I planned this trip quite last-minute, so I had a limited timeframe, but the consultant I spoke to at ACE helped me to decide which two projects would be best suited for what my dad and I were looking for and gave a good guide for what to expect. We were seeking an active project combined with spectacular sights and an adventure element.
At the Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience, it was a good mix of physical work and game viewing. In the mornings at around 7am we would go for a drive, look for wildlife to record data on and in the afternoon, we had an activity such as tracking, collecting unwanted debris or bush maintenance. We collected data on the animals we saw, and the wildlife density really varied due to the size of the area we were surveying. Peppered in between these activities were excursions to the Kruger National Park & Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
One of my highlights at Vikela was camping out, which I massively enjoyed and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I wasn't sure I was going to do it at first, but I'm so glad I did!
I also really enjoyed helping collect debris from the Oliphants area of the Kruger because you could physically see the difference you had made. Tracking rhinos on foot was another favourite moment too!
In the Okavango Wilderness Project, I loved camping in the tents in the Khwai region because the area was stunning, as well as going on the Mokoro and driving through the rivers. I had so much fun with the team on this experience, and we really bonded with them. On this project, I was a little nervous as the camp wasn't fenced, but these nerves quickly faded, and it was very fun and exciting to be so close to nature.
In the Delta, we followed a similar pattern to Vikela, recording information in the morning on an iPad-like device. At times, this was hectic as we noted all tracks and animals, so there was a lot to record, and we did the same in the afternoons. Sometimes this got difficult because of the density of Mopane trees (you can't see through them!), but the 2 days we spent in Khwai were very exciting and made up for the Mopane tree experience. We also had freshly cooked meals twice a day, which made the experience more authentic.
It made me realise things about myself that I perhaps hadn't known or realised. I feel more confident in myself now!
There are certain memories that will stick with me for a long time from this experience. Camping out under the stars, tracking rhinos, seeing my first lions, hearing hyenas fight outside my tent in the Delta, camping out in the Khwai, seeing my first cheetah (Kruger) and wild dogs (Botswana), the food at the Delta, and lastly, a leopard walking across camp on our last day.
I had a fantastic time and have already recommended this experience to friends and family back home!
This trip meant a huge amount to me. I had recently split with my boyfriend of 12 years and wanted to go and have an adventure, and this certainly happened in Africa. Hey, if I can camp in the middle of the bush with no tent, keeping watch for lions and buffalo for an hour whilst everyone slept, I can do anything!
In an ideal world, there would be fewer people and double the space for the wildlife around us - but that's not realistic. We have to work with what we've got and trust the people in the know, not someone who lives 1000 miles away who has never been to the continent.
Feeling inspired by Sophie Blanchard's experience?
Learn more about The Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience and Okavango Wilderness Project.
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