their new environment and being wild elephants and have consequently conceived and bred successfully on the reserve, with two male calves born in January 2019. This is a good indication that they are happy in their new environment. This was the pinnacle of the introduction project and proof of a successful reintegration of these elephants to the wild.
The success of reintegrating domestic elephants back into the wild is a relatively new concept given that it is still a young industry in this country. However, there have been a number of very positive releases of trained elephants back into the wild, the data of these releases slowly accumulating. There is little doubt that release projects correctly instituted with the right skills and commitment can realistically be achieved.
This project is supported by Elephant Reintegration Trust (ERT). ERT aims to provide avenues for the reintegration of previously captured elephant to become truly wild elephants.
The introduction of the elephant group in 2015 was a huge success. They have established themselves and it was shown that it was possible to release previous captured elephants back into the wild.
However, these elephants were raised together since young and never had contact with other elephants. Only when allowing these elephants opportunity to interact with other wild elephants and establish natural population structures can they be truly reintegrated wild elephants.
That means that the re-integration project of the elephants on the reserve needs a second phase before it can finally be a called a success. Elephants are extremely social animals, therefore the 2nd phase involves the introduction of more elephant from a wild source. This will allow the re-integrated elephants to interact with other elephants, with a further advantage of the benefits it might have to correct the issues as described above.
The proposal is to Introduce a small family group (6-10 animals) to normalise the elephant population and bring them closer to natural population structures and allow for extra females and mating opportunities for bulls. The current population is not sustainable in the long-term, neither from a structural or genetic perspective. Then at a later stage add in addition to introducing a family group, introduce a large bull of about 40-50 years old to the reserve.
To ensure that the reintegration process run smoothly, and both herds settle and adapt as well as possible, a lot of pre- and post-release monitoring of both these groups is critical. However, it is not just for monitor the reintegration process, but also to learn as much from this project as possible so that this knowledge can be applied to future elephant reintegration projects of ERT.
Increasing social pressure and animal welfare awareness sees society starting to frown upon keeping animals in captivity and interactions with humans. The means that more elephants that are currently in captivity will need to be returned to the wild, but options and reserves where this can be done is limited. The aim is to establish a reserve which is dedicated to the reintegration of captured elephants back into the wild. The knowledge gained from the reintroduction project in this particular reserve will be invaluable for future reintegration projects.
The four collars we are raising funds for will help with this process. We are looking at collaring 3 bulls and one female from the breeding herd. This will allow researchers the ability to monitor their behavioural patters and movements once the wild breeding herd is introduced on the reserve.
Another reason why we collar elephants is to protect them from poaching and retaliation killings when human elephant conflict occurs.
By Using satellite collars, ranger and game park officials will be able to monitor wildlife movements and provide enhanced security – a proven effective measure to protect threatened species. The data collected by the collars will also help teams predict where the elephants and their herds are moving to anticipate the dangers they may face
DAY ONE/TWO/THREE/FOUR/FIVE – EXPEDITION DAY JHB to Kalahari
Welcome to SA! Your adventure begins when you are greeted at the airport and helped through customs to your charter flight. We will spend the next 5 days collaring Elephants in the Kalahari, looking for a wild dog, Kalahari lions etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kalahari Reserve
Type: Tents (Sharing)
DAY SIX/SEVEN/EIGHT – Kalahari to Hoedspruit
Today we fly to HDS area. We will be collected and drive to our accommodation for the next three nights. Our activities will include game drives and walks and trekking Elephants with Elephants Alive.
Meals: Self-catering
Accommodation: Ndabushi Lodge
Type: Rooms/Chalets
DAY NIVE/TEN/ELEVEN – Hoedspruit
We move to Ekuthuleni in HDS. We will spend one of the days in Kruger National Park,which is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Its high density of wild animals includes the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo’s. Hundreds of other mammals make their home here, as do diverse bird species such as vultures, eagles and storks. Mountains, bush plains and tropical forests are all part of the landscape.. We will spend a day exploring and looking for Africa’s Big 5. The other day will be spend on a Panorama Tour of the area.
Meals: Self Catering
Accommodation: Ekuthuleni
Type: Rooms/Chalets
DAY TWELVE– HDS to JHB
Leaving Kruger area, we fly to JHB for our last night. We depart the following morning for home.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: City Lodge (JHB)
Type: Rooms
*The animals (and vets) safety is ALWAYS a priority so we will work under their guidance. The terrain is very wild and there may be a chance that only the vets and pilots get to the elephants but we will do everything in our power to be included as much as possible.
*Please note this itinerary may change slightly but the expedition leader will keep you posted and updated. Terms and conditions apply due to availability.
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 handpicks the expedition members, always looking for well-rounded individuals of various skills and interests. If you are an enthusiastic adventurer who is passionate about conservation and who takes 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 member(s) of the team 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. Minimum enrollment for this trip is 6 people. If minimum enrollment is not met 90 days prior to departure date, the trip may be cancelled in which case full payment excluding the deposit will be refunded. (Minus the non-refundable deposit of US$600).
Safety is always a priority. We have a satellite phone, SATIB Insurance 24-hour medivac and assistance on call, and access to doctors 24/7.
Unless you are purchasing the airline insurance, it is a good idea to wait until departure is confirmed to buy plane tickets.
Please ARRIVE at designated airport on specific date (see itinerary)
Please book your DEPARTURE from designated airport on specific date (see itinerary)
Traveling before or after the program is totally fine – just let Blue Sky Expeditions know your plans.
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and that you have at least two blank pages in your passport (the back page does not count).
The colourful currency in each country will be explained – please do your homework or ask.
South Africa – SA Rand
Namibia – Namibian Dollar
Botswana – Botswana Pula
Zambia – Zambian Kwacha
Mozambique – Mozambique Metical
Zimbabwe – US$ *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 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/
Seven elephants were introduced to a reserve near Kalahari from an Elephant Back Safaris company, after the closure of their commercial operation at the time. The companies management ethos was that any of the fostered elephants that started to show signs of wanting to move on will be respected and a solution to this will be sought for this elephant.
The reserve agreed to provide a new home for these elephant as it provided the ideal area for such a rehabilitation. It had all the right qualities like space and habitat available to make the rehabilitation of these elephants back to the wild a success
The reintegration of these elephants into their new home was very successful. The elephants have adapted to their new environment and being wild elephants and have consequently conceived and bred successfully on the reserve, with two male calves born in January 2019. This is a good indication that they are happy in their new environment. This was the pinnacle of the introduction project and proof of a successful reintegration of these elephants to the wild.
The success of reintegrating domestic elephants back into the wild is a relatively new concept given that it is still a young industry in this country. However, there have been a number of very positive releases of trained elephants back into the wild, the data of these releases slowly accumulating. There is little doubt that release projects correctly instituted with the right skills and commitment can realistically be achieved.
This project is supported by Elephant Reintegration Trust (ERT). ERT aims to provide avenues for the reintegration of previously captured elephant to become truly wild elephants.
The introduction of the elephant group in 2015 was a huge success. They have established themselves and it was shown that it was possible to release previous captured elephants back into the wild.
However, these elephants were raised together since young and never had contact with other elephants. Only when allowing these elephants opportunity to interact with other wild elephants and establish natural population structures can they be truly reintegrated wild elephants.
That means that the re-integration project of the elephants on the reserve needs a second phase before it can finally be a called a success. Elephants are extremely social animals, therefore the 2nd phase involves the introduction of more elephant from a wild source. This will allow the re-integrated elephants to interact with other elephants, with a further advantage of the benefits it might have to correct the issues as described above.
The proposal is to Introduce a small family group (6-10 animals) to normalise the elephant population and bring them closer to natural population structures and allow for extra females and mating opportunities for bulls. The current population is not sustainable in the long-term, neither from a structural or genetic perspective. Then at a later stage add in addition to introducing a family group, introduce a large bull of about 40-50 years old to the reserve.
To ensure that the reintegration process run smoothly, and both herds settle and adapt as well as possible, a lot of pre- and post-release monitoring of both these groups is critical. However, it is not just for monitor the reintegration process, but also to learn as much from this project as possible so that this knowledge can be applied to future elephant reintegration projects of ERT.
Increasing social pressure and animal welfare awareness sees society starting to frown upon keeping animals in captivity and interactions with humans. The means that more elephants that are currently in captivity will need to be returned to the wild, but options and reserves where this can be done is limited. The aim is to establish a reserve which is dedicated to the reintegration of captured elephants back into the wild. The knowledge gained from the reintroduction project in this particular reserve will be invaluable for future reintegration projects.
The four collars we are raising funds for will help with this process. We are looking at collaring 3 bulls and one female from the breeding herd. This will allow researchers the ability to monitor their behavioural patters and movements once the wild breeding herd is introduced on the reserve.
Another reason why we collar elephants is to protect them from poaching and retaliation killings when human elephant conflict occurs.
By Using satellite collars, ranger and game park officials will be able to monitor wildlife movements and provide enhanced security – a proven effective measure to protect threatened species. The data collected by the collars will also help teams predict where the elephants and their herds are moving to anticipate the dangers they may face
DAY ONE/TWO/THREE/FOUR/FIVE – EXPEDITION DAY JHB to Kalahari
Welcome to SA! Your adventure begins when you are greeted at the airport and helped through customs to your charter flight. We will spend the next 5 days collaring Elephants in the Kalahari, looking for a wild dog, Kalahari lions etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kalahari Reserve
Type: Tents (Sharing)
DAY SIX/SEVEN/EIGHT – Kalahari to Hoedspruit
Today we fly to HDS area. We will be collected and drive to our accommodation for the next three nights. Our activities will include game drives and walks and trekking Elephants with Elephants Alive.
Meals: Self-catering
Accommodation: Ndabushi Lodge
Type: Rooms/Chalets
DAY NIVE/TEN/ELEVEN – Hoedspruit
We move to Ekuthuleni in HDS. We will spend one of the days in Kruger National Park,which is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Its high density of wild animals includes the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo’s. Hundreds of other mammals make their home here, as do diverse bird species such as vultures, eagles and storks. Mountains, bush plains and tropical forests are all part of the landscape.. We will spend a day exploring and looking for Africa’s Big 5. The other day will be spend on a Panorama Tour of the area.
Meals: Self Catering
Accommodation: Ekuthuleni
Type: Rooms/Chalets
DAY TWELVE– HDS to JHB
Leaving Kruger area, we fly to JHB for our last night. We depart the following morning for home.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: City Lodge (JHB)
Type: Rooms
*The animals (and vets) safety is ALWAYS a priority so we will work under their guidance. The terrain is very wild and there may be a chance that only the vets and pilots get to the elephants but we will do everything in our power to be included as much as possible.
*Please note this itinerary may change slightly but the expedition leader will keep you posted and updated. Terms and conditions apply due to availability.
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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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