Welcome home ... and keeping the dream alive!

Help us to keep alive and share in the memories and unforgettable experiences of  the expeditioners' special time in Africa! 

We hope you have enjoyed reading our updates. Don't forget to share your son's or daughter's photos, experiences, anecdotes, personal stories and experiences with us (via the blog, Facebook, with Fee, or directly into the Outposts' office).

Photo Competition: We run a competition each year for the best photos from our expeditions with a prize being awarded to the winners. Why not enter your best photos by sending them in to us? Winners will be chosen and announced in September. Good luck everyone!

Here's last year's winning South Africa photo:

Good Morning ... and welcome home to all our 'adventurers' who are now on the coach and heading for Bridgwater.

Estimated coach drop-off times:

• 10.30 Robert Blake School
• 10.45 Chilton Trinity School

Arrangements for arrival time in Bridgwater on Thursday 11th July

Michael Kingscote and Fee Bellamy will be heading for Heathrow tomorrow evening (Wed 10th) so that they can meet the group as they land on the morning of Thursday 11th July. Delays can and do happen so please check this blog after 0800 that morning for estimated timings for arrival in Bridgwater.

If you can’t get to the internet at that time you can call Fee on her mobile.

Zulu Battlefields of Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift and the Fugitive's Trail

The group our now deep in the Zulu Battlefields learning all about Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.

The 'Sphynx' of Isandlwana

The tours will bring history to life, as viewing the Isandlwana battlefield from a high vantage point, the group will hear the story of how the central column of the British Invasion Force under the ultimate command of Lt. General Lord Chelmsford was virtually wiped out by King Cetshwayo’s Zulu army. Lts. Melvill and Coghill died in their attempt to save the Queen’s colour as they fled the Fugitive's Trail towards the Buffalo River.

Later that same day 4,500 Zulus attacked a re-supply depot at Rorke’s Drift, held by a handful of British soldiers, many of whom were sick or wounded. The expeditioners will hear the story of how all 11 Victoria Crosses were won in an incredible battle against all the odds where the Zulus were repulsed.

 Lt Chard VC, the Royal Engineer officer at Rorke's Drift is buried at Hatch Beauchamp, 3 miles from Taunton.

The actual Queen's colour was later recovered from the Buffalo River and is now on display in Brecon, Wales.

Previous expeditioners have described the storytelling as: "making history come alive, it was almost like being there"."I had no knowledge of this story, the Zulus or the history, this is awesome".

Memorial at Rorke's Drift

Rorke's Drift

 The expeditioners will probably be very tired tonight and in need of a good night's sleep. They will spend their last night in Africa at Elandsheim - a Lutheran Mission (see photos below).

Expeditioners' accommodation for Battlefields Phase at Elandsheim a Lutheran Mission

Accommodation lodges at Elandsheim with campfire/Boma area in background

Tomorrow they head back to Johannesburg for their flight home. It is has been a whirlwind and there will be many tales to tell of their special time in South Africa!

Elephant, Giraffe, Rhino and Zebra ... among some of the animals sighted this morning ...

Matt and Devin report (briefly) to Fee Bellamy about a very exciting morning: 

Game Walks and Drives today.  So far Elephant, Giraffe, Rhino, Wildebeest, Kudu, Warthog and Zebra have been sighted!

Yesterday was a lovely day down by the river.  Moments for reflection and time to themselves.

Giraffe spotted on game walks and drive 

Elephant sighted on game walks and drive

A beautiful day in Africa ... songs around the campfire last night, morale high and some more messages ...

Expedition leader Matt finally has ‘comms’ and contacted Michael Kingscote this morning:

morning here at iThala. Group is very happy. iThala is beautiful and the campsite is awesome. All the team sat around the camp fire last night, singing songs with the guitar. Lovely evening!

A beautiful morning in our iThala campsite

Here are some more messages from expeditioners following their community project phase of the expedition, prior to arriving at iThala … 

Shannon says: “We have spent the last 3 days playing and talking to the most wonderful children ever. I have shed a few tears seeing how they live and how grateful they are for what they have. This experience is amazing. It has changed my life forever. So happy I am here. I have got lots of photos to show everyone. Love from Shannon xxx”

Olivia says: “So far Africa has been an amazing experience. Everyone here is extremely knowledgable, friendly and welcoming making it seem like a big family. We have already experienced so much, painting the school, meeting the African children, archery , abseiling , hiking, and dissecting a buck and cooking it. I have made many friends including ‘Boston’ the center’s adopted crane. We are all having a fantastic time and are really excited for the wild game reserve. Can’t wait to tell you all about it. Olivia.”

Jake says: “Hello parents and people who care. We had an amazing day playing with the Zulu kids in the village we went to. A massive group of us played football with them. They played like professionals, but I can now say I have represented my country in football. Brillant!!! Jake x”

We say “Hamba kahle” to the Drakensbergs and “Sawubona” to iThala for camping, walking trails & game drive

Everyone has now arrived at Ithala Game Reserve in the rugged, mountainous thornveld of northern KwaZulu-Natal for the next exciting phase of their expedition.

iThala Reserve & Ngotshe Mountains viewed from Ntshondwe Lodge

A fully tented and equipped camp has been set-up at the iThala campsite (see campsite photos below) for the expeditioners and tonight, after supper, there will be fireside chat about conservation in Africa under the starry night sky whilst listening to the sounds of Africa all around - magical!

Spectacular iThala Game Reserve setting with ancient rock formations 

A bit about iThala: This is a most remarkable game reserve in a spectacular, panoramic setting. It has a  huge array of habitats offering good opportunities for game viewing. The reserve tumbles from the heights of the Ngotshe Mountains a thousand meters down into a deep valley, carved over the eons by the Phongolo River revealing some of the world's oldest rock formations dating back 3,000 million years.

iThala has been occupied by man for thousands of years and there are many sites littered with stone age spear and axe heads dating back some 20,000 years. Ancient events took place here under the rule of King Shaka and other Zulu kings as well as mining for gold in the early 20th Century. 

Campsite in iThala where expeditioners' tents &  camp will be set-up 

Campsite in iThala 

Campsite in iThala 

River viewed from iThala campsite

Abseiling 'awesome', Anatomy 'interesting' and messages from expeditioners ... no two days the same in Africa!

Michael Kingscote reports following contact with expedition leader Matt: 

Anatomy dissection went really well. Jules, being a biology teacher, explained all the organs to the expeditioners and added value to the whole session. The expeditioners then ate the animal in a ‘Potjiekos’ (pronounced poiky). Some expeditioners were a little squeamish!

The abseiling was really exciting and went well. We are heading off this afternoon for iThala and the next phase of our expedition. 

Kim says: "Hi everyone, really enjoying it so far. Abseiling was awesome. Everything has been absolutely epic so far! Love and miss you lots. Kim

Michael O says: "I am having a great time on the trip and I think everyone else is as well. South Africa is not what I expected. The people are great and the country is not as dangerous as I was expecting. The food is better here as well. Tomorrow (Saturday) we are going to iThala game reserve. I am really having fun and I will return with many great memories. Michael" 

Polly says: "Hey everyone. Really enjoying every single bit so far. The school now looks amazing. The kids were so happy and so was the teacher. Missing you all loads. Love from Polly".

Goodbye Entabeni ... 

Approaching Entabeni Camp with the Drakensbergs & Giant's Castle in the distance 

Mountain walk, overnight camp, fireside games and activities ... next up abseiling!

Michael Kingscote reports, following contact with expedition leader Matt at 0700hrs this morning:

A day of adventure as half the group walked up into the Drakensberg Mountains and camped out overnight where they have had outstanding views, seen baboons, zebra and eland. When I spoke they were shrouded in mist but very happy and proud of their achievements.

Baboons in Drakensberg

Eland

The rest of the group are in camp with assistant leader Devin and similarly have had a good time doing activities and spending the evening around the campfire playing 'Campside Mafia' - no, we don't know what this is either - but knowing Devin - this will be a lot of fun and I'm sure we will hear all about it in due course.

Sunset views, Drakensberg

Later on today they are all going to abseil off a mountain in the Drakensberg and afterwards learn about anatomy with the dissection of an impala or another gazelle.

Tomorrow they leave early for IThala - for the next phase of their expedition - staying in a tented Bush Camp in the Game Reserve, going on a walking trail and safari game drive.

Singing, lots of smiles & cuddles plus football match goes to penalties

Michael Kingscote receives report from expedition leader Matt:

Expeditioners have had a lovely day with the children from the school. All the team were involved with games and speaking basic Zulu. 

Melissa S. says: "'I am having an amazing time and trying to speak to the children in Zulu which I am not very good at but everybody is very friendly and welcoming and everyone feels happy to be around the Zulu children."

George H. says: "Amazing, amazing, amazing! Kids great, views are brilliant. I am really enjoying singing with the Zulu children. Classrooms look really special ... never want to see brown or yellow paint again though!"

Natasha Y says: "The children here are so affectionate and loving, and they've really welcomed us into their community. I'll never forget the smile on their faces as you give them a hug."

Hannah W. & Danielle O say: "Wonderful day with wonderful people! The children are beautiful and so affectionate. Playing the guitar and dancing and singing with everyone was amazing. Everyone joined in and had fun. Just another day in Africa! Really going to miss their personalities and how lovely they are! All of the children were amazed at our long, blonde hair and wouldn't leave us alone! We felt like celebrities!'

Football match tied ... 20 penalties taken ... Zulus won!

For all the football fans out there. The great match between the Chilton Trinity/Robert Blake and the Zulus ended 2:2, leading to penalties. CT/RB were pipped at the post after nearly 20 penalty kicks! The Zulu children won with an exhausted smile. Post game hand shakes were friendly and not bitter in the slightest! Photos from the day (below).

Guitar playing and singing a great attraction!

100 school children and families turned up for fete day!

Fee Bellamy reports: 

They have had the most amazing day on project. Over 100 children and their families turned up, integration was amazing and they had a wonderful fete day. The expeditioners were fantastic! 

They are shattered and will sleep well tonight! 

Classroom before ... and after ... plus messages from Rosie & Jake

Michael Kingscote reports following contact with expedition leader Matt:

School work done and classrooms looking great!

Rosie says: "Well, it's been pretty amazing so far! Our accommodation is great and I love the view. We've learnt some Zulu and a song in Zulu which is fun. I can't wait to see more animals and spend a night under the stars. Missing everyone at home. Rosie P. X"

Jake says: "Today has been very good. We finished painting the kids classrooms and they look fantastic. Also, we played a bit of cricket which was good, so yeah a great day!" Jake

CLASSROOM BEFORE AND AFTER ... Great job everyone!

Group photo - relaxing at Entabeni Camp

Community Project work well underway!

Michael Kingscote reports:  

I spoke to Matt (expedition leader) this morning. He was in the office at Entabeni, looking across the range of the Drakensberg Mountains with the sound of cranes calling in the background.

View from Entabeni Camp

He reported that the journey was long and quite tiring, indeed some needed a little extra rest to get over it. However, the first day in the school was enjoyable and fun. All is going well. Group really getting stuck in with the school work and a great attitude.

The Expeditioners have been split into 4 Teams and each has a classroom to decorate, add to that the inquisitive locals who want to play, the hot weather and you can imagine how it is all working out.

Michael O showed his communication skills by speaking Zulu to the entire group, what a linguist!

Devin A, our assistant leader who is based in South Africa, has joined the group and is fitting in well.

Insonge - a typical village a mile or so from Entabeni Camp

Shannon C says: "Hello Mummy! We went to our first School today. It has been an amazing day. It was a real shock to see what they have there. I have made a friend with a little girl, got lots of pictures to show you. Miss you and love you."

It is a little cold at night, but clearly the enthusiasm, excitement and work during the days ensures that they all get a good night’s sleep.

Today, Monday, the Expeditioners are continuing their project work in the school and on Tuesday there is a ‘sports’ day as the finale before they set off on their walking expedition!

The next 'official' bulletin is on Wednesday 3 July but if we have any news or photos in the meantime - we will upload them.

Michael Kingscote

A crane at the Crane Foundation - Entabeni

A baby at the Crane Foundation - Entabeni

"Wow, Wow, Wow" ... says Julie Cadmore

Julie Cadmore has provided this 'blog' entry, via expedition leader Matt and Michael Kingscote ... it was heard by the whole group and they agreed with and approved it ...

''Wow, wow, wow! ... What an amazing 36 hours- a great send off, smooth travel and flight and awesome scenery through this beautiful country. We've already seen zebra, water buck and jackal buzzards. Our accommodation is fantastic - we've had a delicious dinner.

As we write this we are sat around a roaring fire toasting marshmallows underneath a stunning milky way. Tomorrow we're decorating 4 classrooms and meeting local children - How exciting!

Thank you for enabling us to have this adventure of a lifetime."

Entabeni ...

Everyone has arrived safely at Entabeni Camp - all very tired but happy and in good spirits! Looking forward to busy days ahead.

Entabeni Environmental Camp at the foot of the mighty Drakensbergs

On our way to the Drakensbergs ...

Everyone has arrived safely in Johannesburg and now onboard the coach heading for their environmental camp at the foot of the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains.

All checked-in. Flight on-time!

Fee Bellamy reports from Heathrow ... 

All checked in and through to security. Flight gates open 1800, flight still due to depart 1900. Group excellently behaved!

Waiting at Check-in ... relaxed, happy & excited!

Robert Blake & Chilton Trinity - on day of departure looking smart in their expedition t-shirts!

Cold? Nah ... bring on the Drakensberg Mountains ... we're ready!

After final training session at Outposts Bush Camp in Somerset, everyone left with morale high and great anticipation of the next time they will all meet up

 ... Africa here we come! 

Students and teachers from Chilton Trinity & Robert Blake's joint expedition to South Africa with Outposts - braved the bitter cold to have fun and make final preparations at training session 2 at Outposts' Bush Camp this past weekend. 

Outposts' apprentice and assistant on the weekend, Megan Olding, reports: 

Arrival a bit hectic trying to park but managed it. Smokey Bush Camp fire - but lovely and warm - where packs were laid out; expedition t-shirts, 'plan-pack-explore' book, lesson plan manual, notebooks and pens.

Lots of teambuilding activities to challenge us and keep us warm. Split into groups and then all came together for a ‘River Crossing' race. 

Students from both schools integrated superbly and expeditioners were very mature. Very good teamwork and communication (even though one team lost 4 crates!). Teachers were all very encouraging. After lunch, we all looked through some text books from a South African School and discussed the community project/ cultural interaction phase of the expedition.  

 Back to Bush Camp for hot chocolate and selection of delicious homemade cakes by aptly named Mrs Baker. Went for a walk/hike around the lanes to keep up our fitness and then early evening expeditioners huddled around the fire and talked over successful fundraising experiences and their anticipation of the expedition. 

Dinner ... Everyone helped prepare and cook dinner for 'forty' of delicious and warming spaghetti bolognese, garlic bread and yummy dessert. After washing up was completed, settled down to watch the film Zulu which depicts the Zulu-Anglo battle at Rorke's Drift where the expeditioners will be visiting. 

Off to our tents and bed, on one of the coldest nights of the year ... but everyone seemed in good spirits in the morning and this was good practice for the night they will be spending out under the 

magnificent Drakensberg mountains. 

Tents were left clean and tidy - so very many thanks to you all for this. Expedition leader Richard had to go through Risk Assessments and safety with the group which although very important was described as ‘dry’ even by the leader himself! (which brought some giggles).