S.K

I had always dreamed of visiting Africa at least once in my lifetime, but the opportunity never quite presented itself.

As a wildlife enthusiast, I also had a dream of dancing with indigenous people in their village, though I believed such places no longer existed unless there was a special festival.

My decision to visit Botswana was inspired by an encounter with a National Geographic photographer on a trip to Alaska. “When I eventually visit Africa, where should I go?” I asked. Instead of the anticipated Kenya or Tanzania, the answer was Botswana—a completely unexpected suggestion that piqued my curiosity. Finally, I had the chance to fulfill this long-held dream.

I chose Green Walk Travel because I learned that I could stay in a San village and experience a variety of activities. I remembered watching a documentary about Bushmen hunting in the Kalahari Desert and realized that these Bushmen were actually the San people. I knew this was the perfect choice. Having visited, I can genuinely say that choosing this tour was the best decision I could have made.

The team accommodated my rather ambitious request to see everything I wanted within two weeks, resulting in a rich and surprising journey.

Although I had heard that the San people settled decades ago, I was impressed to find that many traditional survival methods had been preserved. One of my lifelong dreams came true when I was not just a spectator but also an active participant in their nighttime dances.

Witnessing the San people’s way of life firsthand and experiencing their unique perspectives was incredibly inspiring. For instance, exploring the Tsodilo Hills with their diverse rock art was a profound experience. It felt humbling to think that humanity might have originated in such a place. I was also deeply impressed by the intricate process of making necklaces, which begins with searching for ostrich shells.

After leaving the San village with a heavy heart, we embarked on safaris to encounter various wildlife.
We witnessed remarkable scenes: the clash between buffaloes and lions, the graceful bathing of an old elephant, the fascinating behavior of termites, the majestic antelopes, leopards perched in trees, and hippos emerging from the water.

Being in the vast wilderness, where humans are not the main attraction, made me feel the insignificance of human existence and brought an unexpected sense of peace. The constantly changing wildlife and vegetation, depending on the location, emphasized the importance of water and allowed me to witness the cycle of life—something rarely seen in Japan. This realization changed my perspective on the world.

I am immensely grateful to our coordinator, Yuka, for her kind and enjoyable guidance. I hope to travel with you again when the opportunity arises.