A DAY IN THE WILD: MY KHAMA RHINO EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT VOLUNTEER

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to leave the busy city behind and step into the heart of the wild? I had the opportunity to visit Khama Rhino Sanctuary and it was an unforgettable experience. The trip was not only exciting but it also gave me a chance to appreciate Botswana’s wildlife and natural environment.

We arrived at the sanctuary in the afternoon and were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff. After signing in at the sanctuary, we were immediately driven to our accommodation where we unpacked while waiting for our game drive. Our accommodation was cozy and peaceful, surrounded by nature, making it a comfortable place to stay.

After settling in, we went on a game drive that lasted until evening. During the game drive, our driver taught us about the two types of rhinos found at the sanctuary, black and white rhinos, as well as the different types of zebras. We were fortunate to see impalas, giraffes, hartebeests, guinea fowl, rhinos and different species of birds. We also learned about why Khama Rhino Sanctuary was established and the important role it plays in protecting rhinos and other wildlife. This helped us understand the importance of conservation and protecting Botswana’s natural heritage.

As evening approached, we returned from the game drive and had dinner at a restaurant inside the sanctuary. After dinner, we gathered around a bonfire under the night sky, where we enjoyed delicious s’mores and played charades, one of the highlights was mimicking wild animals, which had everyone laughing trying to guess the animals being acted out. It was fun and memorable, and the warmth of the fire and peaceful surroundings created the perfect ending to an exciting day.

On our way back to Gaborone we passed by Khama III Memorial Museum in Serowe where we learned about the history of Serowe and had the opportunity to see artifacts dating back from the 19th century, giving us a glimpse into the lives, traditions, and craftsmanship of the Bangwato people during the time of Kgosi Khama III. We also learned about Botswana’s traditional leadership and how Seretse Khama, a chief of the Bangwato later became Botswana’s first president in 1966.

Overall, the excursion was both educational and enjoyable. We learned more about Botswana’s wildlife, conservation and the history behind the sanctuary while creating unforgettable memories. Khama Rhino Sanctuary was truly an experience that brought us closer to nature.

By: Sadie Mohaladi