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The challenge for the Honorary Rangers was to acqaint themselves with the skill of “Audio Description” – to translate nature in such a way that someone with no or impaired sight can form a concept of what we are seeing.

Fortunately we all have more than one sense, and the tactile, smell and olfactory senses were fully utilised to make this experience accessible for all – universal access in practise.

Game drives were undertaken in open game viewer vehicles – we were so close to an old elephant bull that we will not forget the smell; who will forget the call of the fish eagle in Berg-en-Dal? No doubt we will never forget the perfect paw print of the lioness where the dry mud preserved it – specially for us to discover the size and shape through touch.

The visits to the Rhino Hall in Berg-en-Dal, the Biological Reference Collection in Skukuza and exploring Skukuza on foot created ample opportunities for intimate exploration and learning.

I will not forget the excitement when the group returned from the last sunset drive – they saw a pride of 20 lions right there in the road – what an end to a wonderful excursion!

This event was made possible because of financial support from four sponsors, Signmax, Sterling Plant Hire, MRG Precision Engineering (all three Witbank based) and Volkswagen Hatfield.

In kind donations were received from SAPPI, Cipla, Brent Oil, PVM, Grieselnel Incorporated and Bosbok 6 Films.

The heroes of the weekend are the fourteen learners from Prinshof School.

What impressed me was their independence and ability to fully utilise all their senses; the ability to form a picture without being able to “see” – I think they “see” far more than what we will ever be able to comprehend. I am impressed with their joy, sense of humor, honesty, keen interest to learn and discipline.

I am saluting those with partial sight who took responsibility for the blind – making sure they are orientated to the new environment, that they are safe and that they can function to the fullest.

Thank you guys, all 14 of you, for allowing us this opportunity!

Elize Smith –SANParks Honorary Ranger – Pretoria Region