The plane touches down at Heathrow Airport. We navigate through immigration, baggage reclaim and customs, greet our families and then make our way out onto the roads to be met by the beginning of rush hour traffic. The morning chill is upon us, we wait for the car heater to warm up and quickly exchange knowing glances – our African adventure is definitely over. In truth much of what we have done over the last six months already seems a lifetime ago and somehow unreal. Back at home we share our tales over a cup of tea, the shocked expressions of those listening highlight just how different our lives have been.

Our final nine weeks at Entabeni were as busy as ever, with just one week off in the middle to recover. Much was still to be done, our attentions were focused on riflery, viewing potentially dangerous game and the onslaught of Level 2 lectures. One by one people began to make it through the shooting assessments and were therefore able to lead the rest of the group on walks. Our routine days consisted of a walk in the morning and the afternoon with a lecture squeezed in between. This way, everyone was able to log at least 30 encounter walks and gain vital experience for when the practical placements begin.

Normally the walks passed without incident, we would gain a sighting of the animals (lion, buffalo, rhino or elephant) from a close yet safe distance and then make our retreat without being noticed. However on occasions we would accidentally get too close or be spotted by the animals before we had seen them. On one walk with Lee a group of us were safely viewing 2 lions when a herd of elephant broke a tree far off in the distance.

This noise startled the 3 rhino who were feeding nearby in the reed bed. The domino effect continued as the scared rhino ran in our direction, gaining the attention of us and the lion. It was quite a tense situation as we waited silently and motionless for the worried rhino to pass by whilst hoping that the lions would not also gain sight of us. Thankfully our cover was good enough that we were not spotted and were able to eventually return to the vehicle safely. Being on foot in the bush heightens the experience so much. Without the safety net of the Land Cruiser you have to be extra alert and aware at all times and being close to the animals without them knowing is truly awesome.

Not all walks would end in such an exciting manner, and often our attempts to track the animals would fail. However, we were left with some memories of individual walks that will never be forgotten. On Tom’s first proper lead walk he was faced with an extremely tough job tracking two lion through thick grass. Unable to follow them footstep by footstep/ pawstep by pawstep we had to make an informed estimate as to where they may be heading. After a lengthy hike we were in sight of the nearest watering hole when a nearby vehicle radioed us on our hand held to let us know that we had just strolled straight by the lions in question who were stalking a small herd of wildebeest. Unfortunately they hadn’t moved as far as we thought and were in the tall grass beside the road, luckily they were focused on the potential kill and so we had gone unnoticed. The realisation of having walked so close to these deadly assassins without knowing they were there was a frightening one, and reminded us once more of just how vigilant you have to be when on foot.

We also had some hugely enjoyable experiences on foot, such as climbing trees to gain spectacular views of a herd of 40 buffalo as they passed by underneath oblivious to us being there.

As always the hard work and training was broken up with some amazing experiences and adventures. We finally had our survival weekend with Rob McQueen, learning techniques to stay alive in the bush, using the resources provided by the natural environment. Unfortunately our shelter was on the losing side of a battle with the elements as the rainy season arrived with all its might. Fortunately, we were able to utilize an abandoned bush camp to stay in and recover overnight. Our diet consisted of scorpions, termites and water lily roots for the vegetarian (making us all the more appreciative of chefy’s cooking upon our return to camp). The course was extremely enjoyable and everyone enjoyed swimming in the dams and climbing the waterfalls in our hunt for fresh running water.

We were also rewarded with a week in the Kruger National Park – in exchange for vacating our rooms to provide accommodation for the contestants of the Miss World competition being held at the reserve. Unfortunately, during our stay at the Satara Camp, Helen had a bad fall and needed several stitches in her left knee. Therefore, whilst the others were enjoying mammoth daily game drives Helen and I were in the camp site wishing hopefully that a lost leopard may wander by our hut. Thankfully we were able to go out on some of the drives over the next few days and enjoy the spectacular wildlife the Kruger has to offer.

Ian’s little car is so narrow that he can hang both arms out simultaneously to get an even sun tan!

Upon return to camp everyone was focused on the Epaulette and Level 2 exams which would mark the end of our course. The group also began to think of the practical placements which would soon begin. Almost half of the group (including Tom, Nick, Chicken, Kallie and Lanie) will be staying at Entabeni itself to work as guides. Daniel will be working in the Klasserie concession and Virgil and Diana have the exciting proposition of managing lodges in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

And so with a barrage of exams the course ended. We had one last “Bar Night” to say our fond farewells, and in Tom’s case to have one last drunken conversation with a stuffed giraffe.

Email addresses have been exchanged and everyone will be keeping an eye on each other as the group take their first steps into the world of guiding. We’ve had an amazing, eye-opening experience which shall never be forgotten and return home refreshed and revitalized. Thank you Entabeni!