Says Luquman: “This experience has had a profound impact on me. Living in harmony with nature and observing the delicate balance of life in the wild has instilled in me a greater sense of responsibility towards conservation efforts and a deeper connection with our natural world.

I’m excited to continue my journey to produce more impactful visual narratives that contribute to the conservation of our planet’s precious wildlife. Also, to tell stories about our people and anything that’s inspiring.”

For Vanessa, the adventure presented her with unforgettable moments of raw and unpredictable encounters with the wild – such as a lioness strolling through camp and seeing animals that she did not know existed!

Other treasured moments came through cultural connections and her time spent with the Hazda hunter-gatherers and Datoga people, where she climbed into a Baobab and spent each night marvelling at the infinite night sky.

“I’ve developed a deeper interest in telling grassroots stories, an appreciation for nature’s beauty and a heightened environmental consciousness,” says Vanessa.

“After witnessing the resilience of local communities, it has led me to reevaluate personal priorities, boosting my confidence and giving me a deeper sense of purpose to make a positive impact on the environment and the society that I live in.”