How I Overcame Fear and Travelled to Africa

How I Overcame Fear and Travelled to Africa: Travelling alone once terrified me, so I returned home from work in tears and searched for ways to conquer my fear. One piece of advice—”throw yourself in the deep end”—stuck with me. Consequently, I booked a solo return flight to Africa that very night to face the challenge head-on.

THE TRIP

The next few weeks flew by, and the big day arrived sooner than I imagined. Although I felt petrified, I realised as the plane took off that I had finally done it. With no way to turn back, I fully committed to the journey.

During the trip, I spent most of my time volunteering at a game reserve. I specifically chose a site that prohibits canned hunts and hands-on wildlife encounters. As a result, I spent my days counting species, fixing fences, maintaining tracks, and studying the local wildlife.

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

I had several amazing wildlife encounters whilst I was there, but these are the ones I remember most clearly.

• A young African elephant bull charged me. The bull had been hiding in a bush, but as we drove around the corner, we caught him by surprise.
• I saw an African baby hippo sitting on its mum as they waded through the water and took an unforgettable photo.
• On a night game drive, I watched a lioness take her cubs out hunting and catch a wildebeest.
• I watched zebras giving birth and saw babies take their first steps.
• Two rhinos, who I joked were a married couple, never left each other’s sides. I saw them daily throughout my time there.

I spent the rest of my time travelling down the Garden Route. There’s so much to do and see. The beaches are beautiful, with white sands and royal blue seas.

I had the most amazing time in Africa. I’ve done several solo trips since and gone even further around the world. I’m sharing this story because we spend so much time thinking about the what-ifs. We think about the hows and everything that could go wrong. And then we just let time slip by. I hope sharing this inspires even one person to believe in themselves and take the plunge.

TIPS TO LEAVE YOU WITH

• Something can happen to you at home, just by crossing the street, or going to work. Life is full of risks; take calculated ones and enjoy life. We really do only have one life.
• Believe in yourself, push your comfort zone, push your boundaries. You can do it.
• Planning can help settle your nerves. On my first few trips, I counted every minute. Now I go with the flow a bit more. I know what I want to do and see, but I see where the rest takes me.
• And finally, have fun, make memories, and take that 1000th photo.