Dear Applicant,

Thank you for submitting your application to be part of our quest to promote Africa as a preferred tourist destination.

We have received an overwhelming amount of applications (closing date was 29 February 2008) and are currently in the process of screening each and every application as we do want to give everyone a fair chance to be invited to the final selection workshop in May/June 2008.

Unfortunately, this might take a little longer than anticipated, so please bear with us and be assured that we will inform everyone of you within the next few days about the status of your application.

All previously invited applicants, please remember to confirm / re-confirm your participation with return email no later than Friday 07 March 2008 to ensure the validity of your invitation. (Please re-confirm even if you already confirmed during the past few weeks!)

I trust you are all aware of the implications if you are chosen to attend the final selection workshop. Just to make sure we are all on the same page, herewith the procedures again:

• We review your application, and if we think you should be a part of the team we will invite you to our final selection workshop in May/June this year in Plettenberg Bay.
  

• A maximum amount of 14 ladies will be invited for this workshop.
  

• During this workshop you will have the opportunity to meet the other candidates and us, the expedition organisers. You will also learn everything there is to know about the expedition, why it is undertaken and how you can contribute to make it a success. This workshop also affords you the opportunity to ask and discuss your questions and become a part of something much bigger than just a drive through Africa.
  

• At the end of the workshop we will all have a pretty good picture of each other, to be able to make further commitments. But trust me, we will not judge you on the size of your nose or colour of your hair. Actually, we will have a professional psychologist on site to help us to make the right choice in creating the teams.
  

• The last few days of the workshop will be spend in one-on-one discussions and you can make up your mind to come along or not. So will we, of course.
  

• The next and vital step to finalise your participation will be the payment of the required entry fee / security deposit of R 25 000. The payment of this fee must be received by us in our dedicated account within 10 days - latest on Friday, 20 June 2008 to keep your application valid. (If we don't receive your payment in time we will automatically cancel your application).
  

• You understand and acknowledge that the required entry fee / security deposit of R 25 000 is only refundable in the unlikely event of the expedition being cancelled altogether by the organisers.
  

• You understand and acknowledge that the participation in the final selection workshop is a preliminary requirement and does not guarantee that you be selected for the expedition itself. We reserve the right to choose the final teams.
  

• You understand and acknowledge that you travel to and from Plettenberg Bay at your own expense and at your own risk (we can provide airport collection in George). However, we cover the cost of accommodation and catering during the workshop.
  

• You understand and acknowledge that your participation at the final selection workshop or any activity during this time is at your free will and at your own risk. You acknowledge that the indemnity form you signed as part of your application is valid and applies to both, the final selection workshop and the expedition itself. Please note that we will ask you to sign this form again on your arrival and that non-confirmation will disqualify you from participating in the workshop and expedition.
  

• Please note that we will not ask you to participate in any activity if you consider it unsuitable, above your personal abilities or fitness levels and could constitute a hazard to your health or well-being.
  

• The dates of the final selection workshop are finalised as follows:
  

Start: Saturday, 31 May 2008 (Arrive on 30 May 2008)
End: Tuesday, 10 June 2008 (Depart on 11 June 2008)

• You understand and acknowledge that you have to be present for the full duration of the workshop and late arrival / early departure will disqualify you from participation in the workshop and expedition.
  

• You understand and acknowledge that you have to be part of the workshop 24 hours a day, every day and it is not advisable to bring partners, relatives or friends as you will not be able to spend any time with them during the workshop.
  

So, I guess that's it. I know that the above sounds boring, rules, rules, rules... but believe me that we just have to stick to them to get this unique expedition off the ground and to turn it into the most successful tourism marketing event for Africa.

A last word, PLEASE if you know you can not make it, the workshop or the expedition itself, there is no shame in withdrawing your application now. This will only be seen as a sign of strength and will offer someone else the chance to participate.

Kind regards

Enya