expedition project rally 2017- info pack

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Page 1 Rally2017 Welcome and thank you for signing up to the best two-weeks of your 2017, and probably your life! The EXPEDITION Project has been around the block a few times (pardon the pun). Our road has been filled with potholes (pardon the pun again) since our first test expedition in 2011. We have, however, come out with more passion and knowledge about South Africa than we could have ever dreamed of. We are super excited to include you in our newest adventure. In conjunction with Nourish and Sumbon, your 2-week rally will involve charity days and tourist sites. In order to become a more sustainable organisation this trip will be a 'pay-to-participate' rally in which we hope to raise money for projects across South Africa. The following information pack will outline a) what steps you need to take next and b) provide you will more information on the rally itself. Please contact us at any point should you have any questions. See you on in Cape Town on the 18 th March 2017! Happy planning, SDBergs Sarah Dawn Bergs The EXPEDITION Project Rally Co-ordinator Founder, Nourish RWynneDyke Roger Wynne-Dyke Founder, The EXPEDITION Project

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Page 1: Expedition Project Rally 2017- INFO PACK

Page 1

Rally2017

Welcome and thank you for signing up to the best two-weeks of your 2017, and probably your life! The EXPEDITION Project has been around the block a few times (pardon the pun). Our road has been filled with potholes (pardon the pun again) since our first test expedition in 2011. We have, however, come out with more passion and knowledge about South Africa than we could have ever dreamed of. We are super excited to include you in our newest adventure.

In conjunction with Nourish and Sumbon, your 2-week rally will involve charity days and tourist sites. In order to become a more sustainable organisation this trip will be a 'pay-to-participate' rally in which we hope to raise money for projects across South Africa.

The following information pack will outline a) what steps you need to take next and b) provide you will more information on the rally itself.

Please contact us at any point should you have any questions.

See you on in Cape Town on the 18th March 2017!

Happy planning,

SDBergs Sarah Dawn Bergs The EXPEDITION Project Rally Co-ordinator Founder, Nourish

RWynneDyke Roger Wynne-Dyke Founder, The EXPEDITION Project

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A. Introduction

14 days. 4300 km (2672 miles). 12 towns. 5 charities. 7 tourist activities. 3

national parks.

Travel with a conscience. immerse yourself in our local cultures, and conservation spaces. know that every

cent spent on your rally is used to the benefit of our local communities of South Africa. Be a green and

responsible traveller. Be epic.

B. Background

What’s in the name?

‘EXPEDITION’ – journey by a team on a mission of purpose.

‘project’ – implying sustainability, an ongoing endeavour rather than a once of feel-good campaign.

You could say we know a thing or two about being on the road.

Since 2011 we have completed 4 expeditions. Travelled 27,082 km (16828 miles) by road across South

Africa. Passed through 301 towns. Stopped for a visit at 230 of those. Connected with 4,012 people.

Identified 142 community projects. Worked with 405 hospitality partners. Planted 61 trees.

The challenge

One of our greatest challenges since the inception of The EXPEDITION Project was its complexity. For

most people, its scope was just too vast to latch on to. And yet, we didn’t want to simply “dumb it

down” or “make it more commercial”. That would have gone against the whole philosophy behind the

organisation. We’ve decided to solve this puzzle through focus and simplification. We will consolidate

topics and repackage them into catchy ideas that will get stuck in people’s heads. Because only sticky

ideas can change the way people think and live. These “earworms” of ours will be The EXPEDITION

Project ’s “offspring” – drawing resources and direction from the parent, but with unique identities and

missions. The next phase of this is The EXPEDITION Project Rally 2017. Enter Sarah Bergs and Nourish…

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Nourish

In 2012, we had the privilege of meeting Sarah Bergs, who’s NPO “Nourish”, is based in Hoedspruit,

Limpopo Province. Nourish helps within rural communities to uplift people while promoting social

responsibility and environmental education. We tagged along to a tree planting and environmental

education talk as well as uniform distributions at two primary schools. We also watched as Sarah

handed out donated knitted dolls to thrilled pre-schoolers, (read more about our visit here). Sarah was

only 24 at the time, but it was hard to keep track of all that she was doing and had accomplished. She

struck me as the perfect kind of person for what she does: she has a wonderful attitude, bags of

charisma and heaps of business savvy. She has overcome enormous obstacles in the past four years

since we first met, now her biggest problem is rapid growth!

Making connections is one of Sarah’s greatest talents. It has enabled her to forge the new ties (with

local tribe chiefs, community members and projects) that are expanding Nourish. She kept in touch with

us throughout and it has been so encouraging to follow her progress. Recently, The EXPEDITION Project

had the wonderful privilege of facilitating a partnership with Nourish, hence enabling the

implementation of a series of two-week trips into a rally format. We sampled with the shorter format of

our trips in 2013 and 2014 but without Sarah’s energy The EXPEDITION Project Rally 2017 would not be

possible.

Roger Wynne-Dyke,

Founder, The EXPEDITION Project

C. Ethical Considerations

Responsible travel

We support venues, activities and lodges that are, where possible, Fair Trade accredited or members of

Pack for a Purpose. We are also off-setting our carbon footprint by either planting trees ourselves through

the Nourish tree planting project or Wildlands Conservation Trust – Trees for Life Programme.

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Carbon conscious

Travelling the +- 4300 km of this Rally means that we have had a serious impact on the planet. But as The

EXPEDITION Project Rally 2016, we aim to be a carbon conscious rally – this means that we have taken the

time and effort to offset our carbon footprint. 4300 km = 1.11 Tons of CO2 (plus to compensate for you

getting to and from the Rally we rounded it to 2 TONS of C02. 2 Tons C02 = 20 trees (based on median life

span). We will be supporting Wildlands Conservation Trust – Trees for Life Programme who will plant trees

back into rural communities to help offset our rally impact.

Fair Trade Tourism and Fairtrade supply chains

Remember that by staying in Fair Trade establishments (we have two just on this Rally) and going on Fair

Trade Tours, you are assured that your travel benefits local communities and economies, and that the

business is operated ethically and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

The Fair Trade Tourism label stands for fair wages and working conditions, fair purchasing and operations,

equitable distribution of benefits and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. It also

ensures that the people who contribute their land, resources, labour and knowledge to tourism are the

ones who reap the benefits.

We also will be telling you more about the impact of your consumer choices, the supply chains that deliver

your food and lifestyle, and what it means to be Fairtrade conscious. Fairtrade have been a support of The

EXPEDITION Project since 2012.

This means you can relax in the knowledge that your holiday is not just giving you a lifetime of great

memories but also having a positive impact on both people and planet.

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D. The Route

Cape Town to Johannesburg

Day 1: 19 Mar 2017 - Cape Town – Somerset West – Stellenbosch (Thembalitsha visit)

Day 2: 20 Mar 2017 - Stellenbosch – Augrabies Falls

Day 3: 21 Mar 2017 - Augrabies - Kimberley

Day 4: 22 Mar 2017 - Kimberley – Golden Gate National Park

Day 5: 23 Mar 2017 - Golden Gate - Dullstroom

Day 6: 24 Mar 2017 - Dullstroom Activity/Rest Day

Day 7: 25 Mar 2017 – Dullstroom - Hoedspruit

Day 8: 26 Mar 2017 - Hoedspruit (Nourish visit)

Day 9: 27 Mar 2017 - Hoedspruit (Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre visit)

Day 10: 28 Mar 2017 - Hoedspruit – Letaba Kruger National Park

Day 11: 29 Mar 2017 - Letaba – Punda Maria Kruger National Park

Day 12: 30 Mar 2017 - Punda Maria - Mapungubwe National Park

Day 13: 31 Mar 2017 - Mapungubwe National Park - Alldays (Mogalakwena visit)

Day 14: 1 Apr 2017 - Alldays – Johannesburg

Route Map

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Johannesburg to Cape Town

Dates are still being confirmed for this leg however they will include visits to the following charities:

Nourish

Natures Valley Trust

Masithandane

Umkhondo Big 5 Project

Amakhala Foundation & iSipho Multi-Purpose Centre

E. The Experience

Charities & projects

Thembalitsha (Somerset West)

Thembalitsha is a South African-based non-profit organization (NPO) developing people to a place of self-

reliance by providing services in education, healthcare and training. Thembalitsha is a Xhosa word

meaning "new hope" and hope is what Thembalitsha Foundation aims to restore to the destitute, sick and

vulnerable with seven projects in communities throughout Western Cape province.

Nourish Eco Village & Library (Hoedspruit)

Nourish is a community development project with a holistic approach to the dual issues of poverty and

poaching. It believes that communities and conservation go hand in hand, and that by finding solutions to

break into the poverty cycle, we can begin to address sustainable solutions to better livelihoods and the

poaching crisis. It addresses these needs through a multitude of different projects, which are created in

order to facilitate better lives through nutrition, education, entrepreneurship, and increased

conservation/wildlife appreciation in the area as a result. From food security gardens, through to an

environmental education outreach, library and field trips – right through to an eco-village and community

crafting/tourism businesses; Nourish is about uplifting a village as a whole community and providing

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opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and a better tomorrow. Nourish is based in Sigagule village, near

Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga.

Protrack Anti-Poaching Unit (Hoedspruit)

Protrack Anti-Poaching Unit is the largest privately run anti-poaching unit in Africa. With a rhino killed

every day in South Africa, Protrack is a project with a passion to stop the slaughter of South African

Wildlife. They run teams who are fully trained and armed 24 hours a day to prevent rhino poaching and

crime. Every day Protrack are on the ground doing patrols, road blocks, snare sweeps and training. Started

by Vincent and Leigh Barkas on a shoestring budget, Protrack and the Rhino task team is becoming a

leading role player in the protection of the Rhino Species. By protecting our rhino (the umbrella species)

we protect all our wildlife.

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (Hoedspruit)

HESC works closely with various organisations to develop effective and ethically minded programmes

under the broad umbrella term of ‘conservation’. Realising the interdependence of humans and the

natural environment, HESC has undertaken educational and community engagement projects that aim to

raise awareness of environmental issues and environmentally friendly practices. Through responsible

tourism, the centre has also tried to demonstrate to communities that conservation activities can be a

prosperous alternative to practices like agricultural farming, poaching and the selling of indigenous

firewood. On a broader scale, HESC aims to increase awareness of the general public, including local and

international tourists, of the importance of our work by providing a unique and unforgettable African

experience based on a financially sustainable management system.

Mogalakwena Enviro Research & Craft Art Centre (Alldays)

The Research Centre strives to make its work in the fields of conservation and ecology, education and

outreach and anthropology and cultural heritage, useful to the greater scientific community and relevant

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to local communities. They are passionate about prioritizing the continued integrity of the ecological and

social systems, values and resources with which we work.

The Craft Art Centre aims to create sustainable, value-adding employment opportunities for

disadvantaged women in South Africa; To promote traditional art and craft inherent in communities which

have become dormant due to lack of infrastructure, lack of funding and lack of market opportunities; To

promote the restoration of craft art skills in communities and to enable more members of disadvantaged

communities to become self-sufficient and less dependent on social grants and pensions.

Activities (an overview of some of the activities, both included and optional which you have the chance to experience during your Rally)

Table Mountain National Park (rally included activity)

Towering 1086 meters over Cape Town, around 500 million years in the making, Table Mountain is worth

the trip, and ranked the #1 thing to do on your Cape Town bucket list. Two options; either to hike to the

top, or take the cable car to the top. For the hikers, the trail takes approximately 2-3 hours, and is a simple

well marked trail which requires only a relative level of fitness.

Augrabies Falls & Rafting (not included in rally price)

The Augrabies Rush half -day rafting trip is hosted by Kalahari Adventures, the pioneers of rafting in the

Augrabies Falls National Park. Should you dare, you will experience grade 2/3 rapids as you raft along 9km

of the Garieb (Orange River1) in an inflatable raft. Qualified guides and safety briefing provided for this

adrenalin filled adventure.

Please contact us to book this if interested.

Golden Gate National Park (not included in rally price)

1 Longest river in South Africa

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Located in the Free State, near the Lesotho Border of South Africa Golden Gate National Park is nestled in

the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Spend the morning on your own game drive or hike as you explore

the Brandwag2 rock formation & the vulture’s restaurant (bird hide). Two self-drive route available. 4 x

wheel drive not required.

Please contact us to book this if interested.

Kimberley Big Hole (rally included activity)

The Big Hole, or Kimberley Mine is an open pit and underground mine claimed to be one of the largest

holes excavated by hand. Visit the visitors’ centre to learn of the search for diamonds, and learn about the

people that searched for them and the tools they used; then head to the Viewing platform for an amazing

view of the Big Hole.

Blyde River Boat Trip (rally included activity)

Enjoy a boat trip through the breath-taking Blyde River Canyon. Board the boat and enjoy a 2-hour trip, as

the Three Rondawels stand guard looking over the canyon and the Kadishi Tufa Waterfall shows you it’s

rare living beauty. Take in the wonder and beauty of the third largest canyon of the world. A guide will

explain interesting facts about the various rocks, vegetation, bird life and even the often-seen hippo.

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre Game-Drive (rally included activity)

HESC houses a number of animals including cheetah, African wild dog, lion, African wild cat, ground

hornbill, and sable antelope just to name a few. Visitors can view the resident animals in close proximity

with an in depth tour of the centre. Your tour will be facilitated by an experienced guide, who will

introduce you to the amazing rehabilitation work and research being done to preserve these vulnerable

species. An open safari vehicle will be your vehicle of choice as you tour the centre.

2 Afrikaans word meaning ‘sentinel’

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Hazyview Canopy Tour (not included in rally price)

On your day off in Dullstroom, head to Hazyview for the thrill of Mpumalanga’s longest aerial cable trail –

and enjoy the freedom of gliding over one of the last remaining natural forested valleys along the Sabie

River. 10 Linked platforms, and a trail length of 1.2 km gives you incredible views of the forest floor and

natural vegetation.

Please contact us to book this if interested.

Kruger National Park (not included in rally price)

Famous for being a National Park the size of Holland, and home to the ‘Big 5’ (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo,

elephant), and magnificent 7 (Big 5 plus cheetah and wild dog) spend two days traversing the length of the

park game viewing from your own vehicle and on your own time. Test your eyesight and see how much

you can find. Night drives available at overnight campsites.

Please contact us to book this if interested

Jessica the Hippo (rally included activity)

Meet Jessica the Hippo. Jessica is a 16-year-old female hippo, whose owners found Jessica washed up on

the banks of the Blyde River after the floods in 2000. She was only a few hours old and would not have

survived the elements. Now years later, Jessica is free to leave, but chooses to stay with her “parents” and

engage with guests on a daily basis, wallowing in the river nearby. Her gentleness and kindness is

incredible for a 1-ton animal. Interact personally with Jessica as you feed her sweet potato or Rooibos tea.

Soweto Bicycle Tour (rally included activity)

Seeing Soweto on a bicycle tour/tuk-tuk (more intimate and less imposing) is the exact opposite of seeing

this intriguing township from the air-conditioned distance of a tour bus. Pick your tour option, and then

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enjoy the sights, smells, colours, foods and people of this historically rich and significant township of

Soweto - previous residents of Soweto included Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

F. Ten steps to your first mile

Build your team

Select a group of friends, colleagues or family members to join your team (teams are generally 2-4

members).

Things to consider:

a. You will be spending a lot of time together with your team, so select/invite people whose company

you enjoy, passions you share, and ethics you believe in. There’s nothing like fire-side

conversations and long hours of driving to show you someone’s true colours. Pick someone you’d

like to share a drink with at the end of a long day of driving, hiking, volunteering and planting trees.

Make sure you have enough confident drivers.

b. What skills do you or your team have that could be useful to projects or on the road?

If you want to join The EXPEDITION Project Rally 2017, but don’t have a team, don’t fret- we have the

following options:

1) Make my own team of 2-4 awesome people

2) Join a team

3) Join our group vehicle

Share your adventure planning adventure on our social media pages

We will be giving away sponsored prizes for those that actively spread the details of your adventure

before you leave and while you are on the rally. Rest assured these prizes are worth fighting for. These

include: sponsored accommodation, meals and activities both during and after your trip.

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Insert our website badge onto your website

facebook.com/theexpeditionproject

twitter.com/expedition365

Research where you are going

For more details on South Africa and our projects visit the hyperlink destinations (all words in blue) in this

information pack and also the below recommended websites:

www.theexpeditionproject.com

http://www.southafrica.info/

http://www.golimpopo.com/

http://www.experiencenortherncape.com/

http://www.capewestcoast.org/

linkedin.com/groups/4043496

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http://www.openafrica.org/

Book your flights

Try using the following links to give you a good overview of the best flight options:

http://skyscanner.net/

http://flightsite.co.za/

Contact us to put you in touch with a friendly local travel consultant who will help plan the rest of your

trip, and give you advice on how to get to the starting line.

Source your vehicle

If you would like to sign-up with your own team, then here are some places to source your own vehicle:

http://sacarrental.co.za/

http://justcarhire.co.za/

http://budget.co.za/

http://avis.co.za/

http://thrifty.co.za/

http://rentacheapie.co.za/

Or hire your own camper van fully kitted out with beds, tables, and literally the kitchen sink (limited

campers available):

http://wickedafrica.com/

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Things to consider:

a. Car hire can be anything from R120 (ZAR) per day.

b. Remember to add any additional drivers to your booking.

Start your own fundraising campaign

We have set up a specific fundraising page for you on our partner donation site: Sumbon. We ask that all

participants raise a minimum of R500 (ZAR) for your chosen charity from our list of NPO partner. You can

find more details of our projects here.

Pay your deposit

50% deposit deadline is 31st December 2016

Final payment deadline is required 30 days before the start of the Rally - 18th February 2017

Payments can be made using the Nourish PayPal account: [email protected]

Complete your registration

You can complete your more detailed registration details here. Do not worry, should you need to change

any of your details once this is submitted you can do so online.

Sign your crew agreement

Your crew agreement is available here or via www.theexpedition.co.za

Plan your arrival

What to pack

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Other than passports & important documents, clothes and toiletries, Items include - camping gear, food/cooler-box, cutlery/crockery, first aid kit – these items can be purchased on arrival in Cape Town if you prefer which may be less expensive and less cumbersome for your travel

See appendix for full list.

Arrival time Meet us by 1500

Arrival plan Registration day will allow you to get your Rally Stickers, rally information pack, t-shirts

and meet the other crews. Then join us for a fun evening as we explain the route and the days ahead, and

have a great meal and a few drinks.

First night accommodation Overnight that evening in a comfy dorm/twin room at the Backpack, a

Fair Trade certified backpackers. So relax and kick off your first night knowing you have started your trip to

an EPIC and ethical start.

Arrival activities Registration & Party.

G. The Rally

Day 1

Outline 19 Mar 2017 - Cape Town – Somerset West – Stellenbosch (Thembalitsha visit)

Time Super early

The plan All teams leaving the starting line to Table Mountain at 0530. Starting off as we intend to go

on with an awesome hike or cable car up Table Mountain, one of the World Heritage Sights in SA. Walking

up is free – enjoying the wide variety of Fynbos which occurs only on Table Mountain. The cable car costs

R125 (ZAR) one way and R240 (ZAR) return. We recommend walking up and taking the cable car down

after enjoying a coffee or brekkie on top. But alternatively cable car up and down is just as awesome. A

contribution of your Expedition Rally funds go to Pride of Table Mountain who take groups of 45-50 youth

from townships up Table Mountain.

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By 1000 we depart to Somerset West for the Charity afternoon starting at 1200. The afternoon will be

spent with a charity in Somerset West called Thembalitsha working with vulnerable children.

Accommodation Overnight that evening in Stellenbosch - Stumble Inn Backpackers Camping Site.

Activities Table Mountain hiking & charity afternoon with Thembalitsha.

Optional extra Stellenbosch Ghost Tour.

Day 2

Outline 20 Mar 2017 - Stellenbosch – Augrabies Falls

Time Super early

The plan Depart Stellenbosch bright and early for a long day of driving through SA’s beautiful Western

Cape and Northern Cape. Enjoy the scenery and little ‘pad stalletjies’ 3 on the way. A place not to miss is

Pella, with the biggest date farm in the Southern Hemisphere and the sweetest most delicious dates to

add to your padkos4. End your day (over 800 km of driving) with a sundowner overlooking Augrabies Falls.

The original Khoikhoi5 residents named the waterfall "Ankoerebis" — "place of big noises". Accommodation Overnight that evening in Augrabies Falls National Park (SANParks6) Campsite.

Activities The majestic open road and road tripping is what it’s all about today. Plus, munching on some

famous Pella-dates.

Day 3

Outline 21 Mar 2017 - Augrabies - Kimberley Time Early The plan For the brave of heart – start the morning with a White-water rafting adventure with Kalahari

Adventures on the Orange River7. RAFT: the exciting and pristine 9 km stretch of the Garieb (Orange

3 Road stall or shop/market on the side of the road 4 Road food 5 Original inhabitants of South Africa 6 South African National Parks

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River), finishing only 300 meters above the main falls. TACKLE: grade 2 and 3 rapids such as Rhino,

Rollercoaster, Klipspringer, Blind Faith and the Cascades while viewing the excellent bird and wildlife in the

National Park. Thereafter, hit the road making your way towards the Free State8. Starting your morning

on the Orange River – you end your day with sundowners on the magnificent Vaal River. And in between

see how many Windmills you can spot along the way. Accommodation Broadwater River Estate Campsite.

Activities White-water rafting; Vaal River sundowners.

Optional extra Douglas Bee Farm, Douglas Wine Cellars

Day 4

Outline 22 Mar 2017 - Kimberley – Golden Gate National Park Time Early The plan Start the day off early and hit the road making your way to the famous for its Big Hole, also

referred to as the world’s biggest manmade hole - its history synonymous with the search for diamonds.

For those that arrive early with a flask of coffee, head to Kamfers dam and watch the sunrise over the

flocks of lesser flamingos while dipping your rusks9. Then off to the Big Hole in Kimberley for a history

lesson and to learn of SA’s search for Diamonds. (Costs R 90 per person for the tour).

Thereafter the road leads you on to Golden Gate National Park, with its imposing Brandwag10 rock

formation. As you make your fire in the evening, enjoy the silence of being in 11000 hectares of preserved

wilderness.

Accommodation Golden Gate National Park camping

Activities Birdwatching, sightseeing.

7 The longest river in South Africa 8 Central province of South Africa 9 Traditional South African snack 10 Sentinel

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Day 5

Outline 23 Mar 2017 - Golden Gate - Dullstroom

Time Early The plan Enjoy the morning in Golden Gate National Park and take advantage of a few hours of

unguided hiking/walking trails, or game drive routes in the National Park searching for the illusive bearded

vulture.

At 9:30 hit the road towards Mpumalanga – stopping for a bite to eat, or just a leg stretch in Dullstroom

where they have the famous Harry’s Pancakes, a micro-brewery, a whisky and chocolate pairing and a

chocolatiers…. There's something indulgent for everyone. Plus of course the largest Clock Shop in the

Southern Hemisphere… tick tock (take a second to pop in!)

Then do the last couple km to Elandskloof Trout Farm here you spend the night tucked between trout

dams and rolling green hills.

Accommodation Elandskloof Trout Farm.

Activities Hiking, game drive, pancakes.

Day 6

Outline 24 Mar 2017 - Dullstroom Activity/Rest Day

Time Lie in The plan Today the world is your oyster and you have a wild variety of options. Either enjoy relaxing at

the Trout Farm, try your hand at Fly Fishing, or take a horse ride through the rolling hills of Dullstroom.

Alternatively head to White River/Nelspruit for the day, have a picnic in the Nelspruit Botanical Gardens

and visit the Jane Goodall Chimp Sanctuary – knowing all proceeds go towards rescuing circus/pet/zoo

animals. That night relax back at the Elandskloof Trout Farm – and enjoy recharging your batteries.

Accommodation Elandskloof Trout Farm.

Activities Activity/Rest Day.

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Optional extra For the more adventurous of spirit, book a full day of adrenalin filled activities in

Sabie - geckoing11, abseiling, caving by candle-light. Be prepared to get muddy, wet, dirty and wild.

Day 7

Outline 25 Mar 2017 – Dullstroom - Hoedspruit Time Early The plan Rise with the sun as you head down towards the Lowveld today via the beautiful Panorama

Route. Take time to go to the various waterfalls and viewpoints along the way; Bridal Veil Falls, Mac Mac

Falls, the Pinnacle, Three Rondawels12, God’s Window and Bourkes Lucks Potholes – each stop is well

worth the time, and entrance fee, and shows you a different magnificent angle of the Blyde River Canyon;

the largest GREEN Canyon in the world!

Try to get your timing right so that you can enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Blyde Dam seeing the

hippos, the rare living Kadishi Tufa waterfall, baobab trees and birdlife of the area. The trip is most famous

for the Kadishi Tufa Waterfall at 200 m (around 660 feet) in height it is the second tallest tufa waterfall on

earth. Boat Trips Leave at 15:00 so make sure you are there by 14:30. That afternoon you drive right into

the Canyon to Swadini - a Forever Resort – which is nestled amongst the Drakensberg peaks right on the

banks of the Blyde River.

Accommodation Blyde River Canyon Forever Resort.

Activities Sightseeing, boat cruise.

Day 8

Outline 26 Mar 2017 - Hoedspruit (Nourish visit) Time Early

11 Extreme activity – white-water tubing 12 The rondawel is usually round or oval in shape and is traditionally made with materials that can be locally found in raw form. Its walls are often constructed from stones. The mortar may consist of sand, soil, or combinations of these, mixed with cow dung.

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The plan Get back into the spirit of the rally – giving back to the earth, and people around you by

spending the day with a local charity: Nourish – assisting in the garden in the morning, helping build, and

do projects and then in the afternoon sitting with the local children doing reading, games, homework and

crafts. Remember how privileged you are!

That evening you will get home tired and dusty, but with a feeling that you left your mark and that you

made a difference! Its seriously rewarding. That night you stay in a local community campsite - enjoy an

African sunset, and a drink around a camp-fire. if you’re lucky you might hear the call of lions in the

distance.

Accommodation Local community campsite.

Activities Charity day with Nourish.

Day 9

Outline 27 Mar 2017 - Hoedspruit (Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre visit)

Time Fresh start The plan Wake up to another busy day as you head off early to spend the morning with Protrack Anti-

Poaching unit, learning about their work fighting the battle to save SA’s Rhinos and wildlife. After a

morning helping snare sweep and doing their obstacle course we head to the Baobab for Lunch of

delicious pancakes at 1200.

Then it’s off to meet Jessica the world famous Hippo, and feed her handfuls of sweet potato and Rooibos

tea. Jessica was washed up in the floods and has become a well-loved hippo in the area. Tour starts 14:30.

As the sun sets either head back to Klaserie Dam Campsite or enjoy the nightlife in Hoedspruit Town and a

delicious burger/pizza from Sleepers (a restaurant/heritage site that was once the Railway Station to

Hoedspruit)

Accommodation Klaserie Dam campsite

Activities Charity morning with Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, sightseeing.

Day 10

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Outline 28 Mar 2017 - Hoedspruit – Letaba Kruger National Park

Time Lie in The plan Head to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) for a morning game drive which

stars at 0900 (so get there at 8 and enjoy a morning cappuccino while watching the meerkats play. HESC

houses a number of animal species including cheetah, African wild dog, lion, African wild cat, Ground

hornbill, Sable antelope, to name just a few. Take the opportunity on your 2-hour game drive to learn as

much as you can about Africa's special and rare species! At 1130 get your khakis on, and head to Orpen

Gate – to the Kruger National Park. A protected area larger than the country of Holland! Kruger is one of

the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,485 square kilometres.

Take your time, obey the speed limits and get spotting! The road from Orpen to Satara has brilliant

elephant, leopard and even lion sightings so good luck. Just make sure you get to your camp by 1800 when

camp gates close. If you wish book yourself a night-drive at reception, you might get lucky and see some

incredible nocturnal game. Or pop into the Elephant Museum open till 2000.

Accommodation Letaba campsite, Kruger National Park.

Activities Sightseeing.

Day 11

Outline 29 Mar 2017 - Letaba – Punda Maria Kruger National Park

Time Early The plan Today is a full day of game viewing but make a point of popping in to visit the Elephant

Museum where the big-tuskers are kept at Letaba camp. Its impressive to see the immense tusks and

learn of their stories! Well worth a quick visit! (if you didn’t visit last night)

Beware it’s a long day’s drive (a solid 7 hours)- so get up nice and early and keep track of time throughout

the day. Make your way all the way up North into the sandveld13 of Punda Maria. Punda Maria is the

Northern Most camp in the Kruger National Park.

13 Type of wide open rural landscape in Southern Africa

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Where better to end off a day of great sightings, gorgeous views and the full impact of Kruger in one go

than Crooks Corner, where Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa converge on the Limpopo River at

the northern tip of the national park.

Accommodation Punda Maria campsite, Kruger National Park.

Activities Sightseeing.

Day 12

Outline 30 Mar 2017 - Punda Maria - Mapungubwe National Park Time Super early The plan Leave camp as the sunrises and the gate opens at 0530 and head towards Pafuri, enjoying the

Luvuvhu River greenery and the amazing birdlife that comes with it. The Fever Tree Forests and of course

the famous Crooks Corner, where South Africa Mozambique and Zimbabwe meet. Crooks corner is a world

famous birdwatcher’s paradise, and got its name because poachers, smugglers and blackbirders 14took

advantage of the spot where the borders of 3 countries meet. After a great morning exploring you bid

farewell to the Kruger National park – and head into the far north of Limpopo. The afternoon will be an

interesting one for history buffs as we pop into Mapungubwe National Park and learn about the historical

importance of the Lost City and Mapungubwe Hills.

Accommodation Mapungubwe National Park - Mazhou campsite.

Activities Sightseeing.

Day 13

Outline 31 Mar 2017 - Mapungubwe National Park - Alldays (Mogalakwena visit)

Time Super early The plan The camp gate open early at 0600 and an early departure from Mapungubwe today as you

head towards Alldays, and a project called Mogalakwena Enviro Research Centre. Be there by 0900. It’s an

14 People who smuggled illegal labourers

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hour and a half drive- so make sure you get there in time, and ready to give a part of your heart and soul

back to the country that has hosted you and shown you its gems for the last 2 weeks.

At 0930 you will start your day of volunteering with Mogalakwena and getting involved in their arts and

crafts centre and research projects.

Accommodation Mogalakwena bush campsite.

Activities Charity day with Mogalakwena.

Day 14

Outline 1 Apr 2017 - Alldays – Johannesburg Time Early The plan Your last day with The EXPEDITION Project Rally – so let’s make it an epic one. Wake up nice

and early at Mogalakwena bush camp and have a highly recommended coffee on the Viewing Deck at

River lodge before hitting the road, travelling into Gauteng and the heart of Jozie; Soweto.

Get to experience a real taste of the history of Soweto and its apartheid legacy with either a tuk tuk or

bicycle tour… including important historical places such as the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilikaze Street,

past the homes of Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela; and of course ending with a traditional meal.

Then chillax at Lebos Soweto Backpackers – only the best place to sip a cold beer, listen to some tunes and

let the end of rally party come find you.

Accommodation Lebos Soweto Backpackers.

Activities Sightseeing, end of Rally party.

Charities

Day 1: Pride of Table Mountain

Day 1: Thembalitsha visit

Day 8: Nourish visit

Day 9: Protrack anti-poaching visit

Day 10: Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre visit

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Day 13: Mogalakwena visit

Day 14: Wildlands Conservation Trust - Trees for Life

Accommodation

Day 0: The Backpack (Cape Town)

Day 1: Stumble Inn Backpackers campsite (Stellenbosch)

Day 2: Augrabies Falls National Park campsite (Augrabies)

Day 3: Broadwater River Estate campsite (near Kimberley)

Day 4: Golden Gate National Park campsite (Golden Gate)

Day 5: Elandskloof Trout Farm (Dullstroom)

Day 6: Elandskloof Trout Farm (Dullstroom)

Day 7: Swadini: A Forever Resort (near Hoedspruit)

Day 8: Shik Shack Eco campsite (Hoedspruit)

Day 9: Klaserie Dam campsite (Hoedspruit)

Day 10: Letaba Camp (Kruger National Park)

Day 11: Punda Maria Camp (Kruger National Park)

Day 12: Mazhou campsite (Mapungubwe National Park)

Day 13: Mogalakwena Bush Camp (near Alldays)

Day 14: Lebos Soweto Backpackers (Johannesburg)

* Accommodation may be changed due to group size/logistics, but we endeavour to let you know as soon

as possible and pick the best spot for each night.

* There may be accommodation upgrades available at an additional cost with certain providers.

What else to know

All prices include accommodation in a campsite (or dormitory where camping was not available). In most

cases, single and double rooms are available on an upgrade basis - please enquire about costs when

making your booking.

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Many of the rural destinations you will be staying will not have reliable internet access and some areas will

have limited cell phone service.

Food is not included but can be purchased affordably at all accommodations. Cooking areas are also

provided at all locations, however please note that you will need to buy provisions in some areas located

some distance from the lodges.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We have tailored these itineraries to

create a unique opportunity and get tourists off the beaten path. We are extraordinarily proud of what

our nation has to offer and we want the world to see South Africa in a way that builds positive, memorable

relationships for both the traveller and the local communities!

By travelling in the Fair Trade way you become more than just a “tourist”, by interacting with our

communities you become a “traveller.”

This is not a trip for the weary. Pack your hiking boots, sense of adventure, willingness to learn, a hungry

tummy and a big friendly smile. You are about to have one serious and maybe even life changing

adventure!

After the rally

Your journey does not end after your rally. You will become a project champion and we hope you will

continue to promote and fund-raise for all our amazing partner projects and charities via our fundraising

site: Sumbon.

H. Breakdown of Costs

Included

Rally cost is R 9 350 per person which is inclusive of

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Camping accommodation Day 1 – Day 14 - contact us if you wish for an upgrade or to book

accommodation on Registration Day at the Backpack, our Fair Trade Certified accommodation option in

Cape Town

A starting and finishing party including meal and a free drink!

All charity day activities, including tools needed to participate!

Contributions to all charities mentioned

20 Trees planted on your behalf to make your journey Carbon Neutral

Select mentioned activities - contact us to add more optional extra activities to your booking such as

game drives, Jessica the Hippo, Table Mountain Cable Car

Rally stickers for your vehicle

Your TEP T-shirt and goodie bag!

As well as great travel/route advice and ideas from our TEP Rally team and an awesome life changing trip

throughout SA making memories!

Activities included

Starting Party Cape Town

One Way Cable Car Ticket Table Mountain

Kimberley Big Hole Museum

Blyde Boat Trip

Jessica the Hippo

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre game drive

Tuk Tuk/Bike Tour Soweto

Finishing Party Johannesburg

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Excluded (support is provided for all of these items)

First night accommodation

Fuel/vehicle costs & vehicle support

Food (except for start/finish party)

All activities not specified

Travel insurance & medical support

Entry fees to reserves

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I. Appendix

The Expedition lingo

What time we need up ready in the morning

Super early – 0500/0530

Early – 0600/0630

Fresh – 0700/0730

Lie in – 0800/0830

Instructions

Don’t forget your ‘Padkos’ – Don’t forget your ‘road-food’

Stop at the next ‘Padstal’ – Stop at the next ‘road-stall/shop’

What to pack and what not to pack

You will need…

For camping

1. Tent

2. Blow Up/Foldable Mattress

3. Sleeping Bag

4. Pillow

5. Dustpan & Broom

6. Mallet

7. Hammock (optional)

8. Camping Chairs

9. Camping Table

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10. Braai15 Grid & Tongs

11. Cutlery

12. Crockery (plastic plates/cups etc)

13. Plastic Bucket for washing up

14. Clothes pegs/Washing Line

15. Black Bin bags

16. Gas braai (optional)

17. Cooler box

18. Firelighters/Wood/Charcoal

Recommended clothes

1. Pjs

2. Socks

3. Boots

4. Sneakers/Trainers

5. Flop flops (thongs)

6. Shorts/T-shirts

7. Long pants/Long shirts

8. Fleece jacket

9. Waterproof jacket

10. Swim suit

11. A hat

Toiletries

1. First aid kit

15 South African word for cooking fire/barbque

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2. Sun cream

3. Mosquito repellent

4. Towel

5. Insect repellent/Citronella candles

Tech and gadgets

6. Binoculars/Camera/Phone

7. All car chargers/phone chargers

8. Books/Travel games

9. Flashlight

10. Penknife

11. Sunglasses

12. Water bottle

Other

13. Passport

14. Driver’s License

15. Appropriate currency/Credit card

16. Travel Journal/Pen (optional)

You will not need…:

1. Fancy Makeup

2. Hairdryer/Hair straightener

3. Any costly/valuable jewellery or sentimental possessions

4. High Heels

5. Kitted out 4 x 4 vehicle

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6. Stress, worry, prejudice or preconceptions!

** Remember you can contact us to upgrade your accommodation if you are not kitted out for camping,

or want a bit more luxury.

Safety advice

South African safety precautions are not unlike those recommended when travelling to other countries.

Often the rule of common-sense applies instead of hard and fast measures however here are a few tips to

help you be vigilant and prepare for your travels:

a) In large cities; avoid the central business districts at night.

b) Never walk around any city at night, even if you are part of a group. If you need to

go anywhere after dark, as your hotel or guesthouse to help get you there, or call a

taxi for you/direct you.

c) When out walking anywhere, avoid wearing flashy expensive watches and jewellery

and carrying large amounts of cash. Carry your camera unobtrusively in a bag rather

than slung over your shoulder. Hold your bag close, and beware of pickpockets in

crowded areas. Beware of ATM theft and lever be distracted by a stranger asking for

assistance at an ATM.

d) If driving in a city; keep doors locked at all times, and do not drive with windows

down.

e) When parking your vehicle anywhere, do not leave valuables in sight, but rather

lock everything away in the trunk.

f) You will often find “car guards” on duty in many city streets; and while they cannot

guarantee the safety of your car, he is at least a buffer of some kind against car theft

or robbery. You will be expected to tip the guard upon return to your car.

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g) Travel with a good, detailed map, and fill your gas tank whenever possible (also ask

them to check oil, water & tyre pressure) to ensure you know where you are going,

and your car is in good mechanical condition to get you there.

h) Do not offer lifts to strangers or pick up hitch-hikers.

i) Keep copies of your passports, and credit card details in a separate place. Keep

essential numbers of your travel and health insurance and keep a copy of your

details.

j) Always travel with a cellphone that is charged, and have relevant important contact

numbers to call in case of an emergency.

k) Do not walk by yourself on lonely stretches of beach, river bank, forest or

countryside. Rather go as a group, or try to keep other people in sight at all times.

l) Wildlife is plentiful in South Africa, confined to numerous game parks and reserves.

Within these spaces it is not recommended to alight from your vehicle except in

designated camps, hiking trails, or rest/picnic spots. Remember these are wild

animals and you are in their territory! Do not attempt to approach any animal too

closely- if one crosses your car, stop your car immediately and remain silent. Avoid

loud noises, plying the radio or other music, shouting, hanging out of the windows,

points etc. and simply observe nature at its best. (especially relevant in Kruger

National Park)

m) Park in a well-lit area at night, and watch out for potholes, and wild or farm

animals when driving at night. Often road signs will tell you when to take care.

FACTS vs FICTION:

Let us allay some common mis-conceptions you may have about travelling to/in South Africa.

Fiction South Africa is unsafe to visit

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Fact With news of wars, pirates, child soldiers and protesting flashing regularly across your TV screen

you’d be excused if you believe that Africa, and South Africa was a violent place and a danger to all who

venture within. Of course, the fact is that bad news is news that sells, which is why people rarely hear

anything good about the continent and its peoples. As a potential tourist to South Africa, there are

certainly places and scenarios which you will want to avoid; however, most places can be visited in a

perfectly peaceful manner. Don’t let the negative new stories turn you off from what could arguably

become one of the most amazing travel experiences you’ll ever experience.

Fiction South Africa is disease ridden

Fact South Africa has not been affected by the Ebola virus, and while during your travels you will be

exposed to much of the nation’s poverty, and certain diseases that come along with a poverty stricken

lifestyle (often in rural areas caused by lack of proper sanitation, or lack of child immunisation), so you do

not have to worry about catching these diseases as a tourist. Malaria can be prevented by going to your

doctor for a prophylactic before you travel and using insect repellent during the trip. HIV/AIDS is not

airborne nor passed by skin to skin contact (except through semen or blood) so you don’t have to worry

about it being contagious. South Africa is actually a pretty safe healthy place to travel if you have your

shots and inoculations up to date and are aware of Malaria areas and take precautions.

Crew Agreement

Please download your crew agreement here.