Learning from nature in Kruger Park

Having visited the Kruger Park – and many other game reserves in Southern Africa – over the past 50 years, it never ceases to amaze me how wonderful these natural areas are when our minds become immersed in their reality. Daisy, my wife and co-adventurer, and I have just returned from 11 wonderful nights in the Kruger Park. During our stay, we pondered the magnificent order of nature, and thought: ʻGosh, we as humans could learn much from the precise formation and unfoldment within the animal, mineral and vegetation kingdoms.ʼ These beings react to instinct, circumstance and conditioning, and although they experience extremes in temperature, environment and relief, thereʼs a common thread among them of natural existence and unfoldment.

Daisy and I were drawn to consider that, yes, humans are mentally, physically, and emotionally more advanced than creatures of the Natural Kingdoms, but at the same time, we are in many ways seemingly far behind in maturity. We considered that nature is more instinctive and personal to each animal and creature, as they go about their day seeking food, shelter, and socialisation. Humans, with their ability to reason deeper, often become more subjective in their response to situations and opportunity, and often damage the natural flow of time, resources and advancement available to each person.

It became evident that natureʼs foundation is enduring, while the advanced minds of humans tend to hoard and destroy. By watching and learning from nature, weʼre likely to draw on sufficient knowledge to plan for and create a better and more sustainable world for all.