It was day one of our #UHAMBO2024 hiking adventure, and we met up with our Eco-Training guides, Rhodes and Ellie, at the Pafuri Gate of the Kruger National Park. It was a sweltering day, and there was a bit of nervousness as our Inkwazi Adventurers made final preparations to our gear. For the next five days and four nights we will be walking through the bush and sleeping under the stars, fully immersed in the wilderness.
It was time to go, and a driver took us out into the bush, dropped us off and bade us farewell. Now it was just us, the four Inkwazi Adventurers, the guides, and of course, the bush with its endless possibilities.
We made our way to the nearest tree to find some shade for the safety briefing. It was nearly 37 degrees, so we appreciated any opportunity to enjoy some relief from the heat. Rhodes introduced himself and Ellie and gave us a taste of where we will be hiking; the Makuleke Concession. At once we realised just how special the next five days were going to be, and that not many people get an opportunity to experience this wonderful part of the Kruger National Park.
Thereafter, began the important safety briefing. Yes, on the list was, DO NOT RUN, no matter what. After answering some questions, Rhodes said we can put on our backpacks and get ready to head out. There is always a mixed feeling of excitement with some nerves as you put on your heavy backpack, do some final checks, and realise you are about to spend the next five days with only the food, clothes and water on your back.
I saw Rhodes draw a line in the sand and then he asked us to step closer.
*Rhodes said, "You each have a choice to make. When you cross this line, you are stepping into the wilderness... as a guest. We once belonged here, but in some ways we have forgotten how to look after the bushveld. As you cross the line you are reminded to respect the animals and the environment and you also leave your current world (city life) behind you. You are no longer chasing time, emails, meetings or deadlines. You will be following the rhythm of the bush." (*Here I am paraphrasing his message.)
He gave a step back. "Okay, if you are ready. Step over the line."
One by one we stepped over the line. Even though our backpacks where heavy, it felt like there was a bit of weight off my shoulders as I left the thought of schedules, meetings and unanswered emails behind me.
While it is a symbolic line, I knew we were now entering five days where we will have the time to slow down, pause and reflect. When you spend five days immersed in the bush, and encounter wildlife on foot, all your senses come alive.
Personally, it was difficult for me at first to find the rhythm of time in the bush. I still found myself looking at my watch frequently. However, waking up the next four mornings without an alarm clock was amazing. We joked because our morning traffic consisted of elephants and buffaloes blocking our paths and we either had to wait it out or take a slight detour. It was all part of the adventure. What I really did enjoy about the pace in the bush is that we had between three and four hours to rest in the heat of the day. This meant sitting under a giant tree, next to a waterhole or river, taking in the sounds of the bush, reading a book or taking a nap. It sounds terrible, doesn't it? Haha.
On the last day of our 5-day hike, as we approached the Eco-training camp, Rhodes stopped. He drew a line in the sand again, because this time, we were about to exit the bushveld, and enter our daily lives again. There was a slight moan from the group as we knew what that meant. Did we really have to go back to the urban wilderness with its digital noise and distractions?
However, this time, as we crossed the line, and reconnected with our daily lives, we had a choice to make. You can either reconnect with the world as it was prior to the hike. Or you can take this moment to reconnect with what is important in life. When you have had the time and space to reflect, while being immersed in nature, your perspective on life can change.
One by one we thanked Rhodes and Ellie for an unforgettable experience. (We will share more about that in another blog post.), and crossed the line as we reconnected.
The Adventure Life Lesson
At Inkwazi Adventures, we believe there is a life lesson (or lessons) in every adventure. Here is what this memory meant to me:
We can all get into the habit of drawing a line in the sand. Whether it is on your next holiday or as part of your daily routine to the office. As you cross the line, step into that world with respect and care while fully immersing yourself. Leave your current state behind, and to create the space and time to live in the environment around you.
And when you are ready to return, take a moment to pause and think about how you want to reconnect.
Each day, live in the moment, live for today.
Retold by Inkwazi Adventures leader, Cornel van Onselen, as it happened on our UHAMBO 2024 adventure.
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