Apprentice Trails Guides Update

My first week of the apprentice trails guide course has been absolutely mind-blowing. I honestly cannot believe how different things are on foot. Even though I’ve spent the last 3 months driving around on Amakhala completing my apprentice field guide course, everything feels so brand new on foot and it is such an enchanting feeling!

We walked up and down the hills following ancient animal pathways, watched hippos resting in the river without them being aware of us, and spent breaks looking at elephant herds interacting with each other.
We were in some way a part of those animals’ lives, and to me, it felt like an absolute privilege. Especially because I never get to experience such things in Europe! But I guess that is the magic of Africa…
Learning how to move around wild and dangerous animals was the main focus of this week and I’ve learned so many lessons! (Remember: never approach an animal if you cannot keep your eyes on it!!!)
The day we were approaching lions on foot was just fantastic and full of adrenaline! Schalk was the first and only rifle and it was unbelievable how he dealt with the situation and made the best decision possible for both us and the lions, with him being extremely respectful towards them.
Schalk’s knowledge, beliefs, and ethics are always outstanding for me and those are such rare characteristics nowadays.

I am really glad this is just the beginning of my apprentice trails guide course, I cannot wait to see what the next few weeks will bring!!

• Federica

“Africa has her mysteries and even a wise man cannot understand them. But a wise man respects them.” – Miriam Makeba