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OnTrack Survival   The OnTrack Advance (Survival) in the Timbavati at Bateleur EcoSafaris with Callie Roos and Adriaan Louw Takes place on 23 – 27 April 2010 Cost: R6 900.00 per person  BOOKINGS CLOSE 1 MARCH 2010   By involving the individual in activities such as the art of tracking and survival, we take the participants out of their comfort zones and expose each member to nature as it is. Such intense exposure to the wilderness provides a very powerful and spiritual awakening, in the sense that it changes the individual’s perceptions of life. Ultimately we may begin to understand nature's rhythm and flow. "Letting go" is important here as we relax and let go of our "mental noise" to see and experience nature's power, beauty and harshness. Becoming one with ourselves and our environment is important. We may gradually tend toward being in the moment, in the here and the now. We develop and use all our senses to know what cannot be seen and to gain a "feel" for the nature of things. We need to experience "this feeling" by doing it - only then is it meaningful, hearing it or knowing it is only the first step.      Duration of stay: 4 nights & 5 days:   Accommodation: ·        Accommodation is in an eco-friendly, tented camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve ·        We have 10 spacious tents which can be accommodated with additional beds when necessary, without compromising comfort. ·        There is no electricity, no telephone & very limited MTN reception ·        We have separate outdoor showers, loos & washbasins ·        We have a pool with a large wooden deck  Reptile demonstration: ·        A top South Africa reptile expert comes to the camp and provides interesting info on reptiles, first aid for snake & scorpion stings ·        Common myths & strange beliefs regarding reptiles are discussed & the scholars will have the opportunity to interact with various interesting creatures. ·        A variety of snakes as well as spiders, scorpions and lizards make guest appearances during the demo.    Bush craft & survival skills: ·        Start a  fire using the friction method developed by the San Bushmen ·        Methods of carrying a fire from one location to the next ·        Making rope and snares for small birds, from plants in the area ·        Moulding pottery from clay collected at natural pans ·        Discovering the edible & medicinal uses of indigenous plants ·        Make spoons & useful tools from material available in the bush ·        Carving out cups from wild melons ·        Finding food from the bush, e.g. wild spinach, edible fruit and berries ·        Finding water  Walking: ·        Traversing rights over 8 500 hectares, allow for long (+ 4.5 hours), early morning walks through big 5 territory.  Traversing areas are distinctly different with regards to vegetation, soils, grasses etc., making the walks all the more fascinating. The scholars can enjoy the excitement of getting up close & personal with creatures big & small and learning a multitude of information on everything that they encounter along the way.         Tracking: ·        The ancient art of tracking is presented while out on walks.  Spoor identification; the age of tracks and other signs of animals passing by will be covered. Once fresh tracks are located, the Big 5 can be tracked on foot.  ·        Participants will all have the opportunity to track individually and will also be divided into groups for man tracking exercises. ·        Each participant will be given a booklet to take home, covering all the aspects of the tracking component covered in the course.  Sleeping under the stars: ·        Participants can sleep out under the stars, in sleeping bags, around a campfire. Guard duty will be done in pairs, to keep a look out for animals and to maintain the fire. Armed guides will be present with the group. ·        Please note, while doing sleep-outs, there is nowhere to shower and ablution facilities are bushes/trees in the area. ·        Please see attached kit list.  Drives: ·        Each day will be jam-packed with activities and as the day draws to a close, a game drive provides the opportunity to sit back & relax while being chauffeured through the bush. ·        Fascinating information on nocturnal creatures will be provided.     Astronomy: ·        Interesting information is provided on our galaxy and solar system while out on the night drives.  Scholars will be taught about specific constellations visible at the time of their visit, as well as how to tell direction and how to tell the time, using the stars. For detail information and bookings contact Olga callie@onpurpose.co.za