LESOTHO VENTURER. Introduction

LESOTHO VENTURER.

Is a Tri Service 21 day expedition, for cadets from across the UK, to the Kingdom of Lesotho in July and August 2010.

The expedition will be run by Outposts Ltd who specialise in expeditions of this nature and conduct other similar expeditions to South Africa each year for the Cadet Vocational Qualifications Organisation.

HRH Prince Harry agreed to be the Patron of the Expedition and visited those selected during training.

THE AIM

The aim of the expedition is to provide 60 cadets and accompanying staff with a memorable experience in South Africa and Lesotho whilst learning about the countries and making significant contribution to the charity Sentebale.
SCHEDULE The expedition will fall into phases:

UK TRAINING:

Two training sessions in UK:
23 to 25 July 2009 Was designed to select the cadets and staff and provide them with initial briefs on the timetable, equipment, training, medical and fundraising.

5 to 7 April 2010 is to confirm the cadet’s preparation, both physical & practical, their fitness and allow for some training.

THE EXPEDITION:

Travel: Mon 26 Jul 2010: The complete Expedition will depart from London Heathrow and fly to Johannesburg; on arrival on Tues 27th Jul 2010 they will be transported by coach to Emseni Camp, near to Spion Kop, KwaZulu Natal.

Acclimatisation: Between Tues 27th Jul 2010 & Sun 1 Aug2010 the cadets will conduct fitness training, route planning and attend an Environmental Awareness Course at Weenen Game Reserve.

Lesotho: On Mon 2 Aug 2010 the Cadets will deploy to Lesotho. The plan below is all subject to confirmation following the recce.

The intention is to travel to Lesotho, through Official Border entry points in coaches, 4WD vehicles and on foot. Wherever possible the cadets will walk into Lesotho from the east across the Drackensberg Mountains, they will be accompanied by Professionally Qualified Guides from South Africa who have detailed knowledge of the Mountains.

The Cadet Groups will be travelling to some of the following locations, in order to provide support to Sentabale:

Methodist Children's Centre in Semonkong.
Touching Tiny Lives TTL & Teen Clubs in Mokhotlong.
Outward Bound School near Pitseng.
Selabathebe. Local School.
Thuso Centre in Buthe Buthe.
Katse Youth Group at Katse Dam. Additionally a Cadet group is planning to paddle the Katse Dam from North to South.

Return to South Africa & UK: Fri 13 Aug 2010: All cadets will leave Lesotho, most likely by coach, returning to Emseni Camp, Spion Kop. Thereafter between Sat 14 Aug 2010 & Mon 16 Aug 2010 the cadets will visit the Zulu War Battlefields of Isandlwhana & Rorkes Drift.

On Tues 17 Aug 2010 the cadets will fly from Johannesburg to London Heathrow.

Summary

The expedition is designed to provide a challenging and life enriching opportunity for Cadets from across the United Kingdom. It is intended to assist Sentabale by giving practical and financial help.

I will be placing a diary of events together with photographs and any other relevant information on this Blog as the events unfold.

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