Oneonta Adventure Club

Lisa Meschutt, Founder.

Pictured on the African Safari Trip 2022

The Oneonta Adventure Club was started in 2015 in Oneonta, NY, by Lisa Meschutt, a middle school science teacher that had spent 15 years taking 50 8th graders to the Grand Canyon every spring break. Eventually, the parents and other teachers got tired of only sending the kids and started asking, “When are you going to take the grown-ups?” So Lisa arranged trips for adults, too, to places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Alaska, and the Grand Canyon, as well as 1-day excursions hiking the Adirondacks and river rafting.

If you love to travel but don’t have anyone to travel with, this trip is for YOU! Many people that have gone on our trips are either single or married to folks that don’t like to travel. You can choose to stick with our group members, do things with other tourists from around the world, or do your own thing. Maybe planning and making all the arrangements is exhausting for you and you just want to sit back and enjoy without the hassle. Or are you tired of being the one responsible for the quality of other people’s vacations? Are you worried that you don’t know what sites are worth seeing or the best time to see them? Group travel is the answer! Are you thinking you aren’t a “group travel” type of person? On our trip to Yellowstone, while we were sitting on our comfortable coach bus in a very long line in the park, a first-time traveler commented, “You know, I really didn’t think of myself as a group-travel type of person. But sitting here in this very long line waiting, chatting with friends and a beer in my hand with a bathroom right here, I have to say, this really is the way to travel.” And it could be your way to travel, too! Why don’t you join us? The only requirement is that you have an adventurous spirit and like to have fun!

Testimonials

"The South African Safari was an indescribably amazing adventure! Seeing Africa's incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes should be on everyone's life long goal list.

It is difficult to put into words the emotions you feel when you see your first herd of elephants walking alongside your safari jeep. The guides were thoughtful and knowledgeable and showed great passion for the wildlife. They were always willing to answer questions or race along the park road to show off an amazing view of a wild cheetah, leopard, or lion. Everything was impeccably planned and timed perfectly. The accommodations and transportation were fantastic. The hospitality staff were friendly and excited to assist and share their experience with all of the guests. The food was phenomenal! As a vegetarian, I had some of the best meals and desserts of my life! My fiancé and I ate delicious and beautifully prepared meals throughout each day of the entire trip.As teachers, my fiancé and I had an opportunity to become students as we learned about the land, animals, and people of South Africa. With so much to do, see, and learn, if given the opportunity, I would definitely go on this trip again.Pack your camera and get ready for the trip of a lifetime to South Africa!"

-Nick and Kayla

“I went on my first trip arranged by Lisa many years ago to the Grand Canyon. We also visited Zion, Bryce and Antelope Canyons, along with other national treasures. While many of didn’t know each other when we departed, we quickly became a truly close-knit group of people that continue to travel together today. The destinations were breathtaking, but one of the best parts of the trip was that all arrangements were taken care of so that I didn’t have to concern myself with booking airline or hotel reservations and I never paid out of pocket for my meals or ground transportation. Our travel guide met us at the airport, we boarded our bus, and all I was left to do was to enjoy the trip. I loved it so much that I’ve done three more Oneonta Adventure Club trips since then, traveling with Lisa and others to Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Alaska. I can’t wait to see what we do next!! If you’re looking to travel to new locations without the stress and hassle of planning every detail, this is the greatest way to do it!”

-Terry J

“We’ve had the pleasure of going on three trips with the Oneonta Adventure Club. We loved that it was fully organized ahead of time with tours and events already planned. We like that we can pay monthly for a year before we go. We’ve made new friends on these trips and look forward to future trips with OAC. We’ve seen parts of the country that we otherwise might never have had the opportunity to…..checking things off our bucket list!”

-Russ and Tammy

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"More Than a Vacation — A Life Experience

My safari to Pilanesberg with the Oneonta Adventure Club was not just a vacation, it was an experience that will stay with me forever. It slows you down, grounds you, and reminds you of how small (and yet connected) we are in the grand web of life. From the moment we arrived, everything was thoughtfully planned. Lisa, made sure every detail flowed seamlessly. South Africa’s beauty is layered—it’s not just about the animals you’ll see on safari, but the way the entire experience immerses you in landscapes, cultures, and moments that feel almost timeless. Seeing the Big 5 & so many other animals was a dream come true! There’s an intimacy in watching life unfold naturally; predators on the hunt, mothers protecting their young, herds moving together. Every drive brings surprises. The accommodations were beautiful, the food was wonderful (and plentiful); and the hospitality was excellent. The beauty of nature, the endless clear skies, and the chance to watch animals freely in their own habitat were unforgettable. What made it even more special were the friendships formed along the way — people I would gladly travel with again."

-Juli

"I was most fortunate to travel to South Africa with Lisa and the Oneonta Adventure Club in 2024. A safari had always been a dream of mine, but I never thought I’d have the chance to experience it. Traveling to South Africa is not just a vacation, it’s truly the experience of a lifetime. Lisa meticulously planned every detail, which allowed our small group to relax and fully immerse ourselves in the adventure. The intimate size of the group made it easy to connect with one another, share moments, and build friendships that will last forever. The game drives were unforgettable. The rangers were friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and passionate about the land, animals, and culture. Every moment was mesmerizing, the vast reserve, the breathtaking landscape, and the abundance of plants and wildlife I had never seen before in their natural habitat. Watching these magnificent animals roam freely was beyond words, it felt spiritual, almost otherworldly. Even the brilliant night sky is etched in my memory. The staff at Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge were warm, attentive, and welcoming. The food, accommodations, and hospitality were all five-star, adding even more comfort to such an adventurous journey. What struck me most is how the safari sparked a deep curiosity about South African life and culture. Since returning, I’ve found myself diving into books, videos, and connecting with parks on social media—always wanting to learn more and relive the experience. This trip far exceeded my expectations, and I am so grateful to Lisa for her thoughtfulness and dedication in crafting such a life-changing journey."

-Deb