Why I wanted to go:
From a very young age I have had a fascination with Africa; it has always been my dream to go there, when I was seven, my brother’s friend took part in the exchange, and from then on, I knew I wanted to do the exact same thing. I was able to hear first-hand about the amazing experiences that he had over there. I’ve always been one to step outside my comfort zone and try new things and this was a perfect opportunity to do so.

What I learnt:
While over there, I learnt to stand on my own two feet and be my own person.
I was able to use initiative and independence while I was over there.
I also learnt how to make new friends and adapt to a different Culture.

Key Events:

The Safari
After my first week at school, there was a long weekend for Freedom Day, so the Van Wyk’s (the family I was staying with) decided to take me out to a game reserve, so that I could really experience the South African wildlife. After driving, we arrive at the reserve and go in. Straight away we see a herd of huge black rhinos, sitting in a paddock, so we do what any logical person would do and got out of the car. A few moments after getting out the rhinos got up and started moving towards us. After a day of going around and looking at all of the various animals, we left the game park and headed over to the lion park. Outside the lion park there was an absolutely ginormous rhino sitting outside the gate, unlike at the game park we were allowed to get out, take photos with it and even touch it. After spending some time with the rhino, we headed into the lion park, where we could interact with elephants, zebra, and even go into the lion enclosure. When we drove into the lion enclosure, we saw signs pretty much saying anything that happens inside the enclosure isn’t their fault, which made us feel extra safe. We drove around for a bit, before driving right up next to the pack of lions, where one of the lions actually jumped onto the back of the jeep. I thought it was the coolest thing ever, but the rest of the family were screaming for their lives.

Babanango
In the last school week, my year headed inland into the wilderness for the week. We went camp in the country side in a place called the Babanango valley. In the beginning we did basic team building exercises, then orienteering and scavenger hunt-type things, but the most fun was on the second last day We woke up at 5am, it was -2 degrees out, and I was asked to do something called the ‘Polar Bear’ where you had to do at least 5 push-ups, fully immersing yourself into the -2 degree water, I did 13 (one more than my mate). After that we watched the sun rise, then did some more team building exercises, before starting up on a massive 20km hike. The hike was up a huge mountain, and when you got to the top you could see over the entire valley. On our way down, we saw a pack of wild zebra galloping across, which was awesome. That night a couple of mates and I went exploring, and found a hyena den, I went in and saw the remains of a cow, which was crazy – it looked like a scene of a horror movie. On that camp was some of the most fun I’ve ever had

In the end, going to South Africa was one of the best decision’s I’ve ever made and some of the most fun I’ve ever had.