Journeys with Purpose (JWP01) Earth 2024

South Africa
Date: 4 to 17 May 2024 – FULLY BOOKED
13 nights / 14 days

Fly in: OT International Airport, Johannesburg by 9am on 14th May 2024
Fly out: OT International Airport, Johannesburg from 17h00 on 17th May 2024
Group size: 6-10 guests (Closed Group. Need a min of 6 people to run the trip)

 

Rate:
R60 000pp + R15 000pp (Fundraising) = R75 000pp Sharing
**R5000pp deposit is required to book a spot on the trip.
25% by 1st September 2023 . The balance is to be paid 90 days  (1 February 2024) before the departure date.
Price quoted is SA Rands. T&C Apply

**Blue Sky Society Trust expeditions are different as one of our main focuses is supporting Conservation organisations. We do this by charging/asking guests to raise funds for a particular conservation organisation.

Summary

Embark on the extraordinary JWP Earth Trip, a journey that promises an abundance of fun, laughter, adventure, and cherished memories. Time and space blend beneath a million stars, encapsulating countless moments and countless smiles—an African extravagance that knows no bounds. If you’re prepared to unleash your untamed spirit and embrace your inherent power, this expedition awaits. Join Blue Sky Society Trust on an unparalleled adventure, traversing the iconic Kruger National Park, Soutpansberg Mountains, Mapungubwe National Park, and Marakele National Park. Engage in hands-on conservation work with the esteemed organizations EWT and Elephants Alive. Participate in exhilarating game drives, guided walks, and immerse yourself in the wonders of South Africa’s stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife. Unleash your true self and embrace the freedom that awaits.

 

Do YOU have any questions? We would love to hear from you.

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Highlights

Some of the extraordinary experiences you can look forward to as part of this group of eco-travellers includes:

  • 14 days / 13 nights  in South Africa
  • Embark on a Wildlife safari in search of the Big Five in their natural habitat in the world-renowned Kruger National Park
  • Discover the wonders of Mpumalanga for history, wildlife, and scenic beauty;
  • Spend time with top conservationists from Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT),  Elephants Alive and Wildscape veterinary services professional team. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness this vital conservation work being done first-hand.
  • Explore the unique landscape and local culture of the Soutpansberg, Limpopo’s northernmost mountain range, which is in UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve
  • Look for the largest breeding colony of Cape vultures at Mapungubwe National Park;
  • Arrive expectantly, and leave enchanted with the heartbeat of South Africa.  It has diverse habitats, rare & endangered species, and is culturally rich, with breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and iconic landmarks;
  • Relax and enjoy this exceptionally organised once-in-a-lifetime African experience where all logistical details are taken care of for you.
  • Making lifelong friendships with other travellers from around the world who are just as passionate about making a difference in Africa as you are
  • Raising money for conservation projects

Frequency: Annual once-a-year trip
Fitness Ratings: Moderate to Fit
Tour Features: Wildlife Conservation,  English-spoken, Fundraising for Wildlife Conservation Groups, Male/Female
Beneficiary: EWT & Elephants Alive
Accommodation: A mixture of tents /bungalows /rooms. Accommodation is SHARING unless single occupancy is arranged.
Price range: Mid-range
Min: 6 eco-adventurers (*We need a min of 6 people to run this trip + 2 BSE crew).
Max: 10 eco-adventurers

*Please note that this Itinerary and Price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you updated if anything happens. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather dependent, and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary. In some areas, there will be minimal or no Wi-Fi signal (We do love a digital detox)

Do YOU have any questions? We would love to hear from you.

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Includes

  • Expedition leader and native South African – Carla Geyser.
  • Basic accommodation – sharing accommodation
  • All meals & water as shown in the itinerary.
  • National Park fees & taxes where applicable.
  • R15 000pp fundraising for our chosen beneficiary, Elephants Alive & EWT (NB: This money can either be paid by person or fundraised by the person)
  • All activities detailed in the itinerary
  • Transportation to and from the airport during the expedition only

Excludes

  • Any Flights & any necessary transfers to get to the start/finish of the expedition
  • Gratuities (*We recommend US$ 5 to 10 per guide or activity*)
  • Any visas & border costs for South Africa
  • Alcoholic drinks & snacks & any extra meals not on the itinerary
  • Any personal expenses
  • Comprehensive travel insurance (*Compulsory*)
  • JHB Extra nights’ accommodation (pre/ post-expedition) – Budget on approximately R1000pp
  • Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Itinerary

JWP 01 Eart Trip 2024 Daily Calendar
DATES: 4th to 17th May 2024
14 Days/ 13nights
Country: South Africa
Day Date Time Department Details / Comments  Action
0 ETA Flight Flights to South Africa Depart from overseas Own
Accommodation Overnight in JHB if needed Own
Comments: BSST Crew to collect the car and do supply shopping. We can assist with overnight accommodation if needed.
DAY 1 
Day Date Time Department Details / Comments  Action
1 04/05/24 (Sat) ETA Flight OT International flights by 9 am Own
ETA 14h00 Road Transfer Collect guests at OT International Airport and drive to Whiteriver BSE
Meals Dinner
Accommodation TBC
Comments:
DAY 2
Day Date Time Department Details / Comments  Action
2 05/05/24 (Sun) ETA 14h00 Transfer Drive to Bush River camp BSE
Meals Fully catered – Dinner HR/KNP
Activities Drive through park to get to camp HR/KNP
Accommodation Sand River Bush Camp
Comments: Vanessa Struydom will be our guide for the next two days – Bush Walks & Game Drives
DAY 3&4
Day Date Time Department Details / Comments  Action
3 06/05/24 (Mon) Activities Game Walks/Game Drive HR/KNP
4 07/05/24 (Tues) Meals Fully catered – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner HR/KNP
Accommodation Sand River Bush Camp SANPARKS
Comments: The Honorary Officers will host us at SRBC.
DAY 5/6 &7
Day Date Time Department Details / Comments  Action
5 08/05/24 (Wed) Road Transfer Drive from KNP to Hoedspruit via Orpen Gate BSE
6 09/05/24 (Thur) Meals Self catering- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner BSE
7 10/05/24 (Fri) Activities Day 6- Conservation project with Elephants Alive
Day 7 – Conservation project with EWT
– Down 2 the Wire Project
BSE
Accommodation Ekuthuleni or similar
Comments: Working with conservation projects all depends on the animals and the weather. These dates may change but we will keep you posted. The animal’s safety is always a priority.
DAY 8 & 9
Day Date Time Department Details / Comments  Action
8 11/05/24 (Sat) Road Transfer Drive from Hoedspruit to Mediki Nature Reserve BSE
9 12/05/24 (Sun) Meals Fully Catered – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner EWT
Activities Day 8 – Drive + Talk about the project (Catherine Vise)
Day 9 – Conservation project with EWT / Hike
BSE
Accommodation EWT Fica House EWT
Comments: We will stay at the top of the Mountain at EWT Fica house exploring this magnificent area and learning about the projects on the ground.
DAY 10  & 11
Day Date Time Department Details / Comments  Action
10 13/05/24 (Mon) Road Transfer Drive from Mediki to Mapungubwe National Park BSE
11 14/05/24 (Tues) Activities Game Walks/Game Drive x 2 SANPARKS
Meals Self catered – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner BSE
Accommodation Leokwe camp SANPARKS
Comments: Stopping to Shop at Alldays for Groceries.
DAY 12 & 13
Day Date Time Department Details / Comments  Action
12 15/05/24 (Wed) Road Transfer Drive from Mapungubwe to Marakele National Park BSE
13 16/05/24 (Thur) Activities Game Drives/Walks BSE
Meals Self catered – Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner BSE
Accommodation Tlopi Tented Camp or similar SANPARKS
Comments: Honorary Officers to lead walks/drives – Vanessa Strydom
DAY 14
Day Date Time Department Details / Comments  Action
14 17/05/24 (Fri) Road Transfer Drop people off at OT Airport BSE
Accommodation Lesdedi Cultural Village or similar BSE Staff
Comments:
*Please note that this Itinerary and Price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you updated if anything happens. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather dependent, and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary. In some areas, there will be minimal or no Wi-Fi signal (We do love a digital detox)

DAY ONE – ARRIVAL DAY : JHB TO WHITE RIVER

Airport pick-up after your flight to OT International Airport (please make sure you arrive before 9am). Welcome to South Africa! Your adventure begins when you are greeted at the airport by Expedition leader Carla Geyser, founder of Blue Sky Society Trust. We will then transport you to White River for our first night together which is approximately a 4 hour drive. We will spend the night chatting & getting to know each other around.

DAY TWO/THREE/FOUR – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK 

Today, we embark on our journey to Kruger National Park. Our accommodation awaits at the rustic Bush River Camp, managed by the honorary officers. Over the next few days, we’ll relish bush walks and exhilarating game drives, immersing ourselves in the park’s diverse ecosystem. Our guide, the remarkable Vanessa Strydom, will accompany us throughout this unforgettable experience.

Kruger National Park is a world-renowned place, here we will eagerly search for the iconic Big 5. KNP is Located in northeastern South Africa, the park stands as one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos thrive in abundance here, alongside countless other mammal species and a plethora of diverse birds like vultures, eagles, and storks. The landscape is a blend of majestic mountains, bush plains, and lush tropical forests, offering a captivating backdrop for our adventure. We will learn so much about the bush from Vanessa. Her knowledge is remarkable.

DAY FIVE, SIX & SEVEN 

We leave KNP and head to Hoedspruit where we will be doing some vital conservation work with the professionals of EWT and EA. We will stay close to HDS at Ekhuleni or Ndabushi depending on where the conservation work will be taking place. This is only confirmed closer to the time.

ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST  (EWT)
On one of the days we will head into the bush with the EWT team, who have a wealth of experience with wildlife – EWT is one of our beneficiaries, and this morning will give us a glimpse into the most fascinating and intimate insights into the vital work they do with animals that definitely can’t be found in a book or online. This may entail searching for wild dogs using radio telemetry OR searching for vultures or other birds of prey. Closer to the time you will be updated on the Conservation work we will be raising funds for.

ELEPHANTS ALIVE – COLLARING OR TRACKING
Spend the morning with the Elephants Alive team – doing elephant conservation work.

**Please note the animal’s safety is ALWAYS a priority, and we will do our best to include all to educate them about the vital work they are doing. However, if anything changes, we must do what the professionals advise. We will work with the professional vets from Wildscapes veterinary services and the team led by Dr Michelle Henley and follow their instructions.

DAY EIGHT & NINE  – HOEDSPRUIT TO SOUTPANSBERG
After packing up, we head off to the breathtaking Soutpansberg area. The VhaVenda call it “Tha vhani ya muno” – the Mountain of salt. Rising like an island from the surrounding bushveld flatlands, the forgotten Soutpansberg is South Africa’s best-kept secret and one of the country’s most unique and unexplored natural areas. The name ‘Soutpansberg’ is derived from the large natural salt pan to the northwest of the range. We will meet with the EWT team, who are doing vital research in this area. Spending two nights at Mediki on the top of the mountain in their FICA house. Within this malaria-free reserve, guests may experience over 380 indigenous tree species and an abundance of animal and bird life, as well as enjoy sundowner game drives, and guided nature walks. We will do our best to find as many as we can. It is a very unique biosphere.

DAY  TEN & ELEVEN – SOUTPANSBERG TO MAPUNGUBWE NATIONAL PARK 

We depart the magnificent mountain range of Soutpansberg and head further north to Mapungubwe National Park, which is situated in the northern part of South Africa, and is a captivating destination that showcases both natural and cultural wonders. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, with diverse habitats ranging from riverine forests to rocky outcrops, attracting a wide array of wildlife. It is also home to the archaeological site of Mapungubwe Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient civilizations once thrived. Visitors can explore the park through guided game drives, and bush walks, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Limpopo River and the surrounding landscape. Mapungubwe National Park offers a unique blend of history, nature, and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast or history buff. It is also where the three countries meet – South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

DAY TWELVE & THIRTEEN – MAPUNGUBWE NP TO MARAKELE NATIONAL PARK 

We end our journey at Marakele National Park, which is nestled in the Waterberg Mountains of South Africa and is a hidden gem for nature lovers. The park’s name, which means “place of sanctuary” in the local Tswana language, aptly describes its tranquil and picturesque landscapes. Marakele boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big 5, as well as a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can embark on thrilling game drives, explore hiking trails that wind through stunning mountain scenery, and enjoy breathtaking views from the park’s iconic viewpoints. Marakele National Park offers a perfect blend of wilderness and serenity, inviting adventurers to immerse themselves in its natural beauty.

DAY FOURTEEN – JOHANNESBURG/DEPARTURE
Early breakfast and transfer to  OR Tambo International in Johannesburg to say our farewells.

If you would like to extend your stay and head to Cape Town or the beach, please chat with Carla about possible options and prices. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey.

You are among our friends when you are with us. Together, we are in a safe space, and you have the freedom to be yourself and explore. Whether you have never left your home country or are a seasoned solo traveller, this trip will offer you adventure, friends, and breathless beauty.

*Please note that this Itinerary and Price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you updated if anything happens. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather dependent, and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary..

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