Go on safari

“Finally, it was time to head out for the drives. My sister and I always took the top of the jeep (they were the best seats). Once we headed out for the drives, the world around me changed. Each day, we were in new terrain. Some days, we were covered in lush green trees, other days, we were surrounded by dead grass and there wasn’t a tree in sight. As a child, there was always some kind of National Geographic or nature video playing in my house so for me, it was as if everything was coming to life. Anyone can imagine being near animals, but the experience was something I could never even try to explain. The feeling of having a leopard walking one foot away from your jeep is indescribable.”

“Once again, we were back to see the leopard, her cubs, and the dead impala. The dead carcass was a little bloody and hearing the cubs and their mom crunching on the bones was not the most pleasant thing, but I wouldn’t change the experience for the world. Out of nowhere, two hyenas came to steal the dead carcass. The thing about hyenas is, they don’t hunt for themselves, and they just feed off of others catches. A fight broke out for the dead impala and eventually the hyenas got half, and the mama leopard and her hiding cubs got the other.”

“I wasn't prepared for the dust. Not even close. During dry season, every vehicle kicks up clouds of fine red earth that coats everything—your clothes, your hair, your camera equipment, the inside of your nostrils. I was grateful my guide carried face masks.”