The first leg of the exchange trip between Greve Gymnasium in Denmark and Windhoek International School took place from February 16th to 23rd. On Sunday, February 16th, we, the WIS students, had the pleasure of welcoming the Danish students and teachers to our school. After a warm greeting, we embarked on an exciting journey to Namibia's northwest region, Damaraland, a key area for the work of EHRA. Upon arriving at our first camp, we were greeted by two wonderful women, Anna and Fiona, along with our guide, Chris, who would be leading us through this trip.
The first two days were dedicated to constructing a stone wall around a solar pump, funded by the Danish government, as part of an effort to mitigate human-elephant conflict. It’s safe to say that none of us fully anticipated the time and energy required for this task. One group was responsible for collecting large stones, another had the task of shoveling sand to mix with cement, while the final group stayed behind to assemble the wall. It was a true team effort, with each task playing a crucial role in the overall project.
Over the course of these two days, we grew closer, becoming more comfortable with one another and even developing our own inside jokes. After the intense build days, we spent the next day at the EHRA base camp, where we had the unforgettable experience of sleeping in a treehouse under the stars. We also had the privilege of visiting the EHRA educational center, where we learned about the incredible work they do, and finished off with a trip to the museum, which offered a wealth of information that deepened our understanding of elephants.
On the final full day of our wild adventure, we set out to track elephants. As with every day before, we rose early, packed our gear into the cars, and hit the road. Elephant tracking proved to be a challenging task, as our guide, Chris, only received updates on their location once an hour. After six hours of navigating the rugged terrain and following every lead, we finally spotted a herd. The sight of these majestic creatures was awe-inspiring, and our excitement was palpable. Afterward, we made our way to a nearby mountain, where we would spend our last night camping. With no tents to shield us, we lay under the vast, star-filled sky, cherishing the final moments of our unforgettable experience.
We spent our final two nights in Swakopmund, a charming coastal town that offered a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. During our time there, we were treated to an intriguing lecture from a marine biologist, who shared fascinating insights into the local marine ecosystem and the challenges facing the coastal environment. After a week of intense exploration, it was a much-needed opportunity to unwind and recharge. The trip had been a whirlwind of challenges, from the rugged wilderness to the unpredictable encounters with wildlife, but every moment was incredibly rewarding. We pushed our limits, embraced new experiences, and learned more about the natural world and ourselves. Through it all, we formed lasting bonds and friendships that will remain with us long after these experiences. It was an adventure that not only broadened our horizons but also deepened our connection with nature and each other.
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