Picture the most peaceful place you have ever been. Now, picture a place ten times more serene and tranquil — that is what you will find in the South African bush.
I’ve traveled to South Africa before, a few times actually. In fact, I called Cape Town home for a total of six months over the years. That said, my recent Discover Corps journey in Greater Kruger was the first time I felt like I saw the true South Africa.
I was not expecting such calm, out there in the middle of all that nature. When your safari vehicle’s engine is switched off, aside from the occasional baboon, all you can hear is the sound of your own heartbeat and the soft rustling of nearby wildlife. Watching hippos from a safe distance on the river bank or come around a bend and find yourself face to face with a herd of elephants! I have never felt closer to the earth. Nature just carries on, mostly ignoring us, while we have the privilege of observing.
Safari Lodge
There is no shortage of wildlife reserves in the Greater Kruger area, but I could not have been happier with the one Discover Corps has chosen for its travelers. It is a private, family run property that is luxurious and comfortable without feeling over the top or out of place in the surroundings. There is a small staff that you get to know and grow attached to over the ten days. I was devastated to leave behind the amazing chef who prepared all of our meals to perfection! There will be time to relax by the pool or fire pit during the afternoons and look for the wildlife roaming the property.
Learning Through Doing
Another aspect of the trip that took me by surprise was how much I learned.
This was thanks to our amazing guide, who knew the name of every bird, every tree, every beetle that we passed. I must say it was incredible how much knowledge and passion the guides have for the living things in the area. Their passion was contagious, and I found myself just as excited about the fresh tracks we found in the dirt as our guide was. It is inspiring to meet the people who have dedicated their lives to becoming so in tune with nature, they can tell you exactly what that elephant is going to do next, or what species bore the hole in the ground, with just a quick glance. Sharing their knowledge with us came naturally.
Our group had the opportunity to meet with many other leaders and business owners who are all doing their part to aid conservation efforts and build up the local community. Everything from actively running the anti-poaching unit, to repurposing the recovered snares into jewelry, to teaching local women self defense and agriculture. None of these organizations were tourist attractions. These are normal people that Discover Corps deems to be doing good work and who were happy to share their work exclusively with our group. We learned so much from them.
Small Moments
Despite all of the amazing animals we saw and people we met, one of the things I will cherish the most is the peace I felt in all the little moments: The early morning drives watching the sun rise with the fresh air whipping through your hair. Spending each evening soaking up the last bits of sunlight over the horizon, reflecting on the day you just had with a drink in one hand and a snack in the other. Basking in the light from the Milky Way in a rare place with no light pollution.
This is the beauty of Africa.
Cheers to chasing sunsets.
–Colette Williams, DC Travel Specialist