National Geographic Adventurer in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICAN Tourism has unveiled the winner of its National Geographic Adventure campaign. He is Jason Peters, a 36-year-old from Brighton who is ‘interested in everything, prepared to do anything, resilient, resourceful and most of all a big time adventurer!”

From May to July this year, South African Tourism had been looking for outdoor-types from across the UK to give one lucky winner the chance to win a 10 day trip of a lifetime, following an action-packed itinerary including trekking, surfing, wildlife tracking, canoeing, bush walking, safari, bungee jumping, paragliding, diving and hot air ballooning.

Peters is in South Africa right now on this sensational and exciting trip.

The competition, run in conjunction with National Geographic Channel and natgeoadventure.tv (an adventure travel website launched by the National Geographic Channel), has helped to highlight some of the more active pursuits that are available in South Africa to travellers looking for anything from gentle walking or cycling to pushing themselves to the limits with some of the most challenging adventures in the world.

Jason, and nine other shortlisted finalists, faced a judging panel made up of representatives from South African Tourism, the National Geographic editorial and production teams, as well as an auditor from Delloitte and Touche to make sure the process was fair and equitable.

All entrants were asked to upload a short paragraph to a dedicated website on why they think they should have been chosen for the trip, demonstrating a thirst for adventure and a true desire to visit South Africa and explore what Jason describes as ‘the most diverse and exciting country in the world…’

Jason has the opportunity to share his experiences via multi-media platforms, including video diaries and blog updates on the website, during and after his trip and will even get the chance to address a specially selected audience at the Nat Geo Store in London’s Regent Street.

Lebo Mokhesi, Country Manager for South African Tourism in the UK says:  “It was a difficult decision to make, with more than 300 entrants and a superb shortlist that offered us a variety of winners to choose from. In the end, it was Jason’s incredible enthusiasm for South Africa that won through - his passion for wildlife and adventure sit perfectly with the South African culture, and we are very excited to hear all about his trip on his return to the UK.”

Sophie Potter, Account Director for National Geographic Channel UK says: “We are delighted to have found a candidate that so embodies the spirit of adventure we were seeking through the competition and will bring to life the wonderful opportunities South Africa offers for our audience.”

Jason Peters’ South African Adventure Itinerary Outline:

Day 1 - London/Johannesburg/KZN

Depart London for Johannesburg and take connecting flight to Kwa Zulu Natal

Day 2 - Kwa Zulu Natal

Game experience at Phinda Private Game reserve and Boma dinner

Day 3 - Kwa Zulu Natal

Early morning game drive. This morning Jason meets his ranger and departs on a river cruise, followed by lunch and an interpretive bush walk

Afternoon Game drive

Day 4 - Durban-PE

Check in for flight to Durban, and onwards flight to Port Elizabeth

Depart on a Shebeen Tour, followed by dinner at Shebeen and an overnight at Shamwari Townhouse

Day 5 - Jeffreys Bay

Depart to Jeffrey’s Bay for a day of surfing. Lunch at Island Vibe

Depart to Plettenberg Bay and stop over at Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours to enjoy an afternoon adrenaline rush

Day 6 - Tsitsikama

This morning Jason departs for hiking in the Tsitsikamma National Park, a Bungee jump from one of the worlds highest bungee point, and a mountain bike tour

Day 7 - Oudtshoorn

Depart to Oudtshoorn to visit an Ostrich Farm, the Cango Caves & Cheetah Park

Day 8 - Knysna

Depart to Knysna for a Featherbed Nature reserve tour and an afternoon abseiling

Day 9 - Cape Town

Transfer to George airport for flight to Cape Town. Visit to Table Mountain, a half day Peninsula tour including lunch on-route and dinner at Gold with interactive drumming

Day 10 - Cape Town

Depart the hotel after breakfast for a fun filled day with Adventure Tours, including tandem paragliding, a 4×4 Adventure tour, Sand boarding, and Volley Ball

Day 11 - Winelands

Depart to Winelands to enjoy quad biking through the Winelands in Stellenbosh before heading back to Cape Town International airport for a return flight to London