Day 2: Our first full day in South Africa began bright and early with a delicious breakfast together as a group before setting out on the seven-hour journey from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park. The drive gave us our first opportunity to see the beauty of the South African landscape while getting to know one another even better.

We stopped for lunch along the way, where we shared the haikus we had written and practiced using our binoculars in preparation for our safari. The excitement continued to build as we got back on the road, and before we even reached the park, we were greeted by a troop of baboons along the roadside—a reminder that wildlife is never too far away in South Africa.

Once inside Kruger National Park, the adventure truly began. We were incredibly fortunate to witness one of Africa’s most elusive animals—a leopard, during the golden hour. We watched in amazement as it gracefully walked through the bush, climbed a tree, and settled comfortably on a branch to rest. It was a breathtaking moment that many visitors wait years to experience.

The wildlife sightings didn’t stop there. We encountered a large group of giraffes stretching their long necks to feed from the treetops, herds of zebras grazing across the landscape, a curious warthog, dozens of impala, a few kudu (a larger  antelope with giant ears), a few nyala (a striped antelope that prefers thicker brush habitat) and steenbok (a smaller, shy antelope), as well as a variety of beautiful birds that added vibrant color and song to the day.

As the sun began to set, we reflected on the unforgettable experiences we had shared before ending the evening with dinner together as a group. Our first safari exceeded every expectation and reminded us why South Africa is home to some of the most incredible wildlife on Earth. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!