While fifteen-year anniversary T-Shirts reminded us of All Out’s heritage, it was the next three, five and fifteen years that were our focus for the day.  As a facilitator, it was my privilege to help everyone work out how international volunteering, educational and welfare activities (the original inspiration), could grow together with the more recent and more financially successful tours’ side of the operation. There was a win-win waiting to be found and we had a day to find it.

A photo showing All Out Africa Team

We worked hard, laughed, dreamed, schemed and as the Eswatini sun was dipping below the horizon, the team had come up with 31 wins-wins. Integrated tech, buddying to see how other teams do things, sharing skills, quality uniform kit for volunteers, parties to celebrate and more.  The enthusiasm was at the top end of the scale and everyone was ready to make it all happen.  All eyes were on those sunlit uplands – hands on the wheel and off we go.

A photo showing some of the All Out Africa team showing their sculpture

But on that special day, the threat of the Covid tsunami which was about to engulf All Out Africa and the globe was, so it seemed, well beyond the horizon. But it wasn’t. Given barely a passing mention in the opening session as one of a number of possible ’threats’, the pandemic was already closer than any of us dared to think.

A few months after that special day, like a truck stuck in mud after persistent rains, everything slammed to a halt. I know it has been a long and painful grind through the pandemic.  But right now, mid-2021, with some first signs of recovery appearing, the spark is again firing in the engine, there is some fuel trickling into the tank and the All Out Africa wheels are beginning to move.

Martin Farrell and All Out Africa Director Roland Thorne

The call of the majestic Swazi scenery and the embracing sounds of its lush nature is as compelling as ever.  The dreams distilled in January 2020, resting during the pandemic, are now coming back to life as the need for All Out’s social programs grows. That day, I found my place in the All Out Africa story which was a special and memorable moment in my adventures in Africa; I imagine there will be more.  I know too that there can be a place for you in that story where you could create an ‘adventure which changes lives’ – which could be your life and the lives of others whom you may meet one day on a dusty Swazi road.

Here in the picture above are processing a  rodent caught in the trap where, it is measured, tagged (picture below) and released back to the environment. Most interestingly when checking the traps is being careful when you lift and open the trap to see what is inside, there can be a snake (scary and dangerous) and sometimes ground-feeding birds (always exciting).

Ear-tagged rodent

The Avian Genome Project continues successfully and you can tell by the facial expression when we catch rare target species like the African Jacana that was caught in Simunye (see pic below).

A researcher after catching African Jacana that was caught in Simunye

The project continues to be so much fun, even when we catch non-target species that are difficult to catch with our nets, like wow (see photo below). The smile said it all when we caught a Little Sparrowhawk at The Mbuluzi Game Reserve.

A researcher after catching a Little Sparrowhawk at The Mbuluzi Game Reserve.

This project continues to be so much fun. Last week we were joined, young scientists. It is so encouraging a heartwarming to see youngsters developing love, show interest, appreciate what we do and wanting to get involved. All in all, we love what we do, we love to research, nature, we are for biodiversity conservation.

Researchers collecting samples from different birds across southern Africa.

To learn more about our project, or talk about how you can get involved, please email bookings@alloutafrica.com

It has been incredible seeing so many people exploring Eswatini since lockdown, and the increased interest and enthusiasm for enjoying beautiful places in Eswatini.  However, many are only visiting for a day, and our Pop Up Camp Service means that staying overnight is another option.  We know that many are not used to camping and our service means that we take that worry away, and enable you to enjoy time with your family or friends.

Why do people want to use our Pop Up Camp Service?

• Spend time with loved ones doing activities that you enjoy, or trying something newer, rather than setting up camp. Often groups are only away overnight so time is precious.
• Get the experts to do it if you don’t feel as if you have the skills or experience to set up camp properly, or are worried that you might damage the tents if you have never done it before. It removes the stress; you are heading for time away, after all.
• Get the experts to do it and save your energies for exploring and hiking, making the most of your campsite destinations.
• Avoid that inevitable argument – we’ve all been with our loved ones when that happens!

So what does the service involve?

• Transport of the kit to and from the place of your choosing (the great thing is you decide, we don’t tell you where to go).
• Set up of tents, in a nice layout, with mattresses and pillows ready for your guests to use.
• The takedown of the tents after you have departed (we ask that this time allows our team to have time to take down camp in daylight hours).
• Cleaning of tents and kit in line with COVID19 standards, so you don’t have to worry about this.

What about meals?

That is totally up to you.  Like at our Bushfire Campsite people can bring their own braais, use facilities on-site (depending on where you decide to visit) or use local restaurants (if there is one on-site).  This means you can arrange meals that suit your budget and food that suits your tastes giving groups the flexibility over timings and how they split cooking and shopping.

What do we ask our guests to do?

Apart from letting us know when you plan to travel, the number in your group, where you want to go and the type of tents you would like, all we ask is that guests adhere to a few things:

• Don’t smoke in the tents.
• Don’t set fires within 5 meters of the tents.
• Move your own belongings in and out of tents.
• Don’t keep food inside tents – as this encourages wildlife to visit, and you really don’t want a monkey rifling through your belongings!
• Respect the rules of the lodge, campsite or reserve during your stay, including adherence to COVID19 protocols.
• Take away your rubbish or put it in the designated bins helping to keep Eswatini beautiful.

Where can we stay?

It is totally up to you, but there are some great camping spots in Eswatini with access to a range of activities as well as western-style toilets and shower facilities.  For example, Wide Horizons Retreat has fantastic night sky views, an interesting sculpture trail and hiking routes, and Lidwala Lodge has a small swimming pool, climbing frame for kids, and the Sheba’s Breast Hiking Trail.  We can set up anywhere in Eswatini so let us know what works best for you and your group.

So how you do make it happen?

Once you have spoken to others in your group, get in touch with the All Out Africa team.  Please email tours@alloutafrica.com and we will get in touch.  We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am -5:00 pm.