The rule of five, to navigate the bush... and life.

Howzit Inkwazi Adventures Community.

In a previous blog I shared some of the amazing experiences from our hiking safari in the Kruger's Makuleke Concession, part of our #UHAMBO2024 adventure. As any adventure, there is always so much that you can learn and apply to our daily lives.

The rule of five is one of those lessons that became part of our morning routine, and can easily become part of your daily life.

Hiking in the Makuleke Concession in the Kruger National Park. Our Adventurers standing next to an amazing baobab tree.

Each morning, just before we headed off into the bush, one of the guides, either Rhodes or Elley, would run through the five 'golden rules'. No matter how many times we may have heard these rules, it was part of making sure we were setup and ready to take on the day. The five rules were:

1. Walk in silence.

2. Walk in a single file.

3. Obey commands.

4. Don't run.

5. Guns in front.

Let's call them the 'golden rules' for hiking safely in the bushveld. However, I believe we can also translate them into rules for 'hiking' through each day. Let me try and explain.

Such a great memory of quietly walking past this baobab tree just after seeing elephants in the dry riverbed.

1. Walk in silence.

In the bush: There are many reasons for walking in silence in the bush. The main reason is situational awareness. The guides rely a lot on listening to the important sounds when guiding you through the bush, especially where you may encounter dangerous animals. They not only listen out for the calls/sounds of the dangerous animals (e.g. an elephant breaking twigs when feeding), they also listen to the birds and their calls, as this can give a lot of information about the animals that may be around (e.g. oxpeckers that might indicate buffaloes are nearby). To walk in silence is about removing the noise, so you can hear the important sounds.

The silence gives everyone a chance to hear the important sounds of the bush. The silence also helps when you need to attract the guides' attention, when you may have spotted something, with a low whistle or by clicking your finger.

Furthermore, in nature, noise can travel long distances. So if you go on chatting while walking, you will scare all the animals away and see nothing. Personally, I loved walking in silence. It really helped to create that deeper connection with the bush, and having the awareness of what is happening around you.

In life: Our daily lives have become extremely noisy; literally and figuratively. Think of how you start or end your day. Are you starting each day by checking your work messages or going through social media feeds whilst still in bed? Think of how you are bombarded with digital noise throughout the day. From your daily commute, while being at your workplace or even at home (I have two young kids and it is quite noisy when they are awake).

So when I refer to silence in our lives, I mean, making the time and space to be quiet; literally and figuratively. Whether this is achieved through daily prayer, meditation or just sitting quietly somewhere... away from your devices. Incorporate some silence in your day by getting away from digital distractions. You may be amazed how by taking out the noise enables you to have meaningful conversations with your loved ones, read a book or play a game with your children. Live in the moment by removing the distractions, and create the silence so you can listen to the important sounds in your life... your friends and family.

A treat to leave the heavy backpacks under a tree and to walk in the shallow river.

2. Walk in a single file.

In the bush: When on a hiking safari, you will often follow game paths created by the animals, so walking in a single file is the easiest. However, there are also important reasons for this rule.

The first is that if you encounter a dangerous animal, the group of people will be perceived as one unit. This is also why you stay close to each other. The second reason is so that the guides know exactly where you are... behind them in single file. This is so that they can handle any escalated situation safely. See rule #5.

Part of this rule is also respect and courtesy within the group. Sometime you may be walking out in front, just behind the guides. Sometime you may be in the middle, or towards the back. As you hike, the group rotates positions, so you can give everyone an opportunity to see what is ahead, or just follow the group and listen to the sounds.

In life: How often do we unknowingly compare ourselves to others? How often do we try and get ahead of others? In my opinion this rule, by walking in a single file, means that you stay in your path (lane), and you know when to take your position in the line. In other words, you don't try and walk someone else's path and try to break away; you don't try and be better than someone else, or always take the front position. You stick to being your own best, and know when to be out in-front, and when to take the back spot. Be content with what you have, the talents you've been given and live each day to the fullest of your abilities, giving everyone an opportunity.

On the #RESET2021 Adventure, Lutz showed me I was making too much noise.

3. Obey commands.

In the bush: The guides have the uppermost authority while you are on the trail. They say it at the beginning of the trail and you agree to it, because your life is essentially in their hands. If you get into a dangerous situation with an animal encounter, you have to obey any instructions they give you; even if you disagree at the time. Once the danger is gone and the group is safe, you are welcome to discuss and question the decision. However, in the moment of danger, you obey the commands of the guides... exactly They are the professionals and have the experience and authority over the situation.

In life: To me, it signifies the importance of rules, and respecting those with the experience and authority over every situation. As you move throughout your day, you adapt to situations and rules of where you find yourself. If you are at work, you conform to the policies set out by the company, often these are for your safety. When you are on the road, you obey the traffic laws. There is a good reason for each rule, policy or law. It's best to obey it even if you sometimes do not agree with it.

Often you may be in a situation where you are the expert, and everyone will follow your instructions. It is about understanding the situation, and respecting your role in that moment.

An incredible sighting of a herd of buffaloes.

4. Don't run.

In the bush: This is such an important rule, however can often feel the most against our human instinct. The reality is, humans are the slowest dangerous animal in the bush. Not even Usain Bolt is fast enough.

Seriously though, running does not just put your own life at risk, but also puts the entire group at risk. It breaks the formation (Remember rule #2), it creates chaos and the guides do not know where everyone is. As a result, they cannot use their weapons safely if they have to. (See rule #5).

The guides have a lot of experience reading the animals' behavior and diffusing a complex situation. Most of the times, they can talk, shout or clap their hands to dissuade an aggressive animal to come too close to the group. Running will result in the situation running out of control.... pardon the pun.

In life: I see this rule as possibly two things. The first, don't run away from your challenges. Stand firm and face them head on while continuously assessing the situation. Like the guides do on the hiking trail. When things escalate, don't let it run out of control. Plant your feet, stay composed and stand firm when you take on a challenge.

The second is that by standing or walking, and not running, you are taking things slow and focused on your surroundings. Oftentimes we tend to think of the next thing instead of enjoying what we are busy with now.

Think of a holiday that you have taken before. Did you sometimes rush from one place of interest to another so that you could see it all? So instead of taking in the moment, took down a list of things. Once again, live in the moment. Live in the here and now. You will get to later a little bit later.

Rhodes and Elley leading us through the fever tree forest.

5. Guns in front.

In the bush: Not many people know, but when on a hiking safari, the first gun walks in front and the second gun just behind him/her with the guests behind them in single file. I used to think the one guide walks in the front and the other at the back. One of the reasons they are both in the front is that both weapons can safely be used while the guides know that the guests are safely behind them.

The first gun focuses on the animal or animals and the second gun acts as the back-up and focuses on protecting the adventurers. The guides are in constant communication with each other while they assess and deal with the situation. (e.g. the wind's direction, the animal's next move, where and how to keep the group safe).

In life: In your life, what are the 'weapons' keeping you safe? It could be your religion (As Christians we refer to this as the armour of God), may be your values, or overall attitude. Therefore, this rule of guns in front, signifies leading with your beliefs, values or attitude in everything that you do. Keep them front and center and stay composed. Use your 'guns in front' not only for dealing with challenges, but also for being an example to others.

Sunset over the Limpopo River. What a great time for reflection.

The Adventure Life Lesson

At Inkwazi Adventures, we believe there is a life lesson (or lessons) in every adventure. Here is what my memory of 'The rule of five' meant to me:

• What is your 'Rule of five'? For yourself or for your family or for your team, design you own simple rules for each day.

• It is a daily reminder. No matter how many times you may have gone through the briefing. It sets you up for the day.

• Ultimately, the 'Rule of five' is about being prepared, being alert, and being in the moment.

Cornel van Onselen

Inkwazi Adventures Leader