Kris Stolk

I decided to join this trip as I was curious about South Africa from a conservation standpoint. I have visited South Africa before on a family safari holiday, but this time I wanted to learn more about the inner workings of conservation efforts. I am very interested in animals and I wanted to understand what is really happening with the wildlife here. 

I initially thought that this trip would be similar to my previous trips to South Africa and Botswana, but it wasn’t and I’m so glad about that.

It was a real highlight for me to learn more about new bird species, plants, and animals during the game and biodiversity drives we took on this trip. I have also learnt a lot about how much animals are affected by human activities and it has changed my perspective on conservation for the better. The new knowledge I gained on this trip is incredibly valuable to me.

Aside from learning about wildlife, another highlight for me was working with everyone. I have grown closer to many of my friends and I've also learnt a lot about photography, animals, and conservation from the new guides I met. I feel like I've improved my communication skills and stepped out of my comfort zone by talking to new people. 

In my opinion, this experience is much more valuable than a typical safari. It offers a deeper experience, combining safari aspects while learning about the challenges animals face. We got to see animals, take pictures, and study them, but also learned about their struggles and the context behind everything.

I am looking forward to going home and telling my friends and family about all the cool animals I saw and the new experiences I had. This trip has changed my perspective completely, and I look forward to discussing these important topics with my parents.