Trail South-Africa Alan McSmit Frank Rekers

Born from the spirit of a 1930s explorers’ camp, this trail is more than a wilderness journey – it is an inner journey. Far removed from technology and expectations, this experience invites you into stillness, simplicity, connection, and a renewed relationship with yourself and the natural world.

Let yourself be guided by the rhythms of the wild. Learn to see, feel, and listen anew. And discover how the tracks of an elephant, the rustling of a beetle, or the crackle of a campfire can bring you closer to yourself than ever before. This becomes the foundation for new ways of relating to the world around us.

By slowing down, recalibrating, and connecting with trees, insects, or elephants – not as a scientist or tourist, but simply as a human being – we rediscover our place in the greater whole.

🌿 Why this path?

✅ Escape the noise
✅ Cultivate inner peace & insight
✅ Strengthen your intuition
✅ Learn from the wilderness, rather than about it
✅ Develop the power of (inner) dialogue and the Ubuntu philosophy
✅ A unique experience of ecological humility & human connection

This is not a vacation, this is not a safari — this is a return.
A return to simplicity, to connection, to your true nature.
Do you dare to walk the path?

There will be a personal intake beforehand, and a follow-up day afterwards.

Guided by: Alan McSmith & Frank Rekers, both leadership coaches.
Symbolized by Alan facing an elephant charge — a powerful moment captured in the YouTube video below.

Topics/ themes:

The core elements of the trail experience are:

• TRACKING: Learning to recognize animal tracks is enlightening and inspiring. Following beetles or antelopes is one thing, but tracking big game is something else – it awakens all your senses. This is the origin of lateral and circular thinking, learning to perceive outside the conventional paths. Tracking activates intuition, which often lies dormant in our modern society.
• SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: The art of paying attention – the foundation of all perception and understanding. The presence or sounds of lions or elephants, deepened by silence, sharpen our senses. This is not only thrilling, but it fosters life skills, survival techniques, and the ability to reason “in the moment.” You discover more about ecological partnerships – the operating system of the Earth – and how we are still connected to it.
• SOLITUDE: Returning to yourself, in an untouched environment without artificial distractions. Solitary moments form the foundation for inner dialogue and deep perception. Non-motorized travel in pristine landscapes brings about deep meditative states, while we remain alert to the signals around us. Being on foot – vulnerable and exposed – is essential for awakening ecological and social humility.
• DIALOGUE: Discover the power of dialogue, both with yourself and with your surroundings. The dialogue leads to renewed strength and energy, with attention to your legacy and your values.
• LEADERSHIP & DECISION-MAKING: Self-aware action under pressure, inspired by the wilderness.
• UBUNTU & SELF-REFLECTION: I am because WE are – principles of reconciliation and building deeper connections.SPOREN ZOEKEN (Tracking): Het leren herkennen van de sporen van dieren is verhelderend en inspirerend. Het volgen van kevers of antilopen is één ding, maar groot wild is iets anders – het wekt al je zintuigen. Dit is de oorsprong van lateraal en circulair denken, het leren waarnemen buiten de gebaande paden. Sporen zoeken activeert intuïtie, die in onze moderne maatschappij vaak sluimert.
  

---

The program

Intake: Prior to the trip, there will be an intake with Frank Rekers.

Day 1 – Arrival at Pioneer Camp

• Arrival in Hoedspruit and transfer to the camp in the Klaserie Game Reserve.
• Arrival and orientation in nature.
• Time to settle in, open your senses, and meet the group.
• First afternoon safari and introduction to walking in silence and alertness.
• Sharing stories around the campfire.
• Meals and overnight stay at Pioneer Camp. Simplicity, fire, and stories under the stars.

Day 2 – The Journey Begins

• We depart on foot with minimal gear.
• Introduction to safety and ‘trail lore.’
• First lessons in tracking, understanding the language of the wilderness.
• Learning to live outside your comfort zone – essential for a true wilderness experience.
• Walks are flexible in distance and intensity; it’s about depth, not miles. We follow the landscape, animals, and wind.
• No fixed routes – each day is spontaneous and attuned to the environment.
• Camping under the stars, without facilities – simplicity, vulnerability, and connection are central, with deep richness.

Days 3 – 5 – Deeper into the Wilderness

• Tracking, stalking, and observing animals from a simple, mobile camp.
• Most movements happen on foot; vehicles are used minimally.
• We follow tracks, listen to the silence, and learn from the landscape.
• Engaging in conversation, the dialogue with yourself and others.

Core Elements:

• Tracking & Bushcraft: Learn to read the subtle signals of nature. Observe, interpret, and connect with nature. From beetles to elephants – your senses awaken. Every experience leaves a story. Learn to read, understand, and intuitively follow.
• Situational Awareness: The art of paying attention. Observing, listening, feeling – essential for survival and inner peace. Listening to your environment and yourself. Your instincts awaken. The world slows down.
• Solitude & Reflection: Without distractions, space is created for self-insight and deep connection with the landscape, your surroundings, and yourself. The experience, combined with true silence, gives you space to turn inward. Deep, honest, and healing.
• The Dialogue: Engaging in conversation with yourself, with others, sometimes in silence, brings renewed strength and energy, with attention to your legacy and your values.
• Leadership & Decision-Making: Self-aware action under pressure, inspired by the wilderness.
• Ubuntu & Self-Reflection: In conversation with yourself and others, building deeper connections.

Day 6 – Return to Pioneer Camp

• Gentle morning walk back to camp.
• Warm shower, cold drink, and space for stories and reflection.
• Last walking safari or game drive.
• Campfire, dinner under the stars, and overnight at the camp.

Day 7 – Departure

• Transfer to Hoedspruit Airport.
• Morning safari and joint breakfast.

Day 8: Three weeks after the trip, there will be a follow-up session. Guidance will be provided until this session.

🧭 Who is this for?
For anyone seeking depth, simplicity, and a true connection with nature and themselves. No extreme physical requirements, but openness and curiosity are essential. Directly applicable as a leader, in relationships, and in collaboration with others. Be inspired, experience, and discover how to apply this.