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.

The leopards where really up and about last night, calling from either side of the river and camp.

With that evidence in mind of leopards close by, there was a small group of us, setting out this morning to track them and hopefully get a glimpse of them. There were only three of us with two instructors passing the river into the dense bush.

It’s not normally an area we walk in, but this morning it was time, with two rifles in the front. There had been quite a lot of rhino activity as well, so it was indeed heads up, being alert for whatever we might walk into.

Sitting here in front of the screen again after a few days away from all sorts of communication. Trying to cool down with a Black Label, fresh out of the shower, with the sun setting behind me, trying to see what I’m writing on here.

Came back this afternoon, having spent two nights out in the bush – camping, eating, sleeping and all the rest that comes with it under the open African starlit sky.

It’s been a real treat, though I must admit that the basic luxury of a shower and a toilet was quite a comfort to come back to.

Yes, the fact that you don’t “have” to take a shower every single day is not that bad, but after two full nights out in the bush, with walks around 10 km in blistering sun…You really do look forward to that shower!