Upon arrival at Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg, the atmosphere was one of excitement and apprehension, as young people between the ages of 16 to 18 joined each other for the Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience. The day was started with a humorous and very informative introductory speech by Mr. Moletsi Mbeki, brother of the President of South Africa, where-after a short welcome was given by Mr. Dominique Perret, Cathay Pacific’s Country Manager for Africa and the Indian Ocean. Thereafter it was time to really get to know one another with a series of interactive activities and ice-breakers. Incredibly, cultural boundaries seemed to diminish as the day progressed, as all realized that we were a group of like-minded individuals with a common goal, preserving our planet for future generations.

Once again it was time to board the bus and travel to our destination for the next 8 days, Kwa Nyathi Tented Camp, part of Entabeni Nature Reserve, a big five wildlife haven in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. When the bus arrived 3 hours later, one of the delegates nervously remarked that it was a very ’rural place’. And, in true African bush fashion, delegates are housed in safari tents, with outdoor ablution and cooking facilities.

Ivan Putter from South Africa, was the first delegate with the (questionable) honour of wearing the bush blossom hat, an honour bestowed on him for losing all his squares in the Growing Friendship Icebreaker and his very ‘brave’ comment that he would not get cold. Sitting very close to the fire that night, with an extra jacket tightly wrapped around his slightly shivering body, and the beautiful hat pulled low over his eyes, everybody couldn’t help but laugh at the not-so-brave-anymore image he portrayed!    

For many, the highlight of the day was the stargazing after dinner. Nikki, from the Philippines, was in awe about the vastness of the African sky, the complete lack of light interference, and how different yet similar the stars appeared. The Southern Cross, and finally being under the same expanse as Nelson Mandela, was a very humbling experience for Ranya Ahmed from Bahrain.

 

Bedtime, the ‘so-taken-for-granted’ everyday routine, were for many a challenge in itself. Some experienced a feeling of helplessness as they realized that the sudden drop of temperature and the unusual and unknown sounds of the African night, was a reality they would have to face without the usual parental support system.