The past week of the Eswatini expedition has been eventful. From completing the first half of community project, to seeing numerous animals in the wild on awesome safaris, and to working on conservation sites; we have all been busy.
First Half of the Community Project
When our first half of community came to an end, we all felt fulfilled in what we set out to do, and even more excited for our return. Getting to know the children, having the chance to teach and play games with them, was a wonderful experience. Not only did we get to see what primary school was like in another country and culture, we were able to make new friendships through the universal language on dancing, singing, and doing sports. As we left after our 5 days of engrossing ourselves in their culture and getting to know them personally, we saw the impact we had made in their community and are evermore excited to see how the new teacher accommodation building has come along.
Hlane Safari
From this, our first days in Hlane was an eye-opening experience. Our sunset safari was unreal as we were met face to face with a lion, elephants, and a whole bunch of rhinos!!
The second morning was an early start, as it was a ‘walk with the rhino’ safari. It was such a cool experience as we learnt a lot about rhinos and how white rhinos have extremely bad eyesight, and how to distinguish black and white rhino’s poop (more helpful than you think).
Conservation Project
The second half of the already busy day was taken up by travelling and setting up tents in Mbuluzi. The conservation project was an interesting experience as it was a lot of physical work (we’re ripped now). Our team was split up into 2-3 groups, one of which had a morning game count run, the other worked on the conservation/clearing debris, and an evening game count.
We rotated during the 3 days we were there giving everyone the chance to experience different aspects of the conservation site. Although the game count was interesting due to the wide variety of animals that were spotted, one thing that stood out to EVERYONE was the tractor rides. Why go to Alton Towers when you can just get on a tractor, go full speed, on an unevenly paved rocky road? Fun times (we survived)! It was our mode of transport to get from conservation back to camp, and between getting gravel and the working site.
Some of the conservation projects included having to make a road that required multitudes of rocks, built a stile that was tested by a DofE group passing by, and cleared weed that killed baby animals in the womb. All of this was done successfully and gained us new skills.
Overnight Trek to Sudwini
Our most recent activity was the overnight trek! Everyone was extremely excited for this as it was a glamorous way to camp compared to the past two weeks. The 7-hour trek, consisted of having to fight through extremely spikey bushes, big branches, Sahara Desert heat, pythons, and the slight chance of catching ticks (this is exaggerated… kinda). However, after we completed the trek with numerous rest breaks, we were welcomed at the campsite with a nice warm fire, and a lovely tent set up.
Dinner Under the Stars
Our dinner was scrumptiously mouth-watering and most definitely the best meal of the expedition so far. It was a well-cooked slab of beef, tender juicy chicken (drumstick and thigh), fresh salad, beans, and pap. Amazing. When we thought this couldn’t get any better, they gave us pudding!!! Lemon cake and custard. To a group of 16–17-year-olds who have survived on a lot of sandwiches, wraps, pasta, soup, and many more substantial meals, this meal tasted like heaven (plus we didn’t have any washing up to do).
Sleeping Out Under the Stars
The sleeping bags were extremely comfy, it was an actual mattress, with an actual pillow wrapped inside a blanket and another sleeping bag. Living the life. The morning of the trek back we had a warm breakfast that filled our stomachs for the journey back to Hlane campsite. The trek back was shorter this time, cutting it down to only 3 hours. The breeze was a delight, and it was quite enjoyable knowing it was 4 hours shorter than the trek there. Overall, everyone’s happy and tummies are full. Not long left, see you soon!!
Em M, Charlotte, Amber
