The Road to Manyoni: First Encounters with the Wild
After hours of travel, I finally stepped out of Richards Bay Airport and felt the warmth of the African sun on my skin. There’s something magical about that first moment—when you finally arrive in a place you’ve dreamt of for so long. I had just completed a long flight from London, and though I was tired, the excitement for what lay ahead was all I could think about. The next step? A drive to Manyoni Private Game Reserve, where my two-week adventure with Wildlife ACT was about to begin.
As I waited for my ride, I met another volunteer who would be joining me on this incredible journey. We quickly bonded over our shared enthusiasm for the days ahead, chatting about the wildlife we hoped to encounter and the conservation work we were eager to contribute to. There was an unspoken understanding between us—the kind you feel when you’re about to embark on something life-changing.
Before heading to the reserve, we made a quick stop at Pick n Pay, a popular supermarket in South Africa, to stock up on essentials for the week ahead. Snacks, drinks, and a few supplies were stuffed into our bags as we prepared for the next two weeks of bush life. With the van loaded up, we set off on the road to Manyoni.
The drive itself was a moment of reflection for me. I don’t remember the exact length of the journey, but I do remember staring out of the window, completely captivated by the landscape that unfolded before me. South Africa’s scenery is stunningly diverse, from bustling towns to open farmlands and rolling hills, all framed by the deep blue sky. There was something about the air—crisp, fresh, and full of promise. As we drove deeper into the Zululand region, it was clear I was entering a world that felt both wild and inviting.
Eventually, we pulled up at a small petrol station just outside the reserve, where we were met by two friendly faces—Musa and Jaxx, the Wildlife ACT monitors who would guide us over the next two weeks. Musa’s welcoming smile and Jaxx’s lively energy put me at ease right away. It was clear these two were passionate about the work they did, and I couldn’t wait to learn from them. After loading our gear into the back of their pickup, we were on our way.
I had been told the journey to the camp would only take about 15 minutes, so I decided to keep my camera packed, thinking I’d have plenty of time to get it out later. That decision, I soon realized, was a mistake. Barely five minutes into the drive, Musa slowed the pickup, and there, walking calmly along the district road, were three cheetah siblings. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The way they moved—so graceful, so effortlessly wild—was breathtaking. We stopped to watch them for a few minutes as they disappeared into the bush. It was a moment I’ll never forget, and one I immediately regretted not having my camera out for! Lesson learned: always be ready.
As we continued, I kept my eyes glued to the landscape, and South Africa’s wildlife did not disappoint. We spotted zebras grazing, impalas bounding through the brush, and giraffes towering over the trees. It felt like the world of Manyoni was welcoming us in, offering a glimpse of what was to come.
When we finally arrived at camp, I was struck by how beautifully simple it was. A house nestled deep in the bush, surrounded by tall grasses and thick trees. Though the camp was fenced in, the fence wasn’t electrified, meaning animals could easily pass through if they chose to. In fact, as if to prove the point, a male nyala was quietly grazing inside the fenceline as we arrived, a peaceful introduction to our new home.
Musa and Jaxx gave us a quick tour of the camp. It was much larger than I had expected, with a spacious kitchen, a dining area, and a cozy living room to relax in between our game drives. Outside, the campgrounds were big enough for a walkabout, and Jaxx had even set up a tightrope, which she confidently demonstrated—clearly a skill she had mastered during her time in the bush.
With the tour over, it was time to choose rooms. There were supposed to be four of us volunteers, but with the flight delays, only two had made it that day. The other two would arrive the next morning. Since I was the only guy, I had the luxury of choosing my own room, and I wasted no time unpacking. I organized my camera gear, clothes, and everything I’d need for those early morning starts. Having everything ready would make the 5 a.m. wake-ups just a little easier.
That evening, we gathered on the patio under the wide African sky for dinner. Musa and Jaxx had prepared burgers, and as we sat together, we shared stories, laughs, and got to know each other better. There’s something special about dining outside, surrounded by the sounds of the bush as night falls. The cool air, the starlit sky—it was the perfect end to a long travel day. With full bellies and hearts full of excitement for what was to come, we called it a night, knowing that tomorrow would mark the true beginning of our adventure at Manyoni.
The wild beauty of Manyoni was already making its mark on me, and I had a feeling this was just the start of something unforgettable. Stay tuned for the next post, where I dive into day one of our conservation work—tracking, monitoring, and an unexpected lion encounter!
