“This is where we journeyed, camped and walked, far beyond any permanent facilities or outposts of modern society. This is where we challenged the boundaries of our comfort zones and in doing so, came to appreciate the simple things around us”
Alan McSmith.
Led in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Wilderness Vision trails are about holistic, significant and exciting encounters with nature. By travelling light, trailists are encouraged to step out of their normal comfort zones to fully appreciate the rhythms of wilderness, and non-motorised means of transport such as walking, poling or paddling are the norm.
By tracking big game and walking in silence, we enter the secret world of wilderness, mindful of the fact that we are the visitors here. Meaningful discussions about the value of nature in our lives are encouraged, and night-watches around the fire provide a wonderful opportunity to reflect and explore your own thoughts.
These moments of reflection provide opportunity for meaningful personal growth, acceptance and understanding of the collective dynamic of the trail.
10% of the trails are donated to the running of Wilderness Vision projects
The Okavango Wilderness Trail
OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA
Within the corporate world, the sense of bonding, acceptance, equality and humility which wilderness provides ensures a pivotal leadership medium.
Set on Chief’s Island within the Moremi Game Reserve, this six night/seven day adventure incorporates the ultimate dug-out canoe and walking trail combination. With the first and last nights based at a permanent tented camp, we spend four nights camping out wild on remote islands from a mobile fly-camp.
With all or provisions for four nights, we depart the base camp by dugout canoe and pole to a secret destination. From here we spend the trail on foot or by dugout tracking the large herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope. Predators such as lion and leopard are often encountered. This is the essence of Africa, and perhaps too, reflects the essence of our own selves.
The isolation, solitude and encounters with game ensure an amazing trail of discovery. We all become equals, and each trailist is responsible for a collective wilderness encounter for the party as a whole. Amidst this environment we not only give of ourselves, but are open to the rhythms of others, allowing for a powerful leadership experience.
The Umfolozi Wilderness Trail
UMFOLOZI, SOUTH AFRICA
Established by Dr. Ian Player fifty years ago, wilderness trails in Africa, if not possibly the very South African concept of wilderness consciousnessitself, was born here in Umfolozi.
One of the oldest game reserves in Africa, the rolling hills of Umfolozi are the setting for an epic five day wilderness encounter. The trail which starts and ends in Durban is fully backpacked and mobile with each trailist self-contained. Tents are discouraged (weather depending) and we sleep out under the stars, drawing water from the great Black or WhiteUmfoloziRivers. Game abounds as we walk along age old rhino paths with sweeping views of the river valleys below. The facilities are indeed basic, but the wilderness experience is nothing short of superlative.
The cultural history of the great kings of the old Zulu order has a deep significance in this land. Along with the seclusion of a vast wilderness area devoid of man, the Umfolozi experience is timeless. There is a tangible connection here to an ancient life force resulting in a memorable inner and outer adventure.
The Timbavati Wilderness Trail
TIMBAVATI, SOUTH AFRICA
Essentially the bush is in constant change, with each trail having its own individuality, with its own special reward.
Operated within a private concession within the Greater Kruger National Park, the Timbavati trail offers an exciting alternative within the commercially driven safari sector. By tracking elephant on foot along ancient trails, by walking barefoot down riverbeds and by venturing away from 4x4 game drives, we discover the feel of Africa between our toes – literally. The solitude of a wild place comes alive, and the wonder of a walking trail becomes apparent. With an emphasis of a natural rhythm, the trail immerses in the smells, sounds and scenes normally overlooked.
The trails are based from a semi-permanent tented camp, either staying put or from where sleep-outs under the stars can be arranged. Located adjacent to the Kruger, Timbavati is a large big game wilderness, and notable animal encounters are often the norm. The reserve is conveniently in reach from the Johannesburg area.
