RETURN AFRICA: The MAKULEKE YOUTH BIRDERS PROJECT

Words by Sewela Mutileni, founder of the #365birdsin365days Project.

Reflecting on the journey that has brought me to this sacred place, I am reminded of my deep love for Kruger National Park, something known to those close to me. The central part of the park has always been my haven, with an almost guaranteed lion roar at night, if not a sighting, or perhaps it's just sentimental. However, in 2021, after a series of strange coincidences (in hindsight), I stumbled upon Pafuri Camp and experienced a sense of belonging, a sense of homecoming.

The camp's name, Return Africa, echoes deeply within me, for it is here that I have returned to the very essence of my being. It will make sense one day... The trees, the rivers, the birds – every element of this breathtaking landscape has awakened a sense of awe and wonder, something I never knew was in me. The elusive Pel's fishing owl, with its haunting call, has become something I look forward to.

Makuleke Youth in the field with the NEWF team and mentors. Photograph by Peter N’dungu.

But it is not merely the natural beauty of Pafuri Camp that has captivated my heart. For me, it’s the people, the stories, the history that add depth to this extraordinary place. The story of the Makuleke people, with its narrative of displacement and resilience, has left a deep, permanent mark on my soul.

As I embark on this community project, #365birdsin365days, one that is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful, I am filled with gratitude and purpose. The support of Return Africa, Canon Europe, and the NEWF Community is a testament to the power of collaboration and collective impact. Together, we weave a tapestry of possibilities, empowerment, and inspiration, one that resonates throughout the lives of the youth in this community and beyond.

At this moment, I am reminded that our journeys are not merely about the destinations we reach but about the transformations we undergo along the way. Pafuri Camp, with its rich history and timeless beauty, has become a catalyst for my growth, a reminder that the deepest connections we make are those with the natural world, with each other, and within ourselves.