LEO Africa

In July 2022, I embarked on an unforgettable volunteer experience with LEO Africa in South Africa, and it was nothing short of life-changing. One of the most extraordinary parts of this journey was getting to sleep under the stars by a crackling bonfire, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. This moment allowed me to connect deeply with nature and feel the immense tranquility of the wild. The beauty of the African night sky was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and it gave me a renewed sense of wonder.

As part of our volunteer work, we had the incredible opportunity to witness firsthand how conservation efforts take place. One of the most exhilarating experiences was observing the darting of an elephant for data collection. The entire procedure, carried out with the use of a helicopter, was both thrilling and eye-opening. Watching professionals carefully approach and monitor the elephant in order to gather vital information was a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation and wildlife protection. This was just one of the many instances where I saw how science, technology, and conservation work together to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures.

We also took part in a variety of other conservation activities, such as uprooting invasive alien plants to preserve the natural ecosystem and tracking animal footprints across the reserve. Tracking the animals was especially exciting; we could follow their movements across the land and learn more about their behaviors and territories. One of the most touching moments was when we learned about a young lion, only three years old, who was trying to join a pride. Observing his attempts to fit in and the social dynamics of the pride gave me a glimpse into the complex and fascinating lives of these wild animals.

One especially memorable part of our stay was an overnight trip to Kruger National Park, which was also really cool for seeing different animals than we had in the Abelana Game Reserve. It was a great opportunity to experience a new environment and spot some new species, adding another layer of excitement to our journey.

Another absolute highlight was our sleep-out night under the stars, where everyone took a one-hour night shift to stay awake and watch out for animals. It was soooo cool — a truly unique and exciting way to experience the bush, with nothing but starlight above and the sounds of wildlife all around. Sitting quietly, listening, watching — it was peaceful and intense at the same time.

Throughout the three weeks at LEO Africa, I learned so much about the bush and the delicate balance that exists within it. My volunteer team was made up of people from various age groups, and the diverse mix of backgrounds made the experience even more special. We shared laughter, stories, and moments of awe as we explored the reserve, witnessing the magic of Africa up close. The bond we formed as a team made our time in the bush even more meaningful.

After leaving LEO Africa, I felt like I had gained a deeper understanding of not only the land and its wildlife but also the significance of conservation work. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that solidified my love for Africa, and the lessons I learned continue to influence how I see the world today. Every day in the bush was a new adventure, filled with discoveries and challenges, and I will forever treasure the memories of that incredible time.