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Charlotte Launder
Big Five Wildlife Conservation Expedition
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What was your motivation to take a gap break?
I've always wanted to see different parts of the world and I wanted a break from writing essays and revising.
How did you feel before you joined the programme?
I was a little bit nervous as I wasn't sure what to expect but I was much more excited.
How did Real Gap assist you? How did they compare with your expectations?
Everywhere we went was 100 times more amazing than I thought, and Real Gap already made them sound incredible.
What was the accommodation like?
The people were so friendly that we stayed with and even though food was quite scarce in Zimbabwe, they managed to make us the most delicious meals every day. There were occasional power cuts and water shortages but the beds were always nice and so were the bathrooms, with warm showers. |
What did you think of the programme?
I became so used to just seeing lions, elephants, zebras and giraffes in my every day activities. I loved working with the animals and also the children when we painted the nursery school and fed the orphans. They are all so happy. Every day was a new experience. Take a journal otherwise you wont be able to remember everything you do!
What was the most memorable moment of your trip?
That's a hard one, but probably the elephant swim. It was incredible. Walking with the lions will always be an amazing memory and it became so natural to get up early and take the lions on a walk!
Did your programme and destination meet your expectations?
Yes, I can't pick a favourite because they were all amazing. Every day I would be excited to wake up because everything we did was fun and if was not fun (because we were tired or hot, or both!!) it was interesting and we learned so much all the time. |
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What do you feel you accomplished during your programme?
I have learned so much about the way people live in Zimbabwe and about the animals and how they live. It also opened my eyes to what else there is in the world, it made me want to travel everywhere and do all sorts of projects.
How have you benefited from your experience? How have you changed?
As I said before, it has opened my eyes to the possibilities in life. Every week or so we moved place so had to fit in with different people and regimes which was challenging at time but also great fun.
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I have realised the extent of my love for the wildlife over there and because of this have no choice but to go back again some time soon!!!
What advice could you offer to someone considering this programme?
Well firstly, don't forget your camera! And as I said before I recommend bringing a journal so you don't forget everything you've done when you come home to tell your friends. Bring quite a lot of spending money, just because there are so many extras, which you would not want to miss, such as a night encounter where you watch lions hunt and kill their prey. Amazing…and elephant swims and bungee jumps…. It's endless really!
You can't use your bankcard in 99% of the places so bring it all in cash. Just look forward to the most amazing trip ever, 5 weeks goes so quickly. |
 Big Five Wildlife Conservation Expedition
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