When I met some kids in the bush, they asked me if I wasn’t afraid of the animals. I told them I wasn’t, but then asked if they weren’t afraid themselves. They shook their heads and replied with a smile, saying they lived alongside the animals every day.
When you encounter the wild, fear isn’t always necessary. However, it is essential to respect their way of life.
Marc Wibbels
The second part of my Kenyan journey was simply mind-blowing. I had to climb into the mountain forest, where I reached the equator and felt as if everything had shifted direction. I even saw a volcanic crater. Along the way, I learned a bit of African cooking and met my best friend—a turtle. I found myself constantly torn between the challenges I faced and the awe-inspiring natural wonders that surrounded me. At one point, I was nearly killed by an elephant and later guided through the jungle by some local kids.
I had the honor of being taught about sustainable farming practices before finally venturing into the bush. It was a wild experience, knowing that predators were everywhere—thankfully, they mostly hunt at night when I was somewhat protected by staying in my tent. I could hardly believe my eyes when I crossed paths with the rarest cat on the planet—a black leopard. She walked by without giving me a second glance, thankfully not deciding to make me her next meal, before offering one last look and disappearing into the bushes.
I witnessed lions feasting on a zebra and felt incredibly fortunate not to be on the menu myself. Cycling through those bushes, surrounded by real wildlife, was truly something else. Keeping a clear head and trusting in whatever force guided me was a challenge for both body and mind. But the reward was feeling closer to nature than ever before.
Looking back, I struggle to find words to describe the emotions that still overwhelm me—joy, fear, happiness, survival, beauty, kindness, life itself. Tears come to my eyes just thinking about it. It was unique, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am deeply grateful to life for that journey.