South Africa

“From the Wild to the Winding Road: Trading Roars for New Roads”

Today we said farewell to the incredible Kruger National Park, leaving behind unforgettable wildlife sightings and memories that will stay with us long after this journey ends. As we hit the road toward Wakkerstroom, our adventure shifted from safari to scenic exploration.
Our first stop was the beautiful Lowveld National Botanical Garden, where we enjoyed lunch surrounded by nature. We wandered through stunning landscapes, admired a breathtaking waterfall, and discovered an incredible variety of plants unique to South Africa. It was the perfect place to pause, reflect, and appreciate another side of this remarkable country.

Admiring the falls at the confluence of the Crocodile and Nels rivers at Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Back on the road, our conversations turned to South Africa’s rich history and diverse culture. As the miles passed by, we gained a deeper understanding of the people, places, and stories that have shaped this nation. Every discussion added another layer of meaning to the experiences we’ve already had.
The journey is far from over, and each destination continues to reveal something new. Buckle up—we’ve got plenty more adventures ahead, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Katie’s expert topic and new favorite plant: the cycad! Cycads are ancient plants that look like a palm but are more closely related to conifer trees. They are cone-bearing and considered “living fossils” because cycads have been around since the age of the dinosaurs!
Mpumi helps us select some fresh avocados from a roadside vendor to try.
South Africa

“Up, up, and away…”

After a delay due to storms in Raleigh we are on the way to Atlanta, and then a sprint through the airport to catch our flight to Johannesburg… stay tuned!

We’ve brushed up on our common birds of South Africa and are excited to start seeing them once we land!

A group of educators carrying luggage stands as a group in the airport.
The North Carolina contingent of the Educators of Excellence Institute to South Africa

Update: We made the flight to Johannesburg!! South Africa, here we come!

July 21, quick evening update: We made it to South Africa! Our plane touched down at 7:19pm (we are 6 hours ahead of home). Now on to customs, hotel check-in, and our first group meeting with our friends and colleagues from South Africa. We can’t wait!