The Lady in the Landy: Carla Geyser
Do you remember the story of Carla Geyser, also known as “The Lady in the Landy”? If you’re not familiar, let me tell you about this remarkable journey. Carla Geyser is a South African woman who decided to embark on an adventure like no other.
Carla’s story is fascinating and inspiring. She wanted to make a difference and challenge herself, so she set out on an incredible road trip. But here’s the twist – instead of driving a fancy car or a luxury vehicle, Carla chose to travel in her beloved Land Rover Defender, affectionately named “Landy.” This decision reflects her down-to-earth and adventurous spirit.
Carla’s journey was not just a leisurely drive through scenic landscapes. She embarked on a unique mission to raise awareness about rhino poaching and to promote conservation efforts. Along the way, she documented her experiences and shared them with the world through her blog and social media platforms.
Carla’s determination and passion to make a difference is truly inspiring. She traveled through challenging terrains, facing obstacles and adversity along the way. But she remained resilient, keeping her eyes on the ultimate goal – to spread awareness about the plight of rhinos and contribute to their preservation.
Throughout her journey, Carla encountered breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and incredible wildlife. She captured the beauty of these experiences through her photography and writing, allowing others to vicariously join her adventure.
Carla’s story is a testament to the power of one individual to create change and inspire others. Her courage, resilience, and dedication serve as a reminder that we all have the potential to make a difference in the world, no matter how big or small.
So, if you are ever feeling uninspired or doubtful, remember Carla Geyser and her incredible journey. She proves that even the smallest actions can have a significant impact when driven by passion and purpose.
Join the movement and be inspired by “The Lady in the Landy.” Who knows, maybe you too can embark on your own adventure and make a difference in the world!
Five years ago, I embarked on an incredible journey with a group of amazing women. After attending the Getaway show, we set off on a remarkable adventure up north. Our goal was clear: to protect Africa’s wildlife and make a positive impact.
On an epic all-women adventure in Kruger with The Blue Sky Society Trust, I crossed rivers, shattered stereotypes, and experienced the thrill of a 4×4 trip like never before.
The Blue Sky Society Trust
This was the second installment of Carla’s incredible ‘Journeys With Purpose’ idea. Last time, in 2016, she embarked on a mind-blowing 16,000km journey through 10 countries in Africa. The Elephant Ignite trip aimed to raise funds for organizations that work tirelessly to protect African wildlife and the communities that coexist with these magnificent creatures.
Since then, Carla has led 15 more expeditions, and her 2023 schedule is jam-packed with even more thrilling adventures. There’s no stopping her now!
“I’ve always been on the outskirts of the hospitality industry,” I say. “That’s what drew me to appreciate nature and the environment so much. Back in 2013 and 2014, I collaborated with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation to support their rhino art project. It was an incredible experience. Later on, I joined the organizing team for the First World Youth Rhino Summit at Hluhluwe Umfolozi in September 2014. After that, I found myself working with the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and conserving wildlife in danger.”
When I think about my work as a conservationist, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible experiences I have had over the past decade. Every day, I am reminded of the vital importance of protecting our natural world. It’s not enough to simply hope for change; we all have a role to play in creating a better future.
My passion for travel and adventure has taken me on some incredible journeys. In 2014 and 2016, I organized and led expeditions for tourists who wanted to explore Africa. These trips were eye-opening for both the participants and myself. Seeing these individuals fall in love with Africa’s breathtaking beauty only strengthened my resolve to raise awareness about conservation issues. I have come to believe that if we don’t uplift humans from poverty, we risk the slow death of our planet. Conservation, humanity, and the environment are deeply intertwined.
If you’re interested in joining Carla’s expeditions, there’s just one requirement: a genuine passion for the natural world.
Carla has welcomed women of all ages, from 21 to 72, from diverse backgrounds and professions, to gather around a campfire and bond over their shared love for wildlife.
When I think about strangers becoming friends on a Blue Sky Society Trust expedition in Kruger, it truly fills me with wonder and excitement.
Conservation in action
These days, I have the privilege of working with The Bateleurs, a remarkable organization made up of 200 volunteer pilots. Their mission is to provide free-of-charge aerial services in support of environmental causes. It’s truly inspiring to witness the power of collaboration.
At The Bateleurs, we focus on partnering with proven, on-the-ground conservation projects. We want to ensure that every dollar we raise goes directly to the wildlife and people who desperately need support. That’s why our organization is so passionate and dedicated.
In 2022, we had the amazing opportunity to join Carla on a local mission in the Lowveld. It was the second leg of her incredible ‘Rise of the Matriarch’ expedition. Let me tell you, it was an adventure like no other.
During our time in the Lowveld, we had the chance to track wild dogs with the Endangered Wildlife Trust. It was awe-inspiring to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. We also sponsored and assisted with an elephant collaring project, working alongside Elephants Alive. Being so close to these majestic animals was an experience I’ll never forget.
Another highlight of our expedition was spending time with the amazing people at the APNR Ground-Hornbill project. They are doing incredible work to protect and conserve these unique birds. It was a privilege to learn from them and contribute to their important mission.
Being part of Carla’s expedition in the Lowveld was a truly transformative experience. It opened my eyes to the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and be part of something bigger than myself.
Hey, guess what? I went on this amazing adventure, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it! First, I want to share this awesome article I read recently called “Behind the Scenes of an Elephant Collaring”. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into collaring elephants. Pretty cool, right?
But that’s not all! After reading that article, I was inspired to embark on my own adventure in Kruger National Park. I decided to take on the Mafunyane 4×4 eco trail, a four-day journey along the park’s Western boundary. It was an incredible experience, let me tell you.
If you’re as intrigued as I was and want to learn more about this epic all-women adventure, you should definitely check out our March Kruger-themed issue. It hits the shelves on 20 February, so mark your calendar! You won’t want to miss it.
I’m on the road again, driving through Kruger National Park. It’s a mesmerizing place, filled with incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. As I make my way from Phalaborwa to Punda Maria, I find myself in a convoy of vehicles, all joined together in the pursuit of adventure.
There’s something magical about being a part of this convoy. It’s as if we’re all on a shared journey, bound by our love for exploration and our desire to experience the wonders of nature. We drive in a line, our vehicles protected by the presence of others, moving together as one.
I can’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with my fellow travelers. We may be strangers, but in this moment, we’re brought together by a common goal. We’re united in our appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us and the thrill of the unknown that awaits.
This convoy, this shared experience, is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our quest for adventure. We have each other for support, for guidance, and for the shared joy that comes from discovering something new.
As the convoy moves through the park, I can’t help but think about the importance of community. We may be on our individual journeys, but we’re also part of something bigger. We’re part of a community of travelers who seek out the wonders of the world and embrace the unknown with open arms.
So, if you’re like me and find solace in the road less traveled, I encourage you to join a convoy. It may just be the catalyst for your own incredible adventure, and you’ll always have the support and camaraderie of your fellow travelers along the way.
Speaking of journeys, if you’re interested in supporting a fellow traveler, consider helping Carla fund her Journeys with Purpose through her website, www.blueskysociety.org/. Every contribution helps her continue on her path of exploration and making a positive impact in communities around the world.
But that’s not all! If you want even more travel news, inspiration, and guides, be sure to follow us on social media. We’d love to see your own adventures, so don’t forget to tag us for a chance to be featured. Let’s continue to explore and discover together!