Traveling is also a journey into yourself

by Bruna Almeida (Brazil)

A leap into the unknown South Africa

Traveling is also a journey into yourself. Getting to know South Africa was a starting point for the development of my self-knowledge. Exactly during a Safari, while we are at the mercy of nature facing animals, it is clear the perception of how human beings are submissive to the laws of life. The game safari in Kruger Park is a ride that surpasses any expectation, because besides being amazing, it shows you the real naturalness of things. South Africa is a culturally, naturally and socially rich country. The African "waka waka" is built by breathtaking natural landscapes, such as Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lions Head and its numerous beaches, as well as exotic cuisine with unprecedented drinks. South African wines lead you into delirium and provide a sense of belonging to the place. We can also comment on the population of the country. They are very similar to the Brazilians: cheerful, lively and receptive. Maybe that's why I liked it so much and identified myself with the place. Although every trip was awesome, a certain event struck splendidly me. When planning the trip, I decided that I would do the Safari from Johannesburg to Kruger Park, which would result in a 4 hour road trip. I decided to package with an agency (Africa Spear), because even though it would be more expensive, it would be safer for those traveling alone. At the arranged time, the driver, Mike, was promptly waiting for us to begin our adventure. It was a journey that has already begun to show me how blessed we are and how much I should be grateful for. When we arrived at the park, another guide was responsible for driving the tour and we went in search of the animals. Just as someone already told me, safari is a matter of luck. Some people can easily see all animals (including the Big Five: Lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros), but other people can not see all the animals they crave. In my case, I saw and I surprised them all. The moment we are in the car looking for the animals provides a peace I have never felt in life. Being there, in their environment, puts us in a position of support, where nature itself is the protagonist. After the game Safari, we were directed to our rooms, which are small hollows with simple bed and bathroom. We do not miss anything, and it's like a detox for the soul, especially for those who were on the other side of the world, with no company. The morning safari starts at 5am in the morning. The car picked me up while it was still dark so we could see the sunrise in the middle of the park. It was one of the most special dawns I have ever experienced, and despite all the cold, the warmth of God's love and the perfection of nature was able to warm us up. It was on that day, January 3, that I saw the Leopard. So handsome, wise and sagacious. It was hours in that immersion, but unfortunately, he had to go back to the city and continue his trip. After being entranced by everything that had passed, the driver, Mike, came to me so we could return to Johannesburg. During our return, we had an unforeseen event and the tire broke out. As it was just the two of us, we joined forces and still got help from a willing couple who literally saved our lives. At the end of the day, waiting for my flight to Cape Town, I concluded that the safari game was one of the best experiences of my life, in which the universe contributed to make everything happen in the best way, and also showed me that we must faithfully believe in our dreams , that they always surprise us positively.