My name is Paulina and I’m from Germany.
I spent 10 unforgettable weeks at Antelope Park, Zimbabwe, from September 2nd to November 11th 2024. I can honestly say that I absolutely loved every moment of it.
During my time at Antelope Park, I met the most incredible people from all over the world, forging friendships that will last a lifetime.
One of the highlights of my experience was fulfilling the dream of riding horses through the African bush. The horses at Antelope Park are truly remarkable, each with its own unique personality, and some were more challenging than others. I made significant progress in my horse riding skills, gaining more confidence in jumping—not just in the arena, but also on the Cross Country course. Playing Polocross was also an exhilarating experience. It’s a fast-paced sport, and once you get the hang of it, you can’t help but want to play nonstop.
Additionally, volunteering with Wildlife in Africa was an unbelievable opportunity. One of the most memorable experiences was helping relocate wildebeests and zebras to a different area. I’ll probably never have such an up-close encounter with wild animals again. The entire team had to work together closely and I vividly remember holding the head of a zebra on my lap during the car ride.
I have also learned so much about the animals during all of our educational game drives and bush walks. We always had much fun together, even while cleaning the elephant boma or building the new monkey enclosure.
The community work offered through Antelope Park was also incredibly rewarding. I had the chance to visit various locations, including schools, orphanages, and the local soup kitchen, where meals are prepared for the homeless. Being able to make a small difference in the lives of these people was deeply fulfilling and made me even more appreciative of what I have in life.
During my 7th week at Antelope Park, I went on the Victoria Falls trip that five other volunteers from AP joined and it was truly an unforgettable experience. We had an amazing time together, creating memories none of us will ever forget. My personal highlight was the rafting, where we went down massive rapids. The adrenaline rush when our boat capsized was something I’ll never forget.
On our last evening, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The drinks were fantastic, the company even better, but the African sunset we witnessed that evening was beyond words.
My time at Antelope Park was undoubtedly the best experience of my life, and I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity.
I’ve made memories that will stay with me forever. A huge thank you to all the amazing staff at Antelope Park for making my stay so special. I will definitely be back!
See you soon, Antelope Park ♥️
~ Paulina Sophie Otho
20/11/2024
