Cheetahs and other cats, warthog dissection, personal comments, quotes and reflections from the Cadets

Cheetah and African Cat Rehabilitation and Interaction

A unique experience and chance to get really close to the world's fastest land animal and one of Africa's most beautiful big cats. Cadets also saw African Wild Cats, Caracals and Servals.

"Getting so close to the animals was incredible and no one could say they’d pass up the experience! ... (However) I will be keeping my hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times on tomorrow’s game drive." - Susan

Educational Dissection of a Warthog

"We all began to look at all the different organs and began noticing how similar the Warthogs anatomy was to our own ... I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process and not only learned a lot more about the animal, but also learned to appreciate just how sophisticated mother nature can be!"  - Jennifer

Following the St. Lucia Wetlands Park phase of the environmental awareness course:

"As well as the journey (which has) been educational it's enjoyable, there have been laughs and banter left, right and centre. The group is bonding and growing stronger as our time in Africa continues, by the time we leave Africa we will be a fully functioning unit!" 
 

Inside the croc enclosure!

Anti-Poaching Talk which made a lasting impression on the Cadets

The Cadets described Tommy (shown below) - their guide's talk on anti-poaching as "A burning passion" which they felt perfectly demonstrated why people do their jobs and become who they are because they believe in something and they believe they can change it. They don’t do their jobs for wealth, only the drive to achieve what is right.

Guide Tommy pointing out interesting things on walking trails

"The poaching didn’t 'teach' me ... it opened my eyes to the realism of what is going on, not just in South Africa but all around the world. So as I sit here writing this for you to read I will ask you to do the same as I was asked, spread the word about the effects of poaching and educate yourself about the truth of what is going on. All in all it was awesome! And the way it was presented could not have been better.

I’ll just end this with a quote which I will remember as it was what made me think the most - William P

“Protect our heritage, not just in South Africa but everywhere, it’s who we were and what will lead us to tomorrow.” 

All creatures great ... and small!

Walking Trails in the Bush ...  

"Going deep into the bush and tracking wildlife by their tracks and observing and handling their dung makes it extremely satisfying when you get close enough to take that picture of a lifetime as well as carving into your brain an unforgettable array of images. From the excellent instruction of our guide we managed to learn a lot about ecosystems and how they work which makes you respect and change your outlook on the environment that you may currently have. Seeing these mammals and birds in their natural habitat is truly an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience." - Jordan

Time for reflection under a 'big', starry African sky!  

As he sits by the campfire enjoying 'alone time' and reflecting on the day's and night's activities Cadet William P writes:

"I believe (today) was different for everyone as each of us walked onto the trail expecting something different. Some felt fear and the worry of everything that is out there insects, creepy crawlies, snakes just waiting for you or bush babies screeching in the moonlit darkness. However I speak for the group when I say all of that fear and panic disappears as soon as you find yourself left only with your thoughts. You understand the wild, more than any words or texts you read, it helps show that South Africa is so much more than the big five that most people come to see, it’s full of millions of smaller but just as interesting and complex creatures and life such as the trees and plants. 

There is no light pollution, so at night South Africa just gets even more beautiful. As you look up towards the sky every single star is visible, the milky way is visible the moon shines brighter than I’ve ever seen, and the trail becomes illuminated by starlight. I feel lucky to be one of the few that are here, but I feel more lucky to have this experience and recommend it to anyone if the opportunity rises."

The Southern Night Sky of Africa