Author: Vicky Holden
Placement: 1 month at placement 0020
Period: July 2007
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We arrived four weeks ago not knowing what to expect. Some of us had traveled alone and were quite nervous about meeting the rest of the group. After meeting for 5 minutes we set off to track the lions and were all blown away by seeing Mufasa, Scar and the three 5 month old cubs. We noticed our facilitator was using what looked like a television arial to find the lions but we soon learned that this was called telemetry. Every day we used the telemetry to track down and monitor the lions. By the end of the four weeks we were experts in using telemetry and compete every day to get the quickest time. The record currently stands at 9 min 30 sec - beat that!
Monitoring the lions was a key activity which we did every day. Doing this is critical for the future success of the project and its sustainability. Other animal activities which we were involved in included elephant monitoring, jackal count, game counts, crocodile capture and animal relocation.
One of the main highlights was coming eye to eye with Norman the 36 year old elephant bull. He was so close that if we reached out of the land rover we could have touched him. It was a breath taking experience!
We were also involved in community based projects which included giving a life science lecture to the children at the local school and undertaking some maintenance on the school building. Twice a week we visited the local orphanage. This was one of the most rewarding experiences during our time here as we got the opportunity to bond with the underprivileged children there. Every time we went we played different games with them and did some arts and crafts which they enjoyed.
Other activities we took part in included camping under the stars in the reserve, a survival challenge where we had to construct our own shelters and had minimal provision. Canoeing on the bushman’s river, Rifle handling, alien tree removal, fence and road maintenance. Another opportunity we were lucky to have was behind the scenes tour of the Born Free Foundation.
During our time off we socialized with the locals and the rangers at the nearby pub or at the volunteer house. The house we live in is situated in the small town of Paterson, a short drive from the reserve and has a resident dog called Odie who likes to join in the fun. At the weekend there was lots to do in the surrounding area. From sky diving to horse riding in Addo National Park. We even took on the worlds highest bungee jumping at storms river.
Last but not least we have Ettiene our facilitator, to thank for all the amazing experiences we had and the knowledge he imported to us. His enthusiasm made our stay interesting, fun and memorable and we all go away with fond and happy memories of our time spent here.
It has been an experience of a lifetime and we all plan to return in the near future.