Wolverines in South Africa, Day 6: A Final Safari, Journey Home
5/10/2019 9:16:00 AM | Football, Features
The Michigan football program is on a one-week experiential learning trip for its student-athletes in South Africa, which includes stops in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Follow the Wolverines on social media (#UbuntuBlue) and with a daily travel log on MGoBlue.com.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- The University of Michigan football team completed its week-long trip to South Africa with a morning safari and then prepared for a day's worth of return flights to the United States.
U-M began the day with another 4 a.m. wake-up call. The party traveled to the clubhouse for a light breakfast before heading out for a final safari.
Entering the bush at 6:04 a.m., the adventure started with the majority of the groups venturing out in pursuit of elephants and rhinos, as the two animals were not seen be every one the previous day. While on the hunt, one of the Jeeps came upon the elusive cheetahs that have been very difficult to spot in the bush. The groups eventually found a family of elephants on the mountains, after about a 90-minute search ending at the start of the mountain's slope, where they usually hide out during the mornings.
Aidan Hutchinson and Dane Drobocky taking in the sights and sounds
The scenery around the conservancy was extremely picturesque with mountains surrounding one entire edge of the property. The safari reserve has been dubbed "The Place of the Mountain" due to its important place in the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere.
The team would split into two travel parties for the return trip to the United States. A larger Blue group flew 18 hours direct to Atlanta, while the Maize group flew to Detroit via Amsterdam.
After an amazing educational and team bonding experience, it's time to focus on football and academics. Preparations for the 2019 season are underway and the Wolverines will start fall practice in 84 days (Aug. 2).
Until next year.
• Wolverines in South Africa: Day 5
