In May our team at The SOSA, along with Alliance members embarked on an eco-tour to South Africa. It was more than just a travel experience; it's an immersive journey into the heart of wildlife conservation. From the moment we arrived in Port Elizabeth to the final farewell, every day was packed with adventure, education, and hands-on involvement in critical conservation efforts. In partnership with Global Conservation Force (GCF), our trip was designed to offer a rare glimpse into the lives of those on the front lines of protecting endangered species. Join us as we recap this incredible week, filled with unforgettable encounters with majestic wildlife, community engagement, and the inspiring work being done to safeguard our planet's precious biodiversity.
Trip Summary: May 4 - May 11, 2024
Day 0: Arrival
We finally landed in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, after a long 2-day journey from Toronto. Excitement was in the air as we prepared for an adventure of a lifetime.
Day 1: Saturday, May 4, 2024
The team from SOSA and Global Conservation Force (GCF) spent the day at Kariega Conservation Center (KCC) prepping for the SOSA member’s arrival.
Day 2: Sunday, May 5, 2024
At 2:00 PM, our eager eco-tour guests arrived at the Kariega Homestead Lodge. After a warm welcome and a tour of the lodge, we kicked off with an evening game drive. Skipping the usual sundowner, we opted to search for elephants and were rewarded with an incredible golden hour sighting.
Dinner was a lively affair, and to our delight, lions were spotted nearby, prompting an impromptu night drive. Seeing both lions and elephants on the first day set the tone for the trip.
Day 3: Monday, May 6, 2024
The lion collaring procedure was initially planned for the morning but had to be cancelled as the lions moved away from their kill. In the afternoon, we visited the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) at KCC. Mike Veale from GCF introduced Mark from Baffin Boots and Blake to the recruits for a boot gifting event, appreciating the eco-tour's contributions.
Day 4: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
While SOSA and GCF handled administrative and promotional work, our guests enjoyed a safari walk. In the afternoon, they chose a boat cruise while we headed to the beach. We ended the day with a group dinner, and exciting news that the lions were located for collaring the next day.
Day 5: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
The much-anticipated lion collaring procedure began at 9:00 AM. Using drones, we located and successfully darted our target mother lion, allowing the SOSA members to participate hands on in the process. This was followed by a white rhino procedure where the rhino was treated for injuries and dehorned to prevent poaching. Again, the eco-tour guests were hands-on aid as instructed by Dr. Fowlds. Both procedures were a success, aiding in research and protection efforts.
Day 6: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Our guests went on safari in the morning and engaged with the local community in the afternoon, playing handball and soccer with children from the Kariega Foundation. We presented donation gifts and enjoyed a traditional Boma night with local song and dance performances.
Day 7: Friday, May 10, 2024
We spent the afternoon at an animal outreach event in collaboration with Medivet, treating over 100 dogs and cats in the town of Alex. The day ended with a beautiful sundowner and a group dinner where GCF presented "Holding the Front Line."
Day 8: Saturday, May 11, 2024
With hearts full of unforgettable memories, we bid farewell to our guests, marking the end of an incredible eco-tour.
This trip was more than just an adventure; it was a deep dive into the relentless efforts to protect and conserve wildlife. From lion collaring to community engagement, every moment was a testament to the impactful work done by GCF, Kariega, and all teams involved. Our SOSA team and members left South Africa inspired and ready to continue our mission to help save endangered species around the world.
