The Midgard Expedition

The Midgard Expedition crew is a group of scientists, explorers, adventurers and sustainability specialists who are searching for models of intelligent sustainable human habitation and sharing with communities around the world a global dialogue, so that the lessons can be applied by any group or individual.
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Inspired by the genius in efficiency, design and earth friendly materials of viking longboats, the research vessel RV ‘Midgard Heron’ has been entirely sustainably hand built by boat builder Andre Van Der Walt. 

The application of these sustainable lessons is happening around the globe in partner academic institutions and the communities that surround them, including Climate Parks in Myanmar, Costa Rica, hospitality and residential estates in the Free State of South Africa, medieval hamlets in Italy, sustainable urban greening and renewal programmes in Dubai, and coastal recovery programmes in the gavel plains of the Sharjah Desert.

South Africa Itinery

Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

The Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind is one of the world’s richest hominid fossil sites, detailing the evoluation of humankind. Most notably, the fossils of Mrs Ples, a 2.1-million-year-old Australopithecus skull and Little Foot, an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton more than three million years old were found in this location.

Ganico Organic Farm

Ganico Organic Farm is in the heart of Muldersdrift, Johannesburg. After experiencing how difficult it was to obtain organically grown produce, they took some fallow land and became a certified organic Pomegranate farm. In 2018, the decision was made to add additional crops and create a sustainable biodiverse food forest. 

Durban Sea Trials
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Initial sea trials of the R/V 'Midgard Heron' in Durban out of Point Yacht Club testing the boat both with the sail up on all points of sail and by rowing.  

Beachwood Mangroves, Durban
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Visit to the Beachwood Mangroves to learn about life systems and climate park establishment followed by a beach clean. Red, white and black mangroves are present in the 76 hectare reserve, with creeping plants and pioneer scrub found on the sand dunes. 

Umfolozi Game Reserve / St Lucia Estuary
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Game walk with local rangers in Umfolozi Game Reserve tracking the local wildlife on foot and boat trip on the St Lucia Estuary, understanding the ecology and biological systems at play during environmental immersion. Giraffes, Rhinos, Elephants, Buffalo, Zebras, Warthogs, Baboons, Impala, Hippos and Crocodiles spotted up close.

Veyane Cultural Village
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Veyane Cultural Village tour of a real working Zulu community where old age tradition meets contemporary society. 
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Struisbaai - Hermanus Sea Trial
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The first viking ship to sail round Cape Agulhas, the southern most point of Africa where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean. Fourteen hour sail and motor in very calm conditions between the towns of Strusbaai and Hermanus.  
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Hermanus - Gordon's Bay Sea Trial
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Final sea trial sailing the boat between Hermanus and Gordon's Bay in varying wind conditions and sea states. 
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