Get in touch
Direct contact details for inquiries regarding the rally, partnerships, and general information.
This program, inspired by a journey that crosses continents from the Mediterranean to the Cape, plants native seeds from the sky along the rally route. Lightweight canisters are released during low-level passes over carefully selected sites, scattering a fine mix of grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs chosen for the local soil and climate. Participating crews help identify suitable corridors where degraded land can benefit most, working alongside regional partners to ensure each drop supports long-term regeneration rather than disrupting existing ecosystems. The approach combines the romance of pioneering flight with a practical, modern commitment to leaving the path a little greener than it was found.
Native seed bombing works by mimicking natural dispersal, allowing wind and rain to bury tiny seeds beneath leaf litter and soil. Compared with traditional planting, this method reaches terrain that is difficult to access on foot, such as rocky slopes, fire-scarred clearings, or remote stretches of savanna. Before any flight, botanists familiar with the region evaluate target zones, selecting species that complement existing vegetation and provide food or shelter for local wildlife. Follow-up monitoring then tracks germination rates, soil response, and biodiversity changes, helping refine future drops and ensuring that each aerial contribution becomes part of a wider restoration story.
Within the broader charitable mission of the rally, seed bombing stands out as a tangible, visible act of care. Where crews refuel overnight or pause between legs, local communities are invited to learn about the technique, help prepare seed mixes, and participate in ground-based planting that complements the aerial effort. Schools along the route sometimes adopt nearby plots, giving young people a direct connection to the landscapes their visitors have flown across. In this way, the rally's spirit of adventure is paired with stewardship, encouraging travelers and hosts alike to think about how short flights can leave lasting, rooted benefits across continents and cultures.
The seed bombing initiative also reflects the rally's wider interest in aviation heritage and the landscapes that pioneering pilots once crossed. Early aviators wrote about the changing colours of the land beneath them, from olive groves and highland forests to coastal dunes and broad river valleys. Today, the same horizons can be observed from vintage cockpits while contributing to environmental recovery. Each seed sown is a quiet counterpoint to the roar of radial engines, a reminder that journeys of discovery can also be journeys of renewal. Together, the crews, partners, and local volunteers transform the route itself into a living project that continues to grow long after the final aeroplane has landed.
The VintageAirRally Crete2Cape was organized by Prepare2go, a team with extensive experience in ground and air logistics across challenging regions. The route from Crete to Cape Town had been successfully flown eight times in the eight years leading up to the 2016 rally.
For partnership or press inquiries, please use the contact details provided.
