Who are We?

The Exploration Society of Southern Africa (ESSA) is a non profit voluntary organisation founded in 1988 following the success of the Wits Exploration and Expedition Society by people who had left the University of the Witwatersrand. Many of those for whom the club had changed their lives felt the idea which had given rise to the university club could be taken further. 

The aim of the Society is to provide a platform for the conceptual and physical exploration of the Southern African landscape. We fulfill out role by providing a forum for discussion of proposed expeditions and a venue for display and presentation of the results.

The Society currently has about 120 members and new members are always welcome on payment of the annual subscription fees of R150 for an individual and R200 per family. Expeditions are supported by the Society by the provision of equipment, training and assistance with fundraising.

Joining us on one of the journeys is a good way to meet us and share our philosophies on environmental conservation and personal challenge. Browse around our website and you like what we do, whether its planning major expeditions or spending weekends at unexpected places you are welcome to contact us.

Where to Find Us

Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month, February to December, at the beautiful Cape Dutch cottages of the Wits Club on the campus of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Proceedings begin at 7:30pm with announcements of forthcoming trips, social events and expeditions. This is followed by a speaker and slide show. Speakers vary widely but will usually have a conservation or exploration theme. There is a cash bar and the evening is generally concluded with supper at a local restuarant.

From the N1 North highway take the Empire Road offramp. Turn right into Empire Road. Take the first left turning into Yale Road. The entrance to the University is immediately in front of you.

From the N1 South Highway take the Empire Road offramp. On the offramp take the right slip road. At the bottom of the slip road make a u-turn back into Yale road so as to go back under the highway. The entrance to the University is immediately in front of you. The map below has directions to Wits Club from the entrance