Our firsthand experience of working with underprivileged communities has done away with any illusions we may have started out with. And yet, we have emerged more hopeful for the future. Where obstacles stand in the way of meaningful change, we see opportunities for creativity and growth. Where resources are scant, we see potential to use what is right here at hand.
Our Vision
Why The EXPEDITION Project?
‘EXPEDITION’ – journey by a team on a mission of purpose.
‘project’ – implying sustainability, an ongoing endeavour rather than a once off feel-good campaign.
Since 2011 we have travelled 36535km (22701miles) by road across South Africa, visited 353 towns & 155 projects, connected with 4,012 people, been supported by 405 hospitality partners and local businesses and we have planted an average of 1 tree per expedition day. The goal is to meet and understand the challenges communities face. We then connect projects, communities, ideas and individuals with each other, share their successes and help take them one step further with contacts, expertise and funding.
You could say we know a thing or two about being on the road.
The challenge
“After 8 months of research in 2011, the first expedition was set for 1 January 2012. This 250 day trip laid the foundations for some of the primary towns and projects we would connect with each year.
In 2013, we ventured further, scoping out more towns and projects in previously unchartered expedition territory. The years following would see shorter trips re-visit as many of those towns and projects as possible.
In 2012, we had the privilege of meeting a number of inspiring people and projects like Nourish, Nature’s Valley Trust, Umkhondo Big 5 Wildlife Conservation, the Amakhala Foundation, the Mogalakwena Group, which have become our core projects. These project visits were made possible by the sponsorship of hundreds of hospitality partners all over South Africa and the overwhelming support of towns and communities from Ladismith to Bray, Hermanus to St Lucia, St Francis to Augrabies. This collaboration of people, places and projects is what we aim for The EXPEDITION Project to build on.
Recently, The EXPEDITION Project has started facilitating a more in-depth partnership with these projects and with it the implementation of a series of two-week trips in 2018 and 6 week trips in 2019.”
Roger Wynne,
Founder, The EXPEDITION Project
Objectives
- Combat Unemployment & Urbanisation
Through our research in 2012 migration to the larger centres is a focus for the youth and unemployed. TEP encourages sustainable development in the smaller towns and areas to avoid overpopulation of the cities. We help business ideas in small towns to benefit the communities themselves. - Replicate Successes
Develop templates that can replicate successes elsewhere. Through the network we create we can communicate and open the channels for towns and entrepreneurs and projects to communicate and collaborate. - Encourage Sustainable Charity
New age charities need revenue streams to remain sustainable rather than reliance on sponsorships and donations. The ideas are theirs – The EXPEDITION Project helps them to make the right connections. - Boost Destination Marketing for South Africa
Showcase what SA has to offer and spread the success stories of the smaller, lesser known areas. - Successful Volunteer Tourism
Give the traveller a rounded experience that they will want to repeat and spread the word. - Expand the Reach of CSR Initiatives
The EXPEDITION Project connects people, projects and organisations from coast to coast and expands horizons. - Give CSR more value for money
- Create & Share Information Resources
theexpeditionproject.com will become an online resource of information about South Africa in a format similar to Wikipedia, but also enable supporters to connect with organisations and organisations to connect with each other. - Media Exposure
Spread the stories via all media available.
Read our 2012 report here
Sustainability
As a social enterprise we are unique in our community partnerships and project spending. Our expeditions have a responsible travel ethos and include charity donations and several forms of community support, carbon offset via tree plantings and local business partnerships. Where your money goes is very important to us:
19% 
9% 
16% 31%
19% 6%
Accommodation 19% | Food 9% | Project donations 16% | Project leaders 31% | Transport 19% | Tree planting 6%
Journey to drive change