For the next 6 weeks I will be living in a Big 5 Game Reserve, which also has the Magnificent 7. It is a private game reserve that is owned by a Swedish Billionaire. He apparently bought the reserve initially to hunt on, however then decided that conservation was much more needed in the area and the reserve now has a no hunting policy and anti poaching unit on site.

There are 4 types of accommodation on the reserve. A five star lodge, a tented luxury camp, the villa of the owner (mansion type) and the old hunters lodge area. I am in the old hunters lodge area which has one main building which has our dining room, kitchen, offices, etc. We then have twin cabins just outside. I share a cabin with Sophia, however she is no Laura and thankfully only here for 2 weeks and so I will either get a new cabin buddy when she goes or the hut to myself. A pool was advertised, however it is more a frog pond at present and the water that has pooled in the bottom following rain is currently being used as additional water to flush toilets and so there will be no swimming whilst here. There is a major water shortage on the reserve. The hierarchy for water that is trucked in goes to animals first, lodge second, tented camp third, and then maybe if there is any left, we get it. There have apparently been a few days when there has been no water in camp to shower or flush toilets with. Thankfully drinking water is always provided for humans as well as animals.

In our induction we learnt that within the last 2 months they have had a bull elephant, 2 cheetahs and 2 lions in camp despite the electric fence running around the perimeter. Oh yes and it is spider, scorpion and snake season and so roll your bed back during the day so that you can ensure that you are not sharing with a snake at night!! But don't worry, you will be fine just carry your flashlight and whistle (to sound if you see game in the camp).

If you see an elephant, be as small as you can be and back away to the nearest building and get inside. If you see a lion or really any other predator be as big as you can be by waving your arms and make noise, lots of noise. Once again back away slowly to the nearest building and get inside. Whistles are to be blown and if you hear a whistle you are to blow your whistle to wake someone (staff) who have a radio and can call a game keeper for help. Do not walk to find anyone or you may become dinner. Scared yet? Well guess what, I am and this is my home for the next 6 weeks!