“Jennifer Palmer is an impassioned wildlife biologist, a global educator, public speaker, and an intrepid lover of nature. She travels the world to find creative solutions to our most pressing conservation conundrums and aims to create a paradigm shift in how we connect to nature and co-exist in harmony. As the founder of Women for Wildlife, she leads an international movement to conserve wildlife and empower communities. Her work has led her to become a trusted advisor to nonprofits, governments, foundations, film producers and business leaders around the world.”

“The perfect blend of lifetime adventure, learning experience and unforgettable time with amazing people who are positively impacting our world. I don’t think there is any better way to spend a few weeks.”

“Words cannot express the passion, the love, the purpose that goes into and comes back out of this amazing organisation. You have to experience it first-hand.”

“When I heard that Carla wanted me to join the Rise of The Matriarch, I was shocked and ecstatic. A little panicked because I hadn’t flown out of South Africa. Luckily I was arranged to go be on a flight with Joan. I call her “Mama Joan”. She befriended me from then onwards and my exit outside the country was smooth. The great of the experience was one of a lifetime. I am crying. The support I received was amazing from the announcement to my coming back to SA. I was cared for by EVERYONE. I am still marvelled at the magic of the unfolding of everything. I am grateful to Carla, Blue Sky Society, Wessa, and Tanglewood till today for that opportunity.”

“Oh Africa you beauty”. Zimbabwe is probably the last place I would have thought of visiting. We see so many people from there coming to find greener pastures here (South Africa) because it’s painted as this God forsaken country with so little to offer. I learnt so much from everyone that I was with, the people that I met, the wildlife I got to see and how the people of Zimbabwe live. I am in awe of what we did and how we did it and it’s inspired me to do more for the conservation of our wildlife and environment in the future. I look forward to my next journey I feel as if I owe it to myself in the near future. There is so much that Africa has to offer and I urge anyone who has ever wished to take that leap into one of Carla’s journeys to come and find their purpose, I know I did.”

Laura is the owner of Salt & Candy and is responsible for all our marketing. What better way to get to know your clients than getting your hands dirty with them? That is exactly what she did! ‘Rule 3. Meet the People You Help. As social animals, it is imperative for us to see the actual, tangible impact of our time and effort for our work to have meaning and for us to be motivated to do it even better.’ This is exactly what Laura Jane Thomas-Gilks did when she decided to go on the trip of a lifetime through Africa with Blue Sky Society.

“Life is most certainly an adventure filled with highs and not so high moments. Having created a life whereby l get to experience the beauty and challenges of mama Africa with incredible people from all walks of life, each with their own story is something I am truly grateful for. The ability to inspire people to follow their dreams and take on life’s little challenges with a bit of a sense of humour is something that motivates me. We have truly got so much out there that is worth fighting for and that is what l plan to do with my Expeditions. I cannot do it alone and value your endless support and compassion. Asante sane Carla”

“What an amazing experience. You hear of human-wildlife conflict but until you actually get to experience it and talk to people on the ground, it just doesn’t hit home. A trip not to be forgotten – ever. Thank you, Carla, of Blue Sky Society, for this incredible adventure. When Carla emailed me to ask me to join the leg from Maun to Windhoek as one of the drivers, the heart immediately shouted “YES”. It took the head a little while longer to get in synch. I think it was only natural for me to be a bit concerned about my age (70) when compared to the other team members. ‘Will I be able to keep up physically, will I be a nuisance, will I still make it out of the tent in the morning?’ – and so the thoughts went. If ever you get a chance to do a trip like this, GO. The Rise of the Matriarch expedition was something I shall never forget. Hopefully, I am still fit enough to go along next time.”

“A soul-shaking experience that that allowed me to see first hand all that Mama Africa has to offer, from the humblest of her people to the most majestic of her wildlife. An experience that grew me in ways I never thought imaginable. A journey I will treasure forever. What a privilege it was to be a part of Carla’s team.”

“I never believed that a “small” road trip through Zim and Botswana would touch me so deeply and inspire me to not only be a better person but to give back. Being in and amongst passionate woman who would give up everything to affect even the tiniest change within Africa and her precious beasts, set my soul on fire. Their spirit is infectious and I felt inspired beyond words. This trip changed me and is no doubt the highlight of my adult life. I thank Carla every day for the memories and opportunity to see how we can do our part in saving these animals.”

“After spending two weeks with Carla on the Rise of the Matriarch expedition, there was no way I’d pass up this opportunity to travel with Blue Sky Society again! I learned so much about wildlife conservation and was incredibly privileged to meet with the local leaders who are on the front lines of this work every day. Going on safari is wonderful, but travelling with local experts and being able to go behind the scenes is extraordinary. I love Carla’s commitment to ethical travel and passion for Africa, and I can’t wait to see Mozambique with her and the rest of the team!”