Testimonials & Quotes from Ex-Participants
From: Nick Ingham – UK: May 2003
This gap year experience is a truly unique opportunity to combine fun and adventure with an ever-growing knowledge of the bushveld and South African culture. I have really loved my time here at the Game Reserve and have always enjoyed the friendly staff, the adventurous activities whilst acquiring numerous bush skills from the guys that really know their stuff. Among the highlights was the Elephant Back Safaris, bridge swimming, microlighting over the wilderness, camping in Kruger National Park, shooting with a large calibre rifle, learning about the bush species and tracking skills, 4x4 driving and having coffee amongst feeding lions! I have had a tremendous time here and for sure; it will be something I will not forget for a tremendously long time.
From: Marion Yarrow – UK: May 2003
Thank you for such a wicked time. Staying on a game farm was unique in its self let alone all the activities that we took part in. Shooting the 375, tracking animals and catching birds of prey, BBQ’s in the dried out river beds, swimming in the pool while watching the warthogs and giraffes drink from the reservoir, bundi bashing in the 4x4 and sleeping in our proudly made tree house, I could go on it was all awesome. Such an experience coming from England. The highlights of my stay, was our evening with the Back on Track lion experts, nothing could beat calling in the lions and hyena and watching the lion. An experience of a lifetime.
From: Hunter Brawley – USA: May 2003
The 12-week GAP Year Program has been an amazing experience that exceeded all of my expectations. I will never forget listening to lions roaring from my bed at night, evening game drives under the brilliant African sky, or all the wonderful friends I have made. I came to Africa seeking peace of mind, and will leave here with a fresh perspective on life. My time spent at the Game Reserve has been priceless, and I hope to have the opportunity to come visit again soon.
From Mike Farrally of Canada – One of the first students attending the experience:
My time spend at the Game Reserve has been a great experience. The highlights for me have definitely been the darting and tracking of the lions. I have worked closely with the lions for the past 3 months and have learned a great deal about their behaviour and way of living. My time here has definitely lived up to my expectations and I would strongly recommend the Gap Year Experience to other students.
From Liana Vetch of the UK – One of the first students attending the experience: There is no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision choosing to take part in the Game Reserve Gap Year experience’. The three months I spent at the Game Reserve were everything I had hoped for and more! When asked what the best part of the experience has been I found myself in a bit of a predicament. Was it the nights spent darting the lions, the flights in the microlight or just having the opportunity to spend three months in an incredible place, learning more about the bush and conservation in general? I could go on for hours listing the merits of the experience but I think it would be more beneficial to those reading this just to say; it has been the once in a lifetime experience that you look for when you decide to take a Gap Year. I looked at dozens of gap year organisations, tours and placements, trying to find somewhere that offered something unique and exciting and I can promise you that the Game reserve stood out amongst them all. I would not hesitate to recommend the Game Reserve GAP Year experience to anyone, it provides opportunities that you may never have the chance to take part in again.
From Mike Farrally of Canada after 10 days on the experience
My experience so far at the Game Reserve has been a great one. I am amazed at how much wildlife there is around the main lodge. The lodge is placed perfectly in front of a dam, which tends to attract a wide variety of game. So far the GAP Year program has lived up to my expectations. In the 10 days I have been here, I have seen 3 of the Big 5 on many occasions. Whether it be on bush walks or on game drives; I have never felt unsafe in any way. The Rangers have a lot of knowledge and are eager to share it with us. My highlight so far is definitely the darting of two male lions that had broken into the Reserve. I was amazed at how big these lions are when you are right next to them. Both of them were over 200kg. The food and accommodation at the Game Reserve has been very good. Our dinners have been amazing. With food such as Swordfish and Guinea fowl, I can’t complain. And with a great staff, the Game Reserve is a perfect place to be for a GAP Year Experience.
”Letter of Thanks” from Liana Vetch after completing her GAP Year Experience
Dear Conrad and Rentia, I wanted to write and thank you both for looking after me so well in South Africa. I had an amazing time and I will always remember it. It’s a bit of a shock being back in England, the first of the snow has fallen and its very much winter! Despite the unappealing climate it is nice to be able to catch up with family and friends. I am no longer sure if I am going out to France to work as there have been a few complications but I am busy organising my plane tickets for May, which is very exciting! I am very jealous of you all out there enjoying the sun and the lions! You must be counting the days until the cubs are born. Thanks again for a great experience. I really believe that you have a winner with your GAP Year Program. Please let me know if I can do anything for you in the UK. Hop you stay in touch, I am missing you all already. Masses of Love to you both. Liana PS. Could you please apologise to Merinda for me not managing to say goodbye.
”From Henry Swann of the UK – One of the first students attending the experience” As I write this I’m sitting in a tree-house in the middle of a Big 5 Reserve with a beer in my hand watching the sun go down, having spent the day on an elephant back safaris and relaxing by the pool. I don’t want to tell you how much this project has changed me, as you can read that in any gap brochure you pick up. You will know when you first arrive that you have chosen to involve yourself in something truly unique. How you choose to spend your gap year is a huge decision. I believe I made the right choice and I am proud to have been involved in such a special project.
Mike Iskandar & Dustin Garis - The Game Reserve continually exceeded our expectations for a memorable safari experience. Nestled among the rocks and trees, our accommodations offered a taste of luxury in a rustic setting. From baboons and warthogs outside of our bedroom window to rhinos and giraffes deep in the bush, we were truly immersed in nature. And the comfort didn't end there--whether dining in the Gazebo Lodge or by campfire under the stars, we were sure to enjoy a 4-course African-style meal. Through it all, the staff made each of these experiences special--whether offering a cold drink or friendly conversation. When it comes to the Gap Year Program, our advice is to leave your toothbrush at home. By the time we left the Game Reserve, we were navigating 4X4s through bush terrain, firing arrows with a compound bow, and even brushing our teeth with the stems of a Magic Gwarrie tree. The hands-on style of the Gap Year Program left us well equipped with the skills to appreciate and enjoy life in the bush. Alongside the practical knowledge came intense thrills that left our hearts racing. From tracking lions on an evening game drive to soaring hundreds of feet above the trees in a microlight aircraft, there was no shortage of adrenaline. After seven months travelling the world, no single destination has offered such a diverse and enjoyable range of experiences as the Game Reserve Gap Year Program. And the comfortable accommodations, exquisite meals, and always friendly and humorous staff made the Game Reserve our South African home away from home. Overall, we had a tremendous experience with the Game Reserve and look forward to spreading the word.
From Hunter Brawley of the USA - As I reflect upon my first week at the Game Reserve, I realize that this is exactly the experience I was looking for when I decided to come to Africa. Unlike the younger GAP Year students here who are travelling abroad prior to attending University in the U.K., I came to the Game Reserve for a much-needed break from the rigors of my professional career and personal life. I came to Africa seeking adventure and time for introspection. From the moment I arrived, I’ve been incredibly impressed with the course, the lodge, and the staff at the Game Reserve. Tracking lions on foot in this 4000 hectare preserve, seeing all the “Big Five” most dangerous animals at Kruger National Park, and going to sleep at night to the sounds of lions, hyenas, and impalas are experiences I will never forget. Still to come are the elephant-back safari and microlight plane flying! I highly recommend this course to people of all ages who want to live life to its fullest, even if only for three months.