Operation Soldiers on Safari
In partnership with Sable Plains Safaris in South Africa, each year Deeper Roots’ Operation Soldiers on Safari (S.O.S.) program provides U.S. and international veterans an all-expenses-paid trip of a lifetime.
Hosted in classes of six participants at a time, attendees participate in safari and personal growth activities geared towards the re-lensing of their lives and interests. We accomplish this through continued healing and counseling sessions, safari game drives, photography training from professional photographers, quiet reflection in nature and spiritual support.
Day 1 - After flying in to Johannesburg, attendees are welcomed at the airport by S.O.S. and Sable Plains staff and driven to the property. A welcome reception and dinner allows attendees to get settled and kick off the special week.
Days 2 through 6 - Agenda includes gourmet group meals, morning and afternoon game drives, professional photography workshops, group and individual therapy, spiritual gatherings, and personal reflection time.
Day 7 - The morning’s breakfast is followed by a recap of the week and a recognition and awards ceremony before attendees are transported back to the airport.
All door-to-door attendee expenses are covered by the Deeper Roots Foundation and the generous support of our donors.
After each trip, classes stay in touch through regular remote and in-person meetings. Operation Soldiers on Safari seeks to provide opportunities for veterans with post-traumatic stress to heal, explore new opportunities, and grow toward wholeness.
Meet the Class of 2024
Jason
American Military Veteran
Ian
South African Military Veteran
Mamuka
Georgian Military Veteran
Shalva
Georgian Military Veteran
Yoshi
American Military Veteran
Kingsley
British Military Veteran
Sable Plains
Sable Plains is a 2,500 hectare private game reserve and nature conservancy approximately 4 hours north of Johannesburg, South Africa. For the better part of the last 100 years, the limpopo sweet fells, where Sable Plains is located, have been fenced and farmed.
Under new ownership and direction, as of 2022 many of the fences have started coming down as the conservancy is currently undergoing a rewilding project that aims to protect the natural wildlife and environment of the area. When complete, the area will provide visitors the opportunity to experience the unique and wonderful habitat as it was meant to be experienced, while corresponding economic and educational programs will benefit the local community.
Future Programs
In addition to planning for multiple classes of Soldiers on Safari each year, in future years, Deeper Roots will expand to provide unique experiences and opportunities to other people who have experienced abuse and trauma. This will include, but is not limited to, foster youth and disadvantaged young people and human trafficking survivors.