A TOTAL of 50 days, four countries and a distance of 9 000 kilometres. That is what is included in an all-women South African expedition, which will set out on a conservation mission in September to raise awareness about human-wildlife conflict.
Headed by KZN adventurer and humanitarian and local resident, Carla Geyser, the Journeys with Purpose: Rise of the Matriarch expedition will see an all-women crew traversing South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe armed with purpose and passion.
Geyser, the founder of the NPO, Blue Sky Society Trust, has been involved in conservation and community upliftment initiatives since 2012.
“I firmly believe that one person can make a difference in this world and I want to be that person,” she said.
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The 45-year-old Durban resident earned a solid reputation as a conservation trailblazer in 2016, when she led South Africa’s first all-female expedition from South Africa to Kenya to help stem the tide of poaching. The Journeys with Purpose: Elephant Ignite Expedition brought together 13 women who embarked on a 100-day journey to Kenya, raising funds and awareness among communities along the way.
Geyser now plans on taking her conservation message across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe on a nearly two-month 4×4 journey that will combine adventure travel with ecotourism fundraising.
The team will engage with local communities especially children on the human-wildlife issue and distribute 30 000 educational booklets, connect with anti-poaching groups, visit conservation groups and schools, and meet with incredible women who are doing remarkable things at a grassroots level to assist in conservation efforts.
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Funds raised during the expedition will benefit four causes, namely, Elephants Alive (South Africa), Rare and Endangered Species Trust (Namibia), Eco-Exist Project (Botswana) and the Soft Foot Alliance Trust
(Zimbabwe).
“Every act of kindness can have a positive ripple effect, and even the smallest contribution can make a big difference. I firmly believe, with all my heart and soul, that if we all do our thing every day, if we all work together, then we are unstoppable. Life is tough all around but we have to at least try. It’s the best we can do,” she said.
- To learn more about the trip and to see how you can contribute, visit www.blueskysociety.org/journeys-with-purpose/.
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