My recent educational trip to Uganda was an amazing wildlife experience, full of adventure and learning. We started in Kibale Forest with two chimpanzee treks. The first trek was exciting and full of energy, as chimps ran past us, calling loudly, and one even smacked me on the back of the legs as part of what the guide called “displaying.” The second trek was a much calmer experience as the chimps were relaxed, grooming each other and resting. It was great to see two very different sides of their behavior. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, we went on two gorilla treks. The first was fairly easy, with just a 30-minute trek before we found a family of 7 gorillas and spent most of our time with a silverback. Although his nickname was Trouble Maker, he was very comfortable in our presence and sat and observed us as we observed him. The second trek was much harder, and through thick forest and steep slopes, we truly understood the meaning of Impenetrable Forest, but it was worth it—we saw playful juveniles and even a tiny 4-day-old baby gorilla. We also did a five-hour nature walk in Bwindi, which really tested us physically. We ended our trip with a golden monkey trek at Mount Gahinga. Although mostly uphill, the trail was easier to follow, and we got to walk among the monkeys as they played and jumped through the trees. This trip was the coolest and also the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life.

In April 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Zimbabwe and Botswana for the first time. Our journey began at the breathtaking Victoria Falls River Lodge in Zimbabwe, where my colleague and I were mesmerized by the panoramic views of Victoria Falls and explored the winding trails of the surrounding rainforest. That afternoon, we had an unforgettable encounter with elephants at a local sanctuary—walking alongside these incredible creatures through the bush was both deeply emotional and exhilarating. After bidding farewell to Victoria Falls, we continued our adventure to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where we explored several unique camps, each offering a distinct perspective on the country’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. From captivating animal sightings to refreshing swims in natural floodwaters, the experience was both educational and thrilling. We also celebrated my 30th birthday with traditional songs and dances from the camp staff, as well as exhilarating ATV rides and horseback riding through the otherworldly Makgadikgadi salt pans. This trip marked my third visit to Africa and offered the most varied and adventurous activities I’ve experienced to date. I highly recommend pairing a visit to Botswana with a trip to Victoria Falls for any travel enthusiast seeking to enhance their safari experience.