We should�ve never left Baboon Camp

We are at a point of no return – a small riverside gate at Mbiroba Camp in Seronga. Our mekoro (dug-out canoes) are all loaded up. Ready to go.  The team makes a circle holding hands and Leshego ‘Rich’ Motswai, one of the polers, leads us in a prayer.

I steal a glance at all the team members who are about to embark on this journey for the first time.  Bowed heads, eyes shut, and intensely focused, they really take this prayer seriously.  They have all confessed their nervous excitement, but at this prayer moment, it appears the excitement has died out and they are cloaked in nervousness.  It is not a very pretty sight. It gives me a fright.  Will they make it?