Their words, not mine …

 
You’ll have an idea it’s no ordinary adventure before you come, but you won’t realise quite how powerful an experience you’re about to embark on. It is a journey of curiosity, discovery and connection with the women you were meant to meet.

Catherine is an exceptional woman. I’ve never met a leader quite like her who leads from within, not ahead. Quietly, gently holding space where it is needed and giving the whole of herself with this gently powerful inner wisdom. There is no other person who could lead this adventure and it wouldn’t be what it is without her.
— Katie Flaxman

Well where do I start? It was the most amazing experience of my life! It’s really quite difficult to put into words just how life affirming this trip has been...I have a new lust for life and want to experience these types of trips more and more! The people who took care of us from chefs (yes the food was that good!) to trackers to drivers etc. were absolutely awesome. They are so passionate about what they do it’s really quite something to witness. It’s warming to know that there are wonderful people out there who care so much for the elephants. And then over to our Matriarch Catherine, well I have no words this amazing woman is everything you would want your daughter, Aunty, Mother to be, strong, have a zest for life, and adventure and share’s all the best things she has to offer and more! Just bloody awesome. Don’t hesitate to book because I can guarantee you will not regret it and it will change you for the better!
— Ange Buxton

Thank you! It has allowed me to experience freedom in the best way possible, and to see there is so much more I need to do with my life other than caring. It will also inspire others that they can do the same without feeling guilt, and allow us (women/caregivers) to give without resentment if we are given time to heal
— Clare Thompson

Incredible! Incredible from beginning to end. A well organised and unique journey into the beautiful Namibian desert with a group of like-minded women. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and wildlife. We had the privilege of seeing some of the desert elephants - Wow, just wow! Catherine and the team from EHRA were amazing. Any expectations / hopes that I might have had were exceeded by far. This experience is hard to put into words but it is an experience which is one of a kind and one that I will certainly cherish.
— Helen Whiteley
A huge success! Well done for recognising the need and thank you. It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life!
— Carolyn Fenn

Catherine is one of the most open-hearted authentic people I have ever met. Her love of Namibia shines through as she gently guides individuals on their own journeys.
— Sue Caldicott

Doing this adventure has allowed me to know that I can choose to do anything I wish.

Such a gift to have time away from technology to connect with a group of incredible women without judgement and a sense of ‘being in this together’. You find out much about yourself in the process, which is priceless.

The joy of a well led expedition with an incredible and knowledgeable support crew.
— Tracey Hughes

An incredible experience and chance to REALLY connect with yourself, the natural world and environment, the animals and the other participants. Real and raw and utterly magical. The sounds, smells and sights cannot really be adequately described; you simply MUST go!
— Charlotte Fowles

It has reminded me that I CAN do stuff and I can challenge myself without being afraid.
— Kirsten Braund

Absolutely 100% the best thing I have ever done for myself! An adventure incorporating all the best that the Namibian desert can offer!
— Lynne Broadbent

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 mindfullness and connection to Namibia and the evening reflections.
— Deb Archibald

Hopefully not ‘once in a lifetime’, but definitely a FIRST of a lifetime. Seeing nature up close and personal as we did was something I will never take for granted and really really special to me.
— Sal Thornton

An adventure that slows down time, reconnects you and reminds you of who you are.

Also the projects are instrumental in involving the community and protecting elephants, working together and ensuring harmony between people and animals/nature. I was very overwhelmed and emotional to learn about the work to date and projects to come
— Karen Hodges

A truly special, memorable and privileged experience. The team made it what it was in every way. Being part of someone’s vision becoming reality was fantastic. A must do journey for any woman! I was really impressed by the way in which Catherine so tactfully and adeptly managed such a strong group of women; calm, focussed, compassionate and passionate as well as someone you can trust entirely.
— Elisabeth Roberts

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 resilliance is clear to see.
— Sue Simons

I don’t even know how to begin to convey in words how incredible this trip was. A group of unknown women thrown together in a situation so far from every day life you cant really imagine, I had quite literally the time of my life. Learning about the charity’s work with the elephants and how nature sustains life between the animals and plants that call the desert their home and so much more on a personal level. Catherine has created a very special trip and all of the team made it something to remember. I highly recommend to any woman who needs a bit of adventure in her life.
— Penny Garner

It is a life changing experience. It is so much more than tracking the elephants, it is an amazing journey of inner self exploration. You learn so much about yourself, become calmer, become more aware of your surroundings - it is a very emotional experience.
— Lisa Juson

An absolute joy! I was not sure what to expect, but it was so much more than I could ever have anticipated.
— Sharon Mulley

Absolutely amazing! I would recommend it in a heartbeat. I am finding it very hard to capture in words! You led the group in a very gentle way. I had complete trust in you, and it felt like you really cared. All the small things like the poems and the songs really added to the experience. I remember you promised that it would be an incredible trip and you really delivered on that - thank you from the bottom of my heart
— Ruth Wade

When you strip away your outer and inner ‘clothes’, when you have nothing that is familiar to you, the true ‘You’ emerges and nature responds to it.
— Silvia Leonardi

Catherine is the most inspiring group leader I have ever encountered. Her capacity to quietly and without fanfare accept all obstacles with humour and grace whilst honouring all of us.
— Jan Evans

Just absolutely amazing! From meeting all the beautiful elephants to loving being dirty, this adventure pushed so many boundaries and allowed me to explore going back to basics. This adventure was something for me, a chance to explore, feel, free myself, accept things, try things and just be. It exceeded all my expectations.
— Amy Power

A journey of self-discovery and sisterhood in the wildest and most beautiful of nature’s environments.
— Sam Waite

Extraordinary - Catherine’s expertise, kindness and leadership could not be faulted. Amazing landscapes, fantastic wildlife, delicious food and an excellent group of women to spend time with.
— Bec Fay

This experience went far beyond tracking elephants. It was an expedition into my heart, under the light of the Namibian stars. I will think back to the wonders and hidden treasures of the Namibian desert, and the connections within our group to give me strength in more difficult moments at home. This trip is so different from anything I have experienced before.
— Marie Lachapelle

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 Perry

A wonderful opportunity to experience Africa’s wildlife and understand the work of EHRA whilst learning lots about yourself in a supportive group of women. A unique adventure to reflect on your past and embrace your future.
— Helen Yandell

So great! I came with no expectations because I had never done anything like this before, but I loved being in the space, being outside every day. Laughing so much and really being able to be myself with this group of women.
— Cass Gibbs

It’s difficult to select highlights from an adventure that just kept on giving! Our elephant encounters is an obvious highlight, but also the amazing landscapes and scenery, taking time to connect with nature and myself, but also the special moments we had as a team. I was surprised by the connection and team-work across so many strong women - it was an awesome group!
— Emma Forbes

Catherine, you are simply the best! You are a true Matriarch who kept the herd together, who helped each individual with their own struggles, who never judged, and were patient and flexible, adapting this journey to everyone. Thank you!
— Rosa Maria Granero Penades

Thank you so much again. I can’t say it enough. It really was a fabulous trip. I can’t articulate it to people, but I’ve kind of stopped trying - the only thing that I’ve managed to say is that there really were no negatives, not even for a moment which is quite something. I don’t think people quite believe me, but then I’m not trying to convince them - they can find out for themselves.
— Becca Bolam

I do not give 5 stars easily as this means there is no room for improvement however I cannot think of a single thing I would change about the Matriarch Adventure. When I look back on my life it is those times that challenged me most that were also the most impactful. This will be one of those times. I may have been on the very edge of my comfort zone but Catherine and the EHRA team are of the highest caliber as leaders so I always felt safe. If you want fluffy pillows, hot showers and maid service look elsewhere but if you want a true adventure that leaves you changed in all good ways just do this one!
— Yvette Bonin

This adventure is a must for people who are (few tears!) at a point in their lives when they need to stop... and ask the question, “Where am I rushing to? ... Slow down.” I feel apart from the amazing physical adventure, it’s a journey of healing, a journey of self questioning and of unity.

What an amazing trip! Unequivocally supported and loved by an amazing group of women - we laughed, talked, cried and laughed some more. Sleeping under the Namibian skies is not to be missed. Watching the wonder of desert elephants in their natural habitats was incredible. Stories and songs round the campfire - nothing more was needed. Loved every second.
— Helen Preston

I’d go back in a heartbeat!
— Pamela Keenan