The Matriarch Adventure

02/01/2025

Happy New Year from me, The Matriarch Adventure and Elephant Human Relations Aid.

"Awaken your spirit to Adventure
hold nothing back
learn to find ease in risk
soon you will home in a new rhythm
for your soul senses the world that awaits you"
~ John O'Donohue

29/12/2024

Yoga in the desert? How does that work? Each day on The Matriarch Adventure we start at dawn with gentle yoga or QiGong, some meditation and maybe a massage. You don't have to have 'done yoga' before, and you certainly won't do this kind of yoga again. Every sunrise is unique, each landscape completely different, each view magical in its own way. Just the feeling of space, the sand beneath your feet, the 360° horizon is enough to make you feel connected and grounded. Take a deep breath, raise your arms to the sky, feel the cool air on your skin, and listen to the sounds of the wilderness.
Of course you don't have to travel all the way to Namibia to salute the sun, but trust me, once you have, you will never forget it.

The Matriarch Adventure is proving very popular next year, with only a few spaces left, so I've added some more dates so more of you can experience it. If you'd like to join me in the desert in October, I'd love to see you there!

https://cathadventure.com/the-matriarch-adventure

12/11/2024

The quest to find a new Matriarch....

With the passing of Mathilda, the matriarch, her family now faces a time of transition.

In elephant society, the loss of a matriarch leaves a unique space, one that calls for patience and strength as the herd looks to see who will step up to guide them. Over the coming months, younger females may begin to show leadership, gradually earning the trust of their family. It’s a process that doesn’t happen overnight – it’s the quiet tests of patience, resilience, and wisdom that ultimately reveal a new matriarch.

In this time of change, we watch and wait with respect for the ways nature will guide them forward 🐘

📷: Christin Winter

31/10/2024

An amazing opportunity to have any donation you make doubled!

Today is your chance to DOUBLE your conservation impact! 🐘🌍

We invite you to our exciting donation-matching event, organised by the Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg in collaboration with betterplace.org, TODAY ONLY, 31st October, from 9 AM CET (Central European Time).

With this special event, we aim to raise funds to support EHRA’s vital conservation efforts. By participating, you’re helping us tackle human-wildlife conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence with Namibia’s desert-adapted elephants 🌟

Here’s how it works:

• If you donate up to 50 EUR, your donation will be matched.
• For donations above 50 EUR, an extra 50 EUR will be added to your donation.

To donate, follow this link ➡️ https://www.betterplace.org/de/projects/87340?fbclid=IwY2xjawGP_J5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaF6LF7HqKV2LS8dIRteYmtIv4McJdkc-lr0WHRaOpyLBNC_W_gbB5hOKg_aem_jtsImKqITlUmi-0vaiwPkg

For German donors, you’ll receive a receipt, which you can use to claim a tax deduction for your contribution.

Thank you in advance for your donations - it makes a world of difference!
And a very big thank you to Aktionsgemeinschaft Artenschutz (AGA) e.V. for their ongoing generosity and support!🐘🩶

23/08/2024

Introducing ~ THE MATRIARCH ADVENTURE 2025 🐘

Conservation, exploration, completely off the beaten track in Namibia, this is a truly unique expedition! It is very hard to join a real expedition these days - many claim to be, but they are actually just tours, so I wanted to give you a little behind the scenes information for The Matriarch Adventure running from 11th -20th October 2025 in case you're craving something truly different from anything else out there!
https://cathadventure.com/the-matriarch-adventure

We combine conservation and adventure with an ethos of personal exploration at its heart. I have been leading global expeditions for over 20 years, and this is my favourite place in all the world!

Each expedition is unique, as we are primarily led by the movements of rare desert adapted elephants. There is also time made for trekking and experiencing the vastness of this incredible country. We will be wild camping every night, far from any human habitation and will move through the landscape on 4x4 vehicles.

Each expedition contributes directly to EHRA (Elephant Human Relations Aid) who protect and monitor the desert adapted elephant population by working directly with the local community. I guarantee you will come away with a new passion for conservation, Namibia and with lifelong friends!

Here are some testimonials from past participants: “If you think you are booking a holiday think again! This is a true expedition and the rewards from that are life changing. Catherine, you are an inspirational matriarch! You lead from the back, ever present but not forcing anyone’s pace. The organisation was exceptional, I always knew what we were doing and when, so didn’t have to stress about the unknowns. I loved your mindfulness and connection to Namibia and the evening reflections.” Deb

“The EHRA team are all amazing. Their passion to protect these special desert herds really shines through in all they do in a quiet and gentle way, despite all the challenges. Their approach with the community and education are really long term ways to change perceptions, and their resilience is clear to see.” Sue

“You get to be so much more aware of your feelings and environment when you strip back everything unnecessary. It is wild and freeing and extraordinary and scary and joyous and unforgettable! And I loved the secrets and the planning.” Sara
So if you feel called to really push your own boundaries, but be held in a safe and supported environment, with other likeminded women then look no further.

To book: https://inspired.wetravel.com/trips/the-matriarch-adventure-inspired-16790685

This expedition is for all, no matter how young (18+) or old as we have permanent vehicle support. It is also off grid, giving you the opportunity to have a well needed digital detox and be completely present in the moment!

Any question please just ask! Catherine x

photo credit: Christin Winter ©The Matriarch Adventure

22/08/2024

So, as some of you may know I have spent many years working as a Reef Check trainer, leading marine conservation expeditions and working on various marine based citizen science projects around the world with whale sharks, s***m whales, dolphins and on coral reefs. I am not a 'scientist' but am driven by my interest in the natural world and seek to discover how we can do our bit to mitigate some of the environmental issues that face our oceans. This is well within all of our reach, and I'd like to encourage more people to get involved.

Next February, Love Her Wild's founder Bex Band and I are organising the first Ocean Advocate Summit in Bristol. This whole day event is designed to inspire and involve you with hands-on workshops, inspirational talks, opportunities to meet small charities and individuals who are doing their bit and hear how they too, started from nowhere. We'll not only be looking at projects overseas, but those closer to home, so something for everyone!

To launch this we are offering an early bird discount running until the end of the month, so if you would like to join us in a day of full immersion here is the link to book 🐬https://www.tickettailor.com/events/oceanadvocate/1309260

Hope to see you there, and please do spread the word!

23/05/2024

A special Matriarch Adventure for Love Her Wild 15th - 24th October 2024 https://cathadventure.com/love-her-wild-matriarch-adventure

22/05/2024

100km WILDERNESS TREK NAMIBIA 9th - 15th September 2024

Fancy stretching your legs? Join me and Mark Edsell and the amazing Elephant Human Relations Aid team on this exceptional wilderness trek through the outstanding natural beauty of Namibia, each step raising crucial funds for elephant conservation. This is open to everyone, not just women, so bring your husband, partner, brother, son and join the team! There are 10 spaces available so book now: https://www.ehranamibia.org/fundraising-trek-challenge

Any questions please ask below!

28/04/2024

Heading back to my roots on a NEW JUNGLE EXPEDITION!! Come join me in Deepest Peru...
9th - 18th May 2025
for full details please go to https://cathadventure.com/deepest-peru

My first jungle expedition, nearly 30 years ago, is an experience etched deeply on my being. I've been back and forth over the years and have wanted to share this biome with you for a long time, and now here we are!

It will be a flexible but varied itinerary including:

✨Dawn chorus yoga/meditation
✨Early morning boat ride to observe wildlife
✨Over 18km of jungle trails to explore and monitor wildlife
✨Visits to local macaw clay-lick where hundreds of birds gather daily
✨Assisting rangers with patrols
✨Checking camera traps for nocturnal animal sightings
✨Tree climbing with harnesses to experience the canopy up close
✨Hiking to waterfall
✨Forest bathing
✨Medicine walk
✨Cayman spotting by boat at night
✨Reptile and amphibian identification in nearby streams
✨Guided night walk
✨Hammock time
✨Time for personal reflection
✨Circling
✨Writing prompts in nature

This is a full immersion expedition, but please feel free to participate in as much or as little as you like.

Our exclusive use accommodation is in an incredible location in the heart of the rainforest with simple, rustic, cabin-style rooms, showers, toilets and solar powered lighting, fully supported by a team of cooks, guides and experts who will help bring the jungle to life for us!

To book : https://cathadventure.com/deepest-peru
Please feel free to ask any questions 😊

13/03/2024

Great news from our partners in Namibia! With a 22 month gestation period and the odds stacked against these desert adapted elephants this is a very happy day!

And it's a girl! 🎀🐘

We're bursting with excitement to announce the arrival of a precious new baby elephant in the Huab river region.

This adorable calf is the newest addition to the H2 herd - also known as Rosy's herd. 💖

At just one week old, she's already exploring her world with curiosity and joy – and we can't get enough of watching her daily discoveries!

Please join us in extending a heartfelt welcome to little ‘Mimi,’ the sixth offspring of Rosa.

With Rosa's track record of raising five healthy calves, we're confident Mimi is in good trunks. 😉

We ask that you refrain from approaching the elephants closely to prevent stressing out Mimi or causing her to walk excessively.

Maintain a distance of 70 meters and avoid staying close for more than 15 minutes.

10/03/2024

"I WANTED TO GO OUT AND CHANGE THE WORLD...
BUT I COULDN'T FIND A BABYSITTER..."

To all the mums out there who have, at some point in their lives, felt like this. I know it. I've been there. This is my 10 mins of reflection on what it is to be a mum. It may resonate with your story, it may not, but let me know! We don't have to do this alone 🥰
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfKB8GAqAGw

08/03/2024

🧡 Happy International Women's Day! 🧡

24/02/2024

*** TWO PLACES AVAILABLE *** for a special Matriarch Adventure 10th-19th May 2024. This is a private collaboration with a group of women, predominantly based in Somerset, but due to two last minute cancellations, we have two places to offer.
I realise that it is quite short notice, but if you have the time, and the inclination it could be a perfect Carpe Diem escape!

What to expect:
Adventure
Wild camping
Elephant tracking
Hiking
Dawn Yoga
Stargazing
Fire circles
Meditation
Conservation
Camaraderie & support
Expert staff
Self-contained 4x4 vehicles
All food (except 2 lunches in town)
Luxury accommodation (start and end days)
Airport transfers
Investment £2,150

Please get in touch if you would like more information, and if these dates don't work for you there's always October 4th - 13th on The Original Matriarch Adventure!
Catherine x