Does 30 days in the wilderness, living in the bush change you as a person? Does it bring on a bigger understanding of things? Will the experience make you comprehend the complexity of nature, environment and life better?

I walked into the bush and after spending 30 days there, I walked out with a different insight pertaining to hunting, nature and the balance of the human race on the environment.

Back in Joburg again, at the same spot where I was exactly one month ago and where it all started. I’ve spent three wonderful days in Botswana, having an exceptional game experience in great numbers. Looking back at all the photos I can hardly believe they’re real.

I hitched a lift with one of the instructors in Selati for the seven hour drive north towards Botswana and crossing the border ending up in the Mashatu Game Reserve at the border to South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The Reserve is such a difference to Selati with a more open, rugged and varied landscape with new animals around each corner.

A dusty and dry area, but very impressive with mighty sandstone rock formations, creating ridges and canyons with majestic baobab and mashatu (nyala) trees.

Only one full day left of the month in the bush. It’s amazing how time flies when you’ve got loads to do and lots of fun. I came here a bit worried about the length, thinking that this will be a long time to spend in the bush. But it has just flown by and it’s with a bit of sadness that I’m writing this last post from Selati.

All assessments are now done and over with and there are quite a few newly certified guides that I believe will be a great addition to the industry.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride from day one. We’ve all shared a lot here. Laughter’s, disappointments, achievement’s, happiness, it’s all been shared and close friendship’s has been made. I’m sure we’ll all feel at bit of sorrow tomorrow when it is time to say good bye to each other.

The end is coming closer by each day going by. The month in the bush is almost over and the overall vibe in camp has definitely changed.

The final tests and assessments are upon us and the pressure and uncertainty is clearly present and visible. There seems to have been a turn towards a more individual thinking and a bit less group orientated. Everyone wants to achieve and get the results and certifications.

These final days will be filled with game-drives and walks led by the students, hopefully giving even more opportunities for some nice photos and to just be a real tourist!

Last night gave us the opportunity to blow of some steam as we had a good-bye dinner for Ralph and MJ, the camp-managers since well over a year back. The evening certainly provided good laughs and some weird competitiveness mixed with a few drinks. This group has certainly got its fair share of crazy souls.