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!

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.