Eliz Aquino

I experienced the Bushwise Adventure Safari program, as part of Go Overseas' On the GO trips, an annual site visit perk offered to full time GO employees to join a partner program on GO, just like our community of travelers! I was lucky enough to go on a safari with Bushwise for 7 days and it was an experience i'll never forget!

As a first time safari goer, I didn't know what to expect, but this was better than I could imagine! Seeing elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, baby hyenas, a lion, rhinos, and plenty of more animals in their natural habitat is something I'll cherish forever.

Our field guide, Darryn truly made this experience immersive and customizable, and I left with a TON of new animal knowledge! Beyond just the game drives, Darryn showed us how to read animal trackings, thoroughly explained EVERYTHING we saw/answered every single question we asked LOL, and taught lectures at the camp about various topics like rhino poaching, medicinal plants, and more.

Plus, the camp was gorgeous! It's a quiet glamping experience literally in the bush! With it being a small group experience, I was worried about what the social life would be like but everyone was so friendly and we ate each meal together, hung out after/during drives, etc!

I highly recommend this safari program to anyone who wants to go beyond the typical safari experience and get a real, immersive understanding of the bush. I'd love to come back one day with my partner and family!! Thank you so much to Bushwise for the amazing experience.

In October, I volunteered for a week with GVI Phang Nga, as part of Go Overseas' On the GO site visits perk for team members!

I spent half the week participating in the conservation project and the rest of the week with the community project, helping with English lessons. The staff on base are so knowledgable and passionate about what they do, and really care about the volunteers and the community.

1 week did not feel long enough for volunteering, so I do recommend staying longer if you can, to help make a more positive impact.

I will always cherish my time in Ban Nam Khem and miss getting Thai iced teas from the shop across from base :)