Through the past 10 days in Africa, we visited a total of four countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Eswatini. While each country has its own uniqueness, there was a common theme across all four. All four countries had a culture that emphasized appreciation towards people and animals and this culture was evident throughout every safari we went on. Our first safari was in Zambia at the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where we got our first glimpses of the white rhino. Our guide let us walk towards them to get a closer look and talked to us about the measures the park is taking to counter poaching. He also made sure we were a safe distance away to keep the animals feeling safe and unprovoked. Later in the day, we had lunch at the Elephant caf?. Before enjoying a delicious meal, we got to feed and play with the elephants at the sanctuary. There were four elephants, and each elephant had their own story. The chef came out and spent time to tell us each of the elephant?s journeys and the level of care they are now under at the caf?. One of the elephants felt so cared for that even after giving birth, she bought her baby elephant back to the sanctuary. The culture of appreciating all people and animals was on full display again on our last night at Hlane National Park in Eswatini. We had a local come talk to us around the campfire about the devastating rhino wars and the battle to stop poaching in South Africa. One thing he said that had a lasting impact was ?we don?t inherit this land from our fathers, but rather, we borrow them from our children.? He emphasized the responsibility we have as humans to stop our own species from killing these animals. Ultimately, throughout the past 10 days in Africa, I not only got a glimpse of many unique animals throughout the safaris, but I also got a glimpse of the culture across all of South Africa; it is a culture of appreciation, respect, and love towards all living things in the hopes of sharing it with future generations.
