From Safari Life to City Life: Reflections on Coming Home

It has been about four months since I left South Africa, said goodbye to guiding, and returned to the Netherlands. Straight into the middle of winter. Brrrr ❄️

People often say to me, "That must have been quite a transition." And they are right. It has been.

I miss the animals. I miss the open spaces, the warm weather, the sense of community. I miss being surrounded by people who shared the same passions. Life there was simpler in many ways. I learned to live in the moment and appreciate what was in front of me without always thinking about what was next.

Being back has also been good though. I missed my family and friends. I am happy to be closer to them again. And one big thing I do not miss from my time abroad is the constant visa stress. That pressure is gone, and it gives a sense of freedom that I am very happy with.

There are some changes that are very obvious since being back. Busy streets, constant background noise, the rush of the western world. Compare this to waking up in the middle of the night because a male lion is letting his presence known or having to track a rhino because my guests didn't see them yet. That's a big difference right?

But also less obvious ones. I notice how much more people focus on material things here, while in the bush the focus was often more on community and being together. In my opinion, the Western world is a lot more individualistic. People seem more focused on their own path, achievements, and problems, and less on building something together or in general being together which has been a challenge for me.

One of the most valuable things I learned was to be present. To find joy in small moments. A few days ago, I sat on a bench and watched a heron pull a massive worm from the ground right next to me. It made my day. I also realise that I have changed. My priorities are different. I often feel out of place when conversations revolve around things that no longer matter to me or I have 0 influence on. It has been quite eye-opening to see how different the general tone can be here sometimes.

But I am glad I came back. I brought the lessons from my time away with me. I look at things differently now. I appreciate the small things more. I am excited for what is ahead and grateful for where I have been.

I can never say goodbye to the bush though and organising the photographic safaris always keep the door open to spend time with gentle giants and big kitty cats.

The adventure continues. Just in a different shape.