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World Challenge to Eswatini & Mozambique
Two years of fundraising, buying equipment, and bonding with teammates passed quickly, and before we knew it, we were heading to Africa – one of the most exciting and diverse continents. With one team bound for Mozambique’s stunning coastline and the other for the savannahs of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), our separate adventures began even before the school holidays started.
Upon arrival, the teams prepared for different challenges. One team embarked on the rugged Lubombo trek, facing tough ascents and enjoying breathtaking views over the Lowveld. The other headed to Mozambique’s white sandy beaches to begin a conservation project, monitoring whale sharks and humpback whales.
Team One had to quickly adapt to the wilderness, shopping for 20 people and cooking over open fires as they embarked on a wild camping expedition.
The Lubombo Conservancy, spanning three wildlife reserves, is home to a variety of animals including baboons, giraffes, zebras, and impalas. Camping in a new location each night, digging latrines, and stargazing under the African sky provided an unforgettable introduction to expedition life. After a few days’ rest, the team began another trek through the Malolotja reserve, a pristine mountain wilderness. The team embraced the opportunity to disconnect from modern life in this remote and serene environment.
Meanwhile, Team Two arrived in Vilanculos, Mozambique, where they were greeted by pristine shores.
They spent time engaging with local children and haggling in the vibrant local markets. Their primary mission, however, was to gather data on whale sharks, humpbacks, and other marine life. With guidance from local experts, the team was thrilled to encounter the majestic whale sharks up close. Beach clean-ups and monitoring microplastics became another focus, as they realised the sheer scale of pollution affecting the coastline.
Sorting through millions of tiny plastic fragments was a sobering experience, opening their eyes to the challenges facing marine conservation.
As one team left the mountains and the other the coast, both crossed the border into Kruger National Park for an epic safari experience. With the ‘Big Five’ spotted (elephants, buffalo, leopards, hippos, and rhinos) there were some truly awesome moments where the wildlife came within a whisker of us. Giraffes that elegantly loped around the jeeps, curious and unperturbed, and after dark, a chance to see prides of lions prowling in the moonlight made for many amazing ‘Dear Diary’ moments.
Itineraries were then reversed and the groups swapped countries. As the expedition came to an end, emotions ran high. We all walked away having grown ten feet tall, elevated by cultural experiences, time spent with local guides, and mornings spent dozing with warthogs in front of open fires. What an incredible and diverse continent Africa is, and what a truly great adventure we had.
Penny Daniel
Churcher's College, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 10813349 and registered charity number 1173833
