Academic Discovery:
Zoologist Dreams Came True on a Study Abroad in Etosha
December 5th, 2025
After 14 hours of flying across the Atlantic Ocean, I finally see it - the coast of Africa. The journey across Namibia took us through different landscapes. We got to explore the capital city of Windhoek, then relax in the beautiful ocean city of Swakopmund, and also spend time exploring the incredible flora and fauna of the Namib Desert. Our final stop was Etosha National Park, and after experiencing so much joy and wonder at our previous stops, it didn't seem like life could get any better—but I would soon be proven very, very wrong.
We started the morning in Windhoek, where we all loaded into the Safari Vehicles and headed to Etosha. It felt unreal that I was about to fulfill a childhood dream of mine that I had previously given up on. Once we entered the gates of Etosha National Park, my expectations were instantly blown away. Within the first ten minutes, we had animals galore, but nothing would have prepared me for the giant herd of elephants heading our way. The elephants marched only a couple of feet away from the vehicles, completely unbothered by our presence. I was silently freaking out and fangirling because one of Earth's most majestic creatures was standing right in front of me. This wasn't even our first official safari game drive, yet my heart already felt like it was going to explode. We finished the drive to base camp and began the first official safari. The drive was magical; there was something new to see at every turn. I was even lucky enough to see the bird I had been anticipating the most —the Secretary Bird!
Once it got dark, we headed back to basecamp, but the sightseeing didn't end there: near the camp, there's a water hole where animals come and go to drink. When we arrived, it was empty, but we didn't have to wait long: in the distance, a rhino emerged from the darkness. Then, more rhinos appeared, followed by a family of giraffes. Seeing them all together felt like watching a nature documentary, except I was there, seeing it with my own eyes. I went to bed that night, unable to fully register all the wonders I had just witnessed, and thinking about how lucky I was to be there.
The next few days were dedicated entirely to safari game drives, during which I witnessed so many breathtaking moments I could spend hours talking about. It was truly a zoologist's paradise.
I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to experience this trip, and I am thankful to Zoology Professor John Mull and Emeritus Professor Robert Okazaki for it. Their kindness and guidance are something I will never forget. Traveling abroad to Africa is a must for anyone who grew up transfixed by the animal kingdom. It was a surreal experience to see the animals I grew up loving be safe in their homes, living their lives, and being wild. I enjoyed every moment of this trip because I was in an amazing place surrounded by even more amazing people.
Author:
Rosa Garcia, zoology major
Weber State University
Editor:
Ali Miller, College of Science
marketing and communications manager
amiller@weber.edu