Let the games begin!

With the flood waters dying down, and with the roads drying out enough for normal game drive activities to commence, this week started off with the students doing their first stint behind the wheel of a Land Rover. A practical evaluation was conducted, during which time the Trainers assessed the driving skills of the students, with the main focus being on reversing, gear changing, engaging Low Range and Diff Lock, and smooth navigation over obstacles. Most students managed to pass the practical assessment with flying colours - others however, send the trainers flying!

With all of those technicalities out of the way, the real fun started as this week the students had the opportunity to start driving the Safari Vehicles themselves. Great excitement reigned, as the guys who went out on their first drive bumped into the pride of 18 lions, and this time one of the big male lions was also relaxing with his pride. Not too bad for a first animal encounter!

More excitement followed, as on a following drive a puncture brought us to a screeching halt... in between a herd of Bull Elephants. Now it became obvious why the previous week’s practical on tyre changing was so important. Luckily we sorted the problem out in no time.

On the academic front the students were introduced to the various mammal orders and their associated characteristics. The tree lecture turned out to be a fun filled activity, as the students were divided into teams, and in their groups they had to teach their fellow classmates about the cultural, medicinal and traditional beliefs of some of the local species found within the reserve.

Other major highlights of the week included a brief introduction to the wonderful art of tracking, with a guest lecturer giving as a few basic tracking tips. Most students were really keen to learn more, and accordingly, in the semesters to come, we will have the privilege to spend a whole week in the presence of a Master Tracker!

Warm regards from the bush!

Margaux and the Bushwise Team