The Heart of Karongwe

South Africa was my first ever GVI project, but certainly not the last. The reason I chose this particular project is because I was desperate to see the big 5 in their natural habitat and Karongwe certainly delivered that!
After landing in Johannesburg, we had a 5 hour drive to base which allowed us to get to know each other and start learning about with whom we would be sharing the coming weeks with. My first game drive was phenomenal with sightings of Elephants, lions, hippos and the rhino! One of the most memorable experiences of my life was being less than 4 metres away from a female cheetah as she was feeding... it was simply breath taking!! Not only the things I saw, but the people I met and friends I made will stay with me forever.
This particular project is very scientific and the research they carry out is very informative. I learnt the basics of telemetry, species identification and tracking of animal footprints. The living conditions are basic, but not in comparison to other projects. You still have hot running showers, variety of food including fruit and veg and comfy beds in a mixed dormitory.
Overall, I would rate this project a 10/10, it is one that cannot be missed nor forgotten!