Great photos just received from expedition leader Tom ...

Our intrepid Expeditioners get up close and personal with the African wildlife ... 

Wow!

"What's all the fuss?"

Our transport.

Meryl enjoys some Cheetah Interaction

Morning Bush Walk

Very rare sighting - Wild Dog. One of only 454 left in the wild!

Hippos, Crocs, Buffalo, star-gazing ... and Warthog dissection make for exciting times in Africa!

Report received from expedition leader Tom:

Monday: Another fantastic day here in Africa! An early rise this morning was followed by a great boat trip round the St Lucia estuarine system*, hippo, crocs and numerous birds including the pied kingfisher and white pelican. Lunch at a local restaurant was followed by a bit of retail therapy in St. Lucia. The girls found a few necklaces whilst the boys got stuck into the biltong shop! We ventured out on a walking trail for a couple of hours encountering buffalo (the cantankerous old men of the bush due to their grumpy nature!), antelope, water buck and hippo, the whole group behaved flawlessly impressing both Tommy (our guide) and me! The crocodile centre put some 'flesh on the bones' of the croc sightings earlier in the day. Annabel reluctantly held a year old croc ... and enjoyed it! After trying to feed at least a few of the students to the waiting jaws we still left with a full bus.

After supper we took the team out on 'Bush Quiet Time' where each person sat for half an hour - in silence - with time for reflection, star-gazing and listening to the sounds of the African night. There were mixed reactions to this ... but everyone finished the night in high spirits.
 

Tuesday:  Another great day in Africa! Warthog dissection was eventful but all participated and no fainting, a quick dip in the pool before heading to a local market and the cheetah reserve where everyone had the chance to stroke a cheetah and interact with the Caracal Cat.

Wednesday: Early start tomorrow - up at 0530 for what we hope will be a very exciting game drive! - Tom

Note: Tom has tried to send more photos ... but unfortunately the internet connections are not good and we haven't received them yet ... will post new photos if/when we receive them). 

 

St Lucia Wetlands Reserve - Indian Ocean

Hippos in the St Lucia Estuary  as viewed from the boat

Need we say more ... the biggest population of hippos in South Africa is here in the St. Lucia Estuary.

St Lucia Town
- where the hippos have been known to walk down the main street at night on their way to and from the water.

Caracal at Cheetah & Cat Interaction Centre

... the spectacular African Southern Night Sky with the Milky Way clearly visible! 

and finally ... only in Africa! A sign you may find amusing ... or not! 

Tommy, the group's main ranger/guide at the Crocodile Centre

*Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park

South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site and third largest park. Home to the country’s biggest population of hippopotamus, approximately 1,000 crocodiles and a wealth of plant and animal life. The park has 280km of near pristine coastline and comprises of 328,000 hectares of magnificent scenery. Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park encompasses an immense mosaic of habitats ranging from marine systems (coral reefs and beaches) and coastal forests (from salt and fresh water marshes to the open estuarine waters of Lake St Lucia itself from lush coastal plains to the drier woodland areas. There are over 500 different species of marine, wetland and forest birds. 

Up close and personal! Snakes, spiders and scorpions. Bush Walk and reflections round the campfire!

Expedition leader, Tom, shares with us some written thoughts and reflections from the guys as they sat round the campfire on Sunday evening:

"Since we've got here, we have many new, different views about our own lives. In the few days we have witnessed the poverty side of South Africa as well as the wealthy side. Seeing the way the people on the poverty side live can be so uplifting considering they have very little compared to what we have. Even a little wave can put a smile on their faces and then makes us mirror their happiness. This has impacted us greatly and has made us realise how much we take for granted back home and we will now respect (what we have) a lot more.

A photo taken on Sunday's Bush Walk

Recently we have visited a game reserve and witnessed wild animals in their natural habitat. The fact that we made the animal superior and respected the eco-system, has given us a more in-depth view on how important their existence is to us. A talk was given in the evening about poaching and the effects it will have on our heritage; this talk was so inspiring we want to spread the word." 

Up close ... and personal - expeditioner's photo

 Michael Kingscote reports:

Sunday was wet! In the morning Anton* gave the group a morning of instruction on snakes, scorpions and spiders (see expeditioner's snake photo above). 

Becky J, whilst shaking with anxiety, managed to hold many varieties in her hand and overcame her fears.

In the afternoon they went for a long bush walk and saw giraffe, warthog, grey duiker and zebra (see expeditioner's photo above). It was most enjoyable, despite the rain.

Today, Monday, it is off to St Lucia for a boat trip up the estuary to see hippos, crocs, perhaps an African Fish Eagle and other wildlife.

On a lighter note: Harry D, enthusiastically, challenged Tommy (the Guide) to a chilli eating competition … and lost! It was also Leader Tom’s birthday on Sunday and he was fêted accordingly!

*Anton and Emma Roberts are the owners of Umkhumbi Lodge with a passion for wildlife and conservation. Anton is a world-renowned expert on snakes and other reptiles and has been a guide and logistics expert for TV series’ such as Venom Hunter. At Umkhumbi Anton has a Gaboon adder breeding project, two king cobras, chameleons,  other reptiles, frogs, mantids (praying mantis), spiders and scorpions.

Umkhumbi has an abundance of birdlife and small game like nyala, grey duiker, red duiker and rare suni. Evening visits by bushbabies and genets are frequent in the camp. 

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 

Photos just in ... Made it! On top of the 'Sphinx' at Isandlwana, crossing the Buffalo River, Rorke's Drift ... and the infamous fireball hockey!

Rorke's Drift Memorial

Crossing the Buffalo River

Made it! Expeditioners who managed the very steep climb to the top of The Sphinx at Isandlwana

 Reggie's ‘in-famous ... and don’t tell your parents’ game of fireball hockey – played in the dark of course for maximum effect and excitement!  Expeditioners are split into teams, a brief risk assessment is given by Reggie ... then battle commences!

Fireball hockey!

Michael Kingscote reports in more detail on Battlefields and emerging characters among the Group!

I spoke to Tom this morning (Friday) after the Group's first day on the battlefield tour ...

On Wednesday, the flight from London arrived early and having been met by Tommy, their guide, they drove out of Johannesburg in the hot South African sun, in very good time. On arrival at Elandsheim they were met by Roan, their host there and Colonel Reggie Purbrick the battlefield expert. After settling in, dinner it was off to bed early; they are accommodated 5 to a hut.

Yesterday the Group, after a simple but enlightening introduction to a potted version of South African history, was taken by coach to the Battlefield of Isandlwana*. This impressive and unspoilt battlefield allowed them all to see how the battle unfolded. Then all of them set off to the top of the Sphinx, the hill which dominates the battlefield. Some struggled with the heat and the climb, some showed great endeavour.

Thereafter the Group walked along the Fugitives Trail (10 Kms). This was the route that Lieutenants Melville & Coghill took as they fled the battlefield with the Queen’s Colour. Later both were to receive posthumous Victoria Crosses for their efforts. The Group crossed the Buffalo River (knee deep) and then finished their walk at the Graves of the aforementioned officers. The coach greeted them and they set off back to Elandsheim.

Some characters are emerging …

• 'Ant & Dec' ... alias Harry D & Matt R ... never short of humour and a quip!
• Jordan C is immersing himself in Africa, forever up trees and full of energy!
• Ellie P (who didn't know anyone on expedition when she first signed up), has fitted in really well and is making a great contribution.
• Josh F has such a positive and 'can do' attitude!

Today the Group will walk and talk the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, then visit a local basket factory that employs 800 women, an example of enterprise in this rural area of distinct unemployment.

Next update expected on Sunday.

Michael

The Battlefield at Isandlwana - dominated by the 'Sphinx'

*The Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879 was the first major encounter in the Anglo-Zulu War. The battle was a decisive victory for the Zulus and caused the defeat of the first British invasion of Zululand. A Zulu force of some 20,000 warriors attacked 1,800 British, colonial and native troops and civilians. The Zulus, armed mainly with their traditional assegai iron spears and cow-hide shields, attacked using a battle formation in the shape of buffalo horns to lure the British fighting forces forward into an ambush to then attack the main camp from the sides. The Zulus overwhelmed the badly deployed British which were poorly led by Lieutenant Chelmsford, killing over 1,300 troops. Around 1,000 Zulus also lost their lives.

Isandlwana battle scene

Isandlwana Battlefield and trekking the Fugitive's Trail to the Buffalo River

Expedition leader Tom reports: 

"Team pushed really hard today to climb Isandlwana and then trek the Fugitive's Trail. They then crossed the Buffalo River. It was a physically challenging day ... but everyone completed it! We are now all enjoying our supper!" - Tom

Earlier today, Reggie, the group's inimitable guide & amazing storyteller, led everyone half way up the Sphynx that is Isandlwana. Here, overlooking the battlefield, Reggie described the main events and the strategies of both the Zulu and British armies which led, within 24 hours, to a great Zulu victory and huge loss of life on the side of the British.  

The 'Sphinx' of Isandlwana

Trekking the Fugitive's Trail - everyone then followed in the footsteps of the retreating Lts. Melvill and Coghill who died in their attempt to save the Queen’s colour as they fled the Fugitive's Trail towards the Buffalo River. The Expeditioners completed the trek and crossed the Buffalo River.

Buffalo River

Another interesting, informative and enjoyable day lies ahead tomorrow as the group will hear about the defence of Rorke's Drift and then have the opportunity to do some very special shopping at a Zulu community enterprise.