Featured image: Rhino conservation will be one of the humanitarian activities on this September 2025 trip to South Africaa | Photo by Blue Sky Society Trust

Trip offers meaningful, hands-on humanitarian and conservation work with rhinos and other wildlife

Blue Sky Society Trust is announcing a small-group, women-only humanitarian and conservation trip to South Africa from September 12 – 24, 2025, in partnership with JourneyWoman. Led by highly experienced South African adventurer and eco traveller Carla Geyser of the Blue Sky Society Trust, this “Journey With Purpose” expedition will showcase some of the most magnificent and diverse areas in beautiful Mama Africa.

“On this all-female trip, we’ll see hippos frolic and watch crocodiles slide past as you sip sundowners on the estuary in a UNESCO World Heritage Site conservation park,” says Carla Geyser, Founder, Blue Sky Society Trust. “Not only will we go off the beaten track in search of incredible Big 5 animals in South Africa’s oldest game reserve, but we will do meaningful, hands-on humanitarian and conservation work with rhinos and other wildlife. This will be a life-changing adventure you will never forget.”

From St Lucia and the magnificent Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park to Mkuze Falls and Manyoni Game Reserve, you’ll experience oceans, wetlands, bush, and wildlife on this 13-day epic trip across Northern KZN. You’ll stay in a variety of accommodations – from slightly rustic to beautifully lavish – enjoy local cuisine, make incredible bonds and disconnect from the rest of the world as you reconnect with yourself and Mother Nature. Best of all, you’ll be with like-minded JourneyWoman members, and JourneyWoman CEO Carolyn Ray.

Trip highlights:

• Meeting and interacting with incredible conservationists and participating in important, impactful conservation and humanitarian work.
• Visiting St Lucia – South Africa’s first World Heritage Site (awarded as a UNESCO World Heritage
• Exploring Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park – the oldest game reserve in South Africa (established in 1895).
• Snorkelling and whale searching in the warm Indian Ocean at Cape Vidal.
• Meaningful conservation contributions by way of fundraising for the Wildlife Act, Project Rhino and the Zululand Conservation Trust
• Going off the beaten tracks as you look for the Big 5 (as well as hundreds of bird species and magnificent flora and fauna) in Mkuze Falls and Manyoni.
• Make sure your journey is filled with purpose as you raise funds and awareness and participate in hands-on conservation work.

What’s included in this 12-day trip

• Driver, vehicle (and all fuel)
• Basic accommodation – single/sharing occupancy in a variety of rooms, lodges & safari tents
• All meals & water as shown in the itinerary
• National Park fees & tourism levy and VAT /taxes where applicable
• All activities detailed in the itinerary
• Transportation to and from the airport during the expedition only
• All road transport between places
• Talks by conservation experts
• Fundraising for our chosen beneficiaries Project Rhino, Wildlife Act & ZCT Rhino Orphanage 

Cost and how to book

• Email Carla Geyser at [email protected] or read more in our Women’s Travel Directory here. 

• The trip size is limited to 12 women; 6 are required to make this trip happen 

• Trip cost for 12 days: US$4,758 (Rand 89,462) for single occupancy (5 spaces available), US$4,488 (Rand 83,617) for double occupancy (note; we only allow sharing with friends, family or partners) Pricing may vary slightly depending on currency rates) 

• Payment: 30% deposit due before March 1, 2025, via Wise (credit card); Final payment due July 1, 2025

• Please do not book flights until the trip is confirmed. We will host a Zoom call to discuss logistics and details once guests are confirmed. 
• **Please note that this itinerary and pricing may be subject to slight changes, and the expedition host will keep you informed of any updates. Terms and conditions apply, based on availability. Some activities may be weather-dependent, and while we will do our best to include them all in the itinerary, flexibility may be required. In certain areas, Wi-Fi signal may be minimal or unavailable (offering a great opportunity for a digital detox). Regarding conservation work, the safety of the animals is always our top priority, and we will do our best to participate where and when possible, guided by expert conservationists to ensure we are contributing in the most responsible and meaningful way.

• Blue Sky Society Trust is a registered non-profit: IT/389/2012/PMB /  NPO – 118 708/ PBO Registration 930046151 / Blue Sky Expeditions Reg: 2019/0499991/97 / SATSA membership: 2773

Remember to purchase travel insurance. Check insurance rates here.

What’s not included

• Any international flights and any necessary transfers to get to the start/finish of the expedition at King Shaka Airport (Durban). Check flight prices here!
• Gratuities (*Optional but we recommend US$10-$15 per guide or activity*)
• Any visas and border costs for South Africa. Check out iVisa for assistance with visa requirements.
• All alcoholic drinks and additional personal snacks (and extra meals not on the itinerary)
• Any personal expenses
• Comprehensive travel and flight insurance (*compulsory*)
• Extra nights’ accommodation (pre/post-expedition) in Durban
• Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary