What began as a personal end-of-year ritual became a shared tradition in Season 1. After years of solo crossings and the unforgettable 2020 Owu Waterfalls adventure with Alárinká and eight strangers—wildfires, night hikes, frayed tempers and all—I knew Crossover Camp could be something bigger than one person’s journey.
By the time December came around again, and it was time to embark on another crossover camp, I reached out to the group from the previous year. Trying to get them to assemble again for another adventure. partly to make up for the previous year’s unfortunate incident. But none of them were available. So I had a choice. Go alone as I have always done, or invite people to join me for yet nother group adventure.
I did the latter, told a few friends, and got 5 people to come along with me. Adamu (my best friend), Asma (a close friend), Martins (family friend), Emy (travel enthusiast), and Vianney (a long-time travel buddy). We hired a space bus, and went together for crossover camp season 1.
Season 1 was nothing like the previous one, it was better organised, because there was one clear organiser and leader wo everyone followed—me. We arrived gurara where I had already made arrangements, and the community was happy to welcome us. We set up camp beside the waterfall—no fuss, no scramble—just a quiet confidence that we were exactly where we needed to be. The two days that followed were nothing short of amazing.
Together we fetched firewood, learned each other’s rhythms, fished in the river, and cooked our own meals over open flames. Daylight was for swimming, hiking, and laughter; night was for silence—our favourite kind. The harmattan cold nudged us closer to the fire, and we sat there together, eyes on the flames, each person journeying inward, reflecting on a year that had tried us all, preparing our hearts for a new one. I loved that I was creating these experiences for them, and that was my biggest satisfaction.
Season 1 ended with an energetic cultural display executed by the beautiful band of dancers from a nearby village.
On the final night, the community arrived in a burst of color—dancers from a nearby village turned the riverbank into a moving theatre, with an energetic African cultural display.
When January 1st broke, we folded tents, said our thank-yous and left with smoky clothes, tired legs, and a new truth: this wasn’t just a camp anymore. It was a family.
Reflections from season 1
“The waterfalls roared; we whispered. Somehow, the quiet did the heavy lifting.” — Olobo (Camp coordinator)
