Cabin fever has set in and it was decided for sanity purposes alone an overnight escape from the campsite was required. Francine, Steph and I negotiated an overnight trip to Sodwana Bay so that Steph could do some diving on Saturday and Francine and I could visit the Sangoma. Interestingly a day trip costs R450 and our overnight trip was costed at R470, makes you wonder when you deduct the R120 for accommodation what the other money is for in the day trip. I...

I spent this week doing a photography course with Emil von Maltitz, a professional photographer from Durban. He is not a dedicated wildlife photographer but has worked with African Impact for 3 years and has lots of great experience and knowledge to teach. There are 7 photography volunteers who range in age from 19 - late 60's. Phil the youngest of our group is also South African (white) and amazingly the first South African they have ever had join the proje...

Another interesting week in the community; got to spend 5 days at the crèche's this week and it was nice when the children recognised me and remembered games we had played last week and wanted to play again. There were again only a few children at one crèche and more at the other. The normal teacher was away at one on Tuesday and the teacher who used to be there was filling in. It was disconcerting when she took a seat, put her head on the windowsill and p...

I have survived my first week on the reserve. I spent 2 days at Etaneshi crèche and then 1 day at Mange crèche. Each day I got up about 6.15am to be ready to leave at 7.30am, this being Africa this meant that I left the reserve anytime between 7.30 and 8. Etaneshi crèche has about 6 children from ages 1 - 4 at present as the government has not provided them with money for food. Usually children are fed breakfast and lunch, however until at least late Feb...

My first day of volunteering was a little uneventful until my first game drive. I did induction with Cassandra (Business Manager) and Ziggy (Community Liaison Officer), learnt a few words of Zulu and chit chatted with other volunteers. This afternoon I got to go on a game drive. I do love being in a private game reserve and realised why when we saw 3 lions. Previously the driver stops on the road and you see what you can see from the road. No vehicles are to...