Soon it was time to board the bus.  Leaving behind the African bush bathed in brilliant sunshine it was out the gates of Botshabelo reserve and onto the tarred road.  A final contemplative longing look back and we were on our way.  A trail of dust left in our wake drifted on the air, marking our presence at Botshabelo which had been our home for 7 days. On the bus spirits were buoyant yet tinged with sadness.  Chatter filled the bus as delegates recalled and shared their experiences and activities, as well as antics no doubt, and simply enjoyed the time of togetherness and sharing. 

A 2 hour bus ride brought the delegates to Cobanos Curio Shop in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.  Here it was shop, shop, shop until you drop as the children explored the shop deciding what to buy for whom back home.  Extremely satisfied with their purchases and happy with their shopping spree, 42 delegates laden with lots of interesting parcels of all shapes and sizes – including an African drum – boarded the bus for their next and last stop on South African soil, the Indaba Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.  On arrival the delegates were treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch which was eagerly and keenly tucked into.  The meal was thoroughly enjoyed and greatly appreciated by everyone.

Lunch was followed by a wonderful surprise.  The delegates were paid an unexpected visit from Byron the Cheetah and his handlers from De Wildt Cheetah Wild Trust.  After an introductory talk and slide show by Marilyn on cheetahs and the excellent work carried out by De Wildt Cheetah Wild Trust, Byron himself made an entrance.  42 children gazed in silent awe as he majestically entered, stopped, took time to look around his surroundings and then silently leapt onto a table for all to see him. 

Once Byron had settled down, his loud purring resonated around the room seeming to enhance the power and majesty of the cheetah.  Now there was eager anticipation and much excitement on the part of the delegates as each was given the opportunity to come forward and stroke him on his back.  This was simply awesome to be stroking the fastest land animal and one of Africa’s premier hunters.  As Byron lay purring his power and speed was evident as his muscles quivered under their touch.  The children were surprised and amazed at how soft his fur was.  Simply stated: Byron impressed!  Photographs captured the moment.  This was an awesome, hands-on experience which will long be treasured by each and every delegate.  The time arrived for Byron to leave.  He made a great and long lasting impression on the children, and as he regally departed many a resolution was made to do something positive about ensuring a healthy environment for the survival of all the wildlife of our planet.

The evening marks the culmination of the activities of the Cathay Pacific Wilderness Experience.  A more formal function with a sit-down supper, guests and parents are invited to join the delegates for the evening.  This is the Cultural Event evening were each delegation presents a cultural or traditional item from their respective countries.  The Cultural evening was a colourful, robust, fun-filled and entertaining affair.  Presentations were excellent and informative, and delegates were encouraged to participate where appropriate.  Each delegation used the opportunity to express their appreciation and give a brief report back on what the Cathay Pacific Experience had meant to them.  The event drew to a close with the handing out of Certificates of Participation by Cathay Pacific Airline to each delegate.  All in all, an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable evening exhibiting how the delegates had grown and matured both in friendship and within them.

As this wonderful week-long wilderness experience in the African bush draws to an end delegates expressed their gratitude and sincere thanks to the sponsors - Cathay Pacific Airline, British Airways, Dragon Air, EMP Tours and Indaba Hotel - for making this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible for them, and to Ubungani Wilderness Experience and the Education Officers - Hanneke, Myles, Lesego and Obeid – for ensuring a wonderful, educational and fun-filled life-changing experience.

Time for departure and final goodbyes was eminent.  It was with much sadness that delegates said goodbye to new friends, and to the beat of the African drum and the singing of Shosholoza, the international delegates left us sad and tearful, yet taking with them happy memories of a glorious time spent together in the African bush and confident in the knowledge that, as a result of this wilderness experience they are each able to make a difference and take action in ensuring the continued survival of our planet and its life-giving resources and diverse plant and animal life.