Submitted by Stephanie Stern on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in South Africa sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice and the Department of History…
For the past three days, I had the incredible opportunity to go on the most anticipated adventure of my life: a safari.
The Madikwe Nature Reserve is about the size of Rhode Island, and is home to hundreds of species of animals, plants, bugs, and birds. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and the knowledge that the rangers have about all the animals is captivating. On our very first drive, my ranger, Charles, heard a bird calling and told us all to look up. To our surprise, a bird was flying into the sky and then suddenly tucked it’s wings in and fell to the ground. This bird, Charles explained, is known as a kamikaze bird. It will fly into the sky as high as it can and free fall down to attract and impress surrounding females, in search of a mate. He knew this was going to happen all because he heard a bird chirping, and it took my breath away. This safari really made me take a step back. For my whole life (which is pathetic to say since it’s only been 20 years) I always dreamed of going on safari. I never ever thought it would happen. The experience in such raw nature helped me understand the African culture and background just a little bit more. So much of the color within communities in South Africa deeply resembles the natural roots of the land, and the songs and dances we heard within the tours of the tribes is obviously an omen to the natural world they were living in. The animals were so comfortable with the cars being so close to them, it was difficult to remember not to reach my hand out and touch them. But when Charles reminded us of the gruesome tactics an elephant uses to kill any threat to its babies, my arms were pinned down for the whole ride. The most difficult part of the safari for me, besides leaving, was tackling my intense fear of bugs. When my two friends told me one morning there was a scorpion in their shower, I really didn’t think I was going to make it. I am proud of myself for keeping calm and being able to look at a spider and not totally freak out; it truly was a moving experience for me.
I am still trying to process the experience that I just had. I am moved, humbled, and cannot stop staring at my pictures. I am so grateful for this life that I have begun to create for myself.
