A year in the planning, preparation, training and fundraising, the London Wing 'Dragon Mountains’ South Africa Expedition of 36 cadets and staff departed for a two week adventure in February 2015. The goal was multifold; to experience a reasonably challenging trek in the Drakensberg, experience wildlife in a natural environment, the landscape and finally to make an impact on the lives of young people both in South Africa and those of the team.
The 14-day expedition began with a three-day wild-camp safari at the iThala Game Reserve in the Kwazulu Natel. The tented camp allowed for a variety of explorations in to the reserve, walking and vehicle based. The team got up close to Rhino, Giraffe, Buffalo, Impala and learnt about the ecology itself and how important plants are to science today. Hyena and Jackals where heard close to the camp at night, one of the most stunning views were the stars themselves with constellations clearly visible.
The battlefields experience at Roukes Drift was indeed humbling as we listened to the alternative history by a Zulu descendant as we looked down on to the last camp of the British prior to the fateful battle. We then walked the 8k along the Fugitives Trail in 40-degree heat, spotting white stones along the way; scattered monuments to fallen British solders.
One of the expedition goals was the desire to leave a lasting legacy and provide a much needed facility. Mkhize Primary School had been identified as a school in dire need of cooking facilities, lunches often being the only square meal of the day for the children, something the school achieved with open fires. Working with local landowners and our in-country provider, we committed to help through additional fundraising in UK. In all we assisted by raising £2500 to build a kitchen. Our team worked in the school delivering an activities day that included fun problem solving tasks, First Aid Training, tug of war and other games. The highlight of the day was surely the grand opening of the kitchen itself. We also provided sports equipment, a table tennis table and safety equipment for the kitchen. The impact on the cadets was telling and simple; humbling in the happiness and welcome from the school kids, a sense of achievement and a new awareness for all they take for granted.
By this time were had moved to Entabeni near Mooi River; in sight of the Drakensberg Mountains and our ultimate, the ascent of Giants Castle, at 3315m (10,876ft), one of the highest free standing peaks in South Africa and a significant physical challenge. Working up to our trekking goal we had been undertaking acclimitisation walks in and around Highmore. This proved essential in testing kit and legs at altitude. Whilst at the lower end, the effect of the altitude has its effects – everything was just that little bit harder. We were exposed to fauna like no other, walking through ancient forest, rich and lush the foliage which seems like it’s from another age was an awe inspiring experience.
The trek itself comprised two groups, partly to reduce the environmental impact and partly to achieve the differing personal aims. One trek presented a significant physical challenge the other, still challenging but an exploration of the lower Berg. The exploration team experienced four days of camping in tents and caves as they viewed ancient rock art in the lower Berg; still a physical challenge trekking at altitude (2600m) and in 35-degree heat. The Giants Castle team, trekked over two days to the base of the Mountain and started their ascent at 4.30am, by 10 they had summited, only two kilometers in distance but one kilometer up. The older team members taking up the rear! All achieved the summit and were treated to epic views of the surrounding landscape.
The expedition aims where multifold, rather than one clear aim we delivered an expedition not only to cadets who may otherwise have struggled with the financial commitment to experience a once on a lifetime opportunity; but also cadets not necessarily physically gifted and in doing so instilled a deep impact on our cadets that anything is possible, appreciate life and don’t take what you have for granted.
We are grateful to our supporters who provided funding which enabled our expedition: The Ulysses Trust, The Singleton Trust, Jack Petchey Foundation, London Wing ATC, The Mercers’ Company, The Metropolitan Charity and Headquarters Air Cadets. We thank you.
