Kimberley Russel

SALES CONSULTANT, DURBAN

This safari was a bucket-list wish for me. I have always loved horses, nature and exploring new places, but at my age – 62 – I never expected to have the opportunity to marry all my loves into the trip of a lifetime.

Being completely off the radar gave me a sense of relief, and freedom. For the first time in a long while

I had time and space for personal reflection (which our fast-paced, communication-overloaded world does not allow for, and which I had been avoiding). This was a somewhat painful experience for me, but also valuable and necessary. The long days, the heat (one day was extreme), the hours in the saddle were enjoyable as I was fit and strong enough but I imagine that could be challenging for someone who was not as prepared.

I remember waking up on my stretcher which I had positioned in among the horses, and opening my eyes to the most incredible star-filled sky imaginable. Listening to the gentle sound of the horses all around me, I was overwhelmed by the majesty of it all. It was the most peaceful I had felt in a long time.