Luvly Lessons Learned in Africa

Dear African Conservation Experience,

Thank you for all the wise lessons you’ve shared with me over the last three weeks. I thought I already knew a lot about this continent from previous trips, but it turns out, I was only scratching the surface. Between the animals, the land, and the people, I’ve learned more than I could’ve imagined.

This post is a little different; less storytelling, more knowledge-dumping. I hope it’s still as enjoyable, because these lessons are way too important (and fascinating) not to share.

Conservation: More Complex Than You Think

Conservation is at the heart of everything here, but it’s not always embraced by locals. Many South Africans have never even seen the wildlife in person because national parks are too expensive to visit. That disconnect makes it harder for people to feel connected to conservation. But when local communities are involved through education and revenue sharing, it works. Phinda Game Reserve by &Beyond is a beautiful example of how inclusion leads to success, check out their website and their mission to learn more about their vision!

Another surprising conservation tool? Hunting.

It sounds counterintuitive, but ethical hunting plays a role in population control, especially with elephants. In South Africa, about 400 elephants are ethically hunted each year. That may sound like a lot, but elephant herds can double in size in just five years. Take the Okavango Delta as an example: it can comfortably sustain 30,000 elephants, but it currently holds roughly 132,000. That’s a huge problem for the ecosystem, and for local communities.

Elephants are the second-biggest ecosystem destroyers in the world (humans are still number one). Carefully selecting old, solitary bulls for ethical hunts can help restore balance. These elephants no longer contribute to herd dynamics, and one animal can feed a village for weeks. It’s a controversial approach, but one that can be incredibly effective when done right.

Similarly, contraception is now being used to manage elephant populations. The injection (originally developed for horses) creates a non-hormonal barrier that prevents sperm from attaching to the egg. It’s a once-a-year shot that causes no physical discomfort. But here’s the twist: not every female should be on it. Elephant herds revolve around the bond between mothers and calves. If there are no babies to protect, the herd structure can break down, causing unrest and confusion.

And while we’re here: rhino dehorning, which may seem traumatic, is completely painless for the animal. The real stress comes from the sound and the procedure itself, which is why rhinos are blindfolded and given earplugs. So far, studies show no significant change in behavior or social hierarchy post-dehorning. Real proof that dehorning helps them from being hunted is seen in South-Africa, because a significant decrease in poaching number has been noted at parks with active dehorning practices.

Animals, Behavior & The Brutal Truth

Some animals (despite being healthy) can never be released back into the wild. Lions, for example, live in complex hierarchies. Introducing just one unfamiliar male into an established pride could lead to deadly conflict, infanticide, or territory takeovers. In some cases, saving one lion means losing three others.

On average, male lions live between 5 and 10 years, while females can live up to 15. It’s harsh, but it’s reality, and part of why relocation and rewilding need to be done with extreme care.

Also harsh? The fact that not all conservation organizations are ethical.

Lion cub petting, lion walks, and canned hunting are still happening under the disguise of “education” or “rescue.” Many lion cubs are taken from their mothers and passed through a pipeline of human interaction, from cuddling to tourist walks, until they’re too old and end up in canned hunting facilities.

This is not conservation.

The “Big Five” were originally named because they were the most dangerous animals to hunt. In canned hunting, the challenge is gone and so is the animal’s chance to survive. So please, always do your research before engaging with any wildlife activity.

Animal Facts I Will Now Casually Drop at Parties

Elephants don’t die of old age—they die of starvation.

They get six sets of teeth in their lives, and once the last set wears down, they can’t chew anymore. That’s where the “elephant graveyard” myth comes from, they tend to die in areas with soft vegetation that are easier to chew.

You can tell if an elephant is left- or right-tusked by which tusk is more worn down. (Yep, tusk dominance is a thing.)

Elephants can smell rain from miles away and will travel toward greener pastures even before the first drop falls.

Giraffes live in matriarchal societies and communicate through infrasonic hums we can’t hear. Their unique blood-flow system (used to regulate pressure when lowering their heads) inspired modern astronaut suits. Yes, giraffes are literally helping people get to space.

Leopard and lioness mating strategies are low-key genius.

Female leopards mate with multiple males so each thinks the cubs are his, meaning all of them leave her alone and she can roam freely in between territories. Lionesses sometimes do the same when re-entering new male territories, to protect their already-born cubs. Strategic queens.

Elephants are evolving. Due to past poaching, we’re seeing more elephants born with small tusks, or none at all. Selective pressure is shaping a tuskless future.

*These were one of the larger tuskers that we saw…

Culture, People & Perspectives

One thing that really struck me is how many locals pay to work.

Some staff at cafe’s (and other facilities) don’t earn a real salary - they rely on tips. On top of that, they often have to pay for their uniforms and even a “breaking fee” if they damage any dishes. It’s a tough reality behind the scenes of tourism.

Another unexpected lesson: many South Africans believe in magic and it plays a larger role in daily life than I ever realized. There are three main types of traditional practices: plant-based, animal-based, and human-based. The first two are still legal and widely used, but the third, human practice, is illegal and far more disturbing. Tragically, it still exists on the black market. For example, individuals with albinism are considered spiritually powerful and are “hunted” in certain regions for use in rituals. Because of this, many albinos in South Africa are given government protection from birth.

Animals, too, are often caught in the crossfire of these beliefs. Vultures are especially targeted because of their intelligence, they’re thought to have the power to “see” the future. Their brains are harvested in hopes of gaining that same foresight. And these are just a few of the many heartbreaking examples where innocent animals suffer in the name of superstition.

Bush Safety 101: What To Do When Things Get Wild

Yes, I lived in a tent. Yes, I heard lions. Yes, I got nervous.

But here’s what I learned about surviving in the bush when something very large and very toothy shows up:

• Lions: Make yourself big. Yell loudly. Throw a stone. DON’T run—unless someone else is running, in which case, run faster.

• Leopards: Don’t make direct eye contact. Use peripheral vision. Walk backwards sideways slowly.

• Hippos: Pray there’s a tree nearby. Run fast and climb.

• Elephants: Talk calmly. They’re emotional and smart. You can usually talk them down.

• Buffalos: Depends on their mood. If they’re curious, talk to them calmly. If they’re charging, climb a tree.

• Cheetahs: Not super dangerous. They’re basically anxious cats who might actually feel safer near humans. However, some cases when they are hungry and old they can be dangerous, in that case use the safety procedures of a Lion.

Golden rule: Never run. Always stand your ground. Most charges are bluffs, and moving triggers instinct.

Also:

• Don’t drive over a snake —> they can curl up into your engine.

• Always knock on outside-facing doors. You never know what’s on the other side.

• Always check your bed before stepping in, you never know if a snake loves your cozy bed as well…

Plants, Fire & the Magic of the Small Things

• Devil’s Thorn is a wild plant that acts like natural soap. It’s slimy, but its acidic properties clean just like the real stuff.

• Water pistol flowers shoot water when squeezed, and that liquid can help treat eye infections.

• Sand forests, found in South Africa, are among the rarest in the world. They support very specific bird species and ecosystems. It is still from the time when sea levels where super high and the sand is oceanic sand, meaning it has lots of minerals.

• Fire is life. About 50% of natural habitats in South Africa depend on regular fires. Some plant species have evolved to germinate only through smoke. Even termite hills are fireproof, they act as shelters for animals during burns.

The first two photos are of the Sand Forest and its specific bird species. Last two photos are Pink ground flowers are Devil’s Thorns, Yellow water flower is a Water Pistol (not my photos)

Still Not Done Learning…

I know this was a lot (thanks for sticking with me), but I still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. Africa is too big, too wild, and too layered to ever fully “know.” But I’m beyond excited to keep learning when I go back this July. I couldn’t stay away for long when it didn’t feel complete yet, especially when my upcoming 1,5 years will be fully booked and busy… The volunteers at Munywana said it perfectly: “Once Africa grips you, your lost with it”.

Spread the Luv,

Isabella

P.S.: Check out the ACE website to learn more about their exciting volunteer projects: https://www.conservationafrica.net

P.P.S: Check out my video of all the beautiful and once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters in Southern Africa! <3