In celebration of its exciting upcoming programming, National Geographic Africa recently hosted a brand immersion event in Johannesburg, that I attended. I was taken on a journey of discovery with various interactive installations themed according to its upcoming programming slate for National Geographic (DStv Channel 181, Starsat 220) over the summer, in addition to viewing the South African premiere of the much-anticipated documentary film Endurance.

Guests participated in engaging activities commencing with an “ungooglable” question challenge on arrival. Thereafter, we were transported to another world in the event venue, enjoying a sensory experience set up to mimic the wild Antarctic landscape, the setting for the Endurance film. Food and activities were crafted to engage the guests in the different programming properties, in a way that triggered the imagination and provoked a sense of adventure.

Watch my video of the event here:

Guests at the event included content creators, media, affiliates and advertising sales partners. Participating content creators included Martin Meyer, Jo Judnick-Wilson, Rozanne McKenzie, Simone Dominique, Taryn Louch, Sara-Jane Makwala, Vanes-Mari Du Toit, Yolanda Bukani and Zuraida Jardine.

The television presenter Masa Kekana, MC for the event, shared her own experience in Antarctica, describing it as a pristine landscape unlike any other, before the Endurance directors Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin; Marine Archaeologist and Director of Exploration, Mensun Bound; and executive producer Dan Snow welcomed guests via a video message. The four paid a special tribute to the numerous South African crew members that were aboard the local icebreaker Agulhus II, the vessel deployed on the expedition that led to the discovery of the Endurance wreck, citing that they had set sail from the beautiful city of Cape Town, and the results show that team work really does make the dream work.