Rhino & baby sighted on Game Drives ... more photos just in ... and now on walking trails!

A short update from expedition leader Tom:  

Wed: A superb day today! Started with a 0430 wake up call followed by a chilly open truck drive to the park. The early start however was well worthwhile, numerous species encountered, including: elephant, warthog, rhino, giraffe, buffalo, wild dog, bee eater, vulture, impala. 

On return from the park we had supper in the main lodge followed by an early night!

We head off on walking trails tomorrow.  

- Tom

Mother and baby photographed on today's game drive

Aaron tries out Hippo teeth on boat trip in St. Lucia Estuary earlier in the week

Expeditioners photo 

Now at St Lucia Wetlands Park and Albizia Camp at Umkhumbi Lodge ... ready to start their environmental awareness course

Michael Kingscote reports having just spoken with expedition leader Tom: 

Friday was the day that they visited Rorke’s Drift and learned about the 2nd/ 24th Foot’s gallant defeat of the Zulus and the awarding of 11 VC’s. This was an emotional day as the story comes alive when told on the actual battlefield site. Thereafter they went to visit the Bead Basket Factory and had a major Braai in the evening followed by 'Reggie's infamous Fireball hockey'. 

Saturday was a transfer day from the Zulu Battlefields to the St Lucia wetlands Park and Albizia Camp at Umkhumbi Lodge. Arriving just before dinner they settled in and are now preparing for their Environmental Awareness Course (EAC).

This morning the sun is shining, although it did rain in the night. The boys in the group were up well before Tommy (their very experienced and knowledgeable guide) and looking forward to starting their course.

Breakfast on first morning at Umkhumbi Lodge

Camp accommodation at Umkhumbi Lodge

The Lodge at Umkhumbi

View from the balcony of Umkhumbi Lodge 

Heading for Elandsheim to begin Zulu War Battlefields phase of expedition

They have landed safely in Johannesburg and are heading for Elandsheim where they will be based for the next few days. 

Leader Tom texts: All running smoothly, a very happy team, all on the bus with Tommy (our guide) and on our way!

Expeditioners' accommodation for Battlefields Phase at Elandsheim a Lutheran Mission

Accommodation lodges at Elandsheim with campfire/Boma area in background

Next stop ... South Africa!

How exciting! We said 'Next time we see you it will be to give you your plane tickets' and that moment has finally arrived!

Everyone is now at the airport, all checked in and now through security.
Flight is on-time for a 19.00 hrs departure. Next update once they've landed tomorrow in Johannesburg - scheduled ETA 07.15.

Look out South Africa ... here we come!

All checked-in and ready to go!