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“Meeting the Indian Ocean”

July 30, 2025 - 0 Comments

During the car ride today we were a bit more subdued than usual. The hearty breakfast and the quiet thrill of seeing ostriches, white rhinos, wildebeest, and giraffes had lulled us into a peaceful, drowsy state. As the landscape slowly shifted—from mountainous grasslands to dense forest, and finally to the sandy soil of a coastal town—there was a quiet reverence among us, a growing anticipation.

A morning bush walk before hitting the road for St. Lucia.

We arrived at Ndiza Lodge, our home for the next few days, and excitement buzzed through the group. Some were eager to explore the shops in St. Lucia, while others—my group—felt the pull of the ocean. We quickly split up, each group setting off in pursuit of a different kind of discovery.

The beach group set out with enthusiasm, eager to lay eyes on the Indian Ocean. As we neared the shore the air turned salty and fresh, the sound of crashing waves grew louder, and then suddenly, the ocean revealed itself—raw, powerful, and utterly breathtaking. The waves thundered against an expansive shoreline, while to the right, South Africa’s tallest sand dunes rose like giants. It was unlike anything we had ever seen back home in North Carolina.

A St. Lucia shoreline, featuring the Indian Ocean and sandy shores (left). Noma seeing the Indian Ocean for the first time (right).

We ran down the boardwalk and dipped our toes into the icy surf, laughing at the cold and marveling at the majesty before us. Some of us searched for birds or seashells; others simply wandered the shoreline. We spotted a ghost crab scurrying up the sand, and for a while we were lost in nature’s wonder. But amid the beauty, our joy was tinged with sadness—plastic waste littered the shore. Quietly, a few began picking it up, and we shared our frustration: how can a place so awe-inspiring be treated so carelessly? It was a sobering reminder of man’s impact, and yet the ocean remained—vast, wild, and humbling.

Meanwhile, the intrepid shoppers cautiously trekked into town from the beautiful lodge, casting wary glances for any lurking hippos—a real possibility in St. Lucia. None were spotted, so they continued on, weaving through the streets and exploring local stalls. The town offered a vibrant mix of culture and craftsmanship. There were so many beautifully made goods, and many of us regretted that our suitcases were already bulging with souvenirs. The artisans were talented and proud of their work, happily sharing stories and smiles. Bartering was met with laughter and good-natured exchanges, and the whole experience felt like a joyful dance between traveler and host. It was more than shopping—it was a warm, human connection that left us smiling long after we left the stalls.

In the end, both groups reunited with arms full of treasures and hearts full of gratitude. Whether basking in the raw power of the ocean or chatting with local artists under a warm coastal breeze, we all felt deeply moved. We were grateful—for the beauty, for the connection, and for this incredible experience that reminded us of both nature’s grandeur and our responsibility to protect it.

South Africa

“A Long Walk to Freedom”

July 30, 2025 - 0 Comments

“What counts is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”- Nelson Mandela

Sunrise at Thendele Camp in Royal Natal National Park.

We loaded the vans at 5 am. The stars were still shining bright in the sky and the sun hadn’t yet risen. We stepped back into history and up a steep 1km hike to visit the 800 year old San Rock Art Paintings in the Royal Natal National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The San people were nomadic hunters and gatherers, known for making poisonous arrows. They used bone, blood, and urine to make their paint colors. Their depictions were of animals in the region especially the eland, which had spiritual significance.

Listening to local guide Elijah share the history of the San people and their rock art paintings, which persist on sandstone cliffs after hundreds of years.

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela

We have had the privilege of traveling with a South African teacher, Zinhle Shabalala, and former teacher and local leader, Noma Shabalala. Their presence has given us an authentic experience, and inspired us to get out of our own comfort zones.

Noma and Zinhle at the Mandela Capture Site.

We spent the rest of the morning at Sakhile Centre, the local preschool where Zinhle teaches. The children and teachers welcomed us with songs in isiZulu and English and then included us in a traditional Gida dance. We purchased materials and collaborated on gardening and painting, including crafting murals for Zinhle’s classroom. Then we played and played and played with the children who freely shared joy with us through their giggles.

Zinhle with her students and fellow educators (left) and supervising mural progress (right).

The afternoon was a surreal transition to go from imagining the future to visiting the past as we visited the Mandela Capture Site Museum and learned about apartheid. There is nothing as powerful as experiential learning. Before we came on this life altering journey, part of our homework was reading or listening to Nelson Mandela‘s “Long Walk to Freedom.” It is one thing to read about history, it’s quite another to stand where Mandela stood on the site of his capture, which began his 27 years in prison. Through it all, he never lost his vision of unifying South Africa where all people are seen, heard and equally respected.

“There is more work to be done. It is time for new hands to lift the burden. It is in your hands now.” – Nelson Mandela

The culminating sculpture at the Mandela Capture Site.

All photos of children were taken and shared with permission.

South Africa

“Reaching Your Finish Line”

July 28, 2025 - 5 Comments

“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” – James Cash Penney

Some of the views within the Drakensberg Mountains.

Today was the most physically challenging day of the trip, and for some, of our lifetimes. While we were excited for the endless panoramic views of the Drakensberg Mountains, many of us felt the weight of the 13km hike ahead. Prepared with bellies full of granadilla yogurt and instant coffee, backpacks of water bottles and binoculars, and feet snuggly tucked into hiking boots, the 18 of us started the trek with our guides, Geoff and Teri.

The first kilometer of the trail was already no joke as a steep decline into the gorge from camp had us thinking, “we have to come back UP this??” After about an hour, our large group began to stretch like a slinky. As an out-and-back trail, you reach a point of no return. Our wide variety of ages, strengths, and athletic abilities started to challenge us. Geoff helped encourage us that even if we’re tired, we could still do more, but we also learned valuable lessons in listening to our bodies.

This trip has been an exceptional moment of pause for so many of us, which is ironic given our sunrise to sunset (and beyond!) daily itineraries. We’ve challenged ourselves since our first orientation in April to unplug and focus inward. We’ve been vulnerable with each other since we met at the airport 8 days ago, and open about what we need in order to experience success each day, whether that’s a nap, an ice cream bar, or someone to process the day with. Today, we saw 18 people with 18 different goals and finish lines. Some people were determined to make it to the gorge 6.5km away. Some knew their body might have some limitations, and were open to asking for breaks or help. Some were fulfilled by finding a perfect rock to relax on and reflect. What transpired was a clear example of teamwork and cheerleading. We helped our walking buddy scale rock “steps,” carried heavy binoculars for each other, and shared snacks. Leaders selflessly walked back and forth delivering lunches and guiding different groups to meet their own finish lines. As the gorge group made their way back along the trail, the three groups slowly regathered and shared their individual experiences of the day. Once we powered up the last steep climb at the end (or beginning) of the trail, we rewarded ourselves with our favorite South African sweets and sodas, yoga, and a pizza dance party.

South Africa

“The People are the Key”

July 27, 2025 - 0 Comments

You would think that a travel day where we drive 180 miles with a midday stop at a mall wouldn’t fuel a good blog… but our experiences today have been so impactful on us all. Our field guide, David, started our morning with a bird tour. It filled us with immense joy seeing him so enthusiastic and giddy as the sun slowly rose over the wetlands and brought the wild to life.

David in his element as he shares the birds of Wakkerstroom, his home town.

Best sightings of the morning were the blue cranes, South Africa’s endangered national bird. But a mob of meerkats who were trying to cross a busy road were the comedy crew. We watched eagerly as they raced towards the road, then abruptly stopped as one of them looked for a clear path across. Then a truck would come and they would scurry back to the mound before running back to the road to try again. Over and over this happened. We laughed so hard, and yet as they finally reached the other side, there was a sigh of relief and a testament to their perseverance.

Views from our morning birding adventures.

Wakkerstroom is David’s home; hearing his stories of buildings, people, and history not only gave us a sense of the local culture but also of the struggles and changes the people here have dealt with. It made us realize that our days at Kruger National Park didn’t fully immerse us in the full South Africa experience. There is poverty that challenges the daily lives of most of the people we saw today. Nelson Mandela said “poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.”

Here the actions are occurring, but they are slow. The hills of shanties overlooking the government housing pulled at our hearts as we saw people hand-carrying water from community sources in order to have water in their homes. Yet we also saw a field of children happily playing football and children dancing in their backyards. The biggest lesson from today and our time in South Africa so far is that life’s joys come mostly from relationships and friendships, not from material things. Meeting Noma and Zinhle, the South African educators who have joined us for this journey, as well as David and Andrew, our South African guides, we have felt the heart of South Africa. Their friendships and sharing of their cultures have connected us. This has been very special for all of us.

We have been commenting that nothing could exceed the incredible experiences we have had so far, yet each day this trip continues to surprise and deliver special life-changing moments. Ending our day was no exception. The Drakensberg Mountains rose before us and then enveloped us as we arrived at Royal Natal National Park. We were in awe of the towering rocks we will explore more thoroughly tomorrow, yet standing outside our lodging and breathing in the crisp mountain air, there is a peace and timelessness here that is unlike anything we have ever experienced. It is a place where you can feel the pulse of the Earth, the rhythm of life that has been playing out for millions of years. What a trip it’s been!

First impressions of the Drakensberg Mountains of Royal Natal National Park.

South Africa

“Learning to Fly”

July 27, 2025 - 2 Comments

Yesterday during our bush walk Edward, one of our rangers, pointed out an antlion cone. He explained that antlions construct these cones to trap prey and remain in this larval stage for about two years before pupating into adult insects that resemble dragonflies. Once they reach adulthood, they have only about two months to live. I was struck by the irony that once this creature finally learns to fly, its life is almost over.

An antlion larvae – they sit at the bottom of their “cones” in the sand, waiting for prey to fall in.

It made me think about how often people limit themselves by underestimating their abilities. Too often, we fall prey to societal norms, expectations, or our own limiting beliefs.

Today while driving from Skukuza to Wakkerstroom, one of my travel companions asked our guide David how he became a guide. He shared that as a child he loved birds, and one day realized he could use that passion to improve his life and grow as an individual.

While looking for wildlife in Kruger National Park, David often stopped for birds. Lots of other park visitors would stop too and ask what we were looking at, and would then keep driving when they realized it was only birds. Khadijah ended up getting David a magnet for his vehicle so folks would know what we were stopping for!

Both of these moments reminded me of our role as educators. Yes, we must teach children to read, do math, understand civics, and explore science. But perhaps an even more important role is helping them discover and nurture their innate abilities so they can advance themselves in life as early as possible.

As we continue to explore this beautiful country, I challenge those traveling with me—and anyone reading this—to reflect on how we can help the children in our lives realize they can “fly” sooner rather than later, so they can soar into brilliant futures, using their talents to make the world better. Our time is fleeting, and I hope each of us makes the most of it.

Quick stop at the Lowveld Botanical Garden.

Today, we drove out of the “Kruger bubble” and began to experience another side of South Africa. The streets were lined with markets and people, full of color, energy, and everyday life—a striking shift from the vast wilderness we’d just left behind.

One of many fruit and vegetable stands we passed on our travels today.

Much like the animals we are encountering humans are territorial, often seeking those who most resemble us. This instinct, while ancient, is not conducive to a stable society. South Africa’s journey with school desegregation mirrors that of the American South: parents with privilege frequently move their children to private schools, leaving public schools with fewer resources and opportunities. As a result, many students lose their chance at true equality. As educators traveling here and building relationships with our South African peers, we are reminded that progress comes when we step beyond those boundaries—when we choose collaboration over separation, and invest in creating opportunities that lift all children, not just those within our own circle.

P.S. The South African countryside is breathtaking. Golden fields stretch endlessly beneath an expansive sky, dotted occasionally with small farms and clusters of trees. Along the roadsides, we see a remarkable display of entrepreneurial spirit—fruit and vegetable stands, barbershops, makeshift building-supply stalls, and even individuals collecting small tolls to maintain paths around washed-out roads. The landscape feels both vast and alive, a reflection not only of natural beauty but also of the resourcefulness of its people.

Some of the golden fields of South Africa.

We are heading to an area that may not have service. If you don’t hear from us in the next few days, know we’re having a great time in Royal Natal National Park and will check back in when we have service!

South Africa

“Hello Skukuza!”

July 26, 2025 - 3 Comments

In our time at Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park we have had two game drives and a bush walk. We have seen the spectacular Big Five multiple times over – elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, and water buffalo.

However, the real magic is not only the Big 5 – it is in the balance of all the species in a community. Today we also sat behind a bird blind at Lake Panic where we saw acacia trees, kingfishers, blue waxbills, an African fish eagle, Retz’s helmetshrikes, an Egyptian goose, water monitors, nyala, impalas, a warthog, and too many hippos to count.

Enjoying the diversity of the ecosystem at the Lake Panic bird blind.

“In nature nothing exists alone.” – Rachel Carson

With at least 40 species in just an hour, our checklists were on fire!

At Lake Panic, we watched as hippos moved in and out of the water and displayed territorial behaviors.

After the bird blind we went back to camp and were asked to write about anything for 45-minutes. One of our African-American colleagues wrote, “I know as an American I have more, but here in South Africa …. I have never felt so free.”

Hearing her share this took us by surprise. It made us reflect not only on what she is experiencing personally, but how our students may feel at home. What if every teacher and every child felt they belong? Imagine how they would flourish and contribute to a better North Carolina.

Sharing American and South African dances with each other during midday breaks.

In Kruger National Park the African fish eagleneeds the lake and the hippo shapes the land. Nothing is superfluous, everyone is needed for the system to thrive.

South Africa

“Our First Goodbye”

July 24, 2025 - 5 Comments

Beginning with the first footstep taken upon arriving at a destination, a traveler is writing a narrative starting with “hello” and ending with “goodbye.” “Hello” serves as the traveler’s introduction to the area, a way for them to say “Here I am, let me explore and learn your ways.” The traveler uses this time to take first glances and make alterations to plans and expectations. The land and the animals respond by observing the traveler and taking note of how they may be treated during the traveler’s stay.

Likewise, each time a traveler leaves a destination they are therefore saying goodbye. Goodbye to all that has been seen, heard, smelled, and even tasted.

The entrance to Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp. Lovingly described by our group as the “Jurassic Park” entrance.

Today began with our first of many goodbyes, by saying farewell to Berg-en-Dal. We packed our bags slowly, almost like reluctant children not wanting to complete their homework. We made our beds with jealousy for the new occupants. We closed windows and shut doors while taking in deep breaths of the sweet air we had been breathing. Many of us walked paths one last time, hoping to see an animal friend that had been made. Many of us visited benches that had brought comfort and healing. Many of us simply took time to stop and steal one more minute of the beauty we had enjoyed.

The insects whizzing through the air, sounding like the engines of race cars. The birds calling to each other to follow in flight. The monkeys plotting for their next meal. Every sound, every sight, and every smell was being sucked up by each of us as we tried to get it one. last. time.

But no, this will not be a goodbye. Goodbyes are forever, final. Instead, let this be a “see you later,” which encourages a return. A see you later means we’ll do it all again. To the herd of elephants that crossed the rocky cliff behind our lodge each afternoon, the bushbuck that explored our back patio, and even the mischievous monkeys that used the tents as trampolines, we say see you later. We WILL meet again.

As we packed up and left Berg-en-Dal, we asked our group how they were saying “see you later” – here are those responses:

“I’m ready to leave Berg-en-Dal, my phone don’t work here! I did truly enjoy my breakfast with Noma and Flavia. I gave Berg-en-Dal three kisses goodbye.” -Khadijah

“I walked the Rhino Trail with coffee and reflected on humans being fenced in. When we collectively have restraint or boundaries, we are happier, like children.” -Shannon

“C’est la vie to Berg-en-Dal, South Africa. The time has come to say goodbye and see you next time. I told God, ‘Thank you for the majestic beauty he created and allowing me to see his wondrous work.’ Until we meet again.” -Pam

“It’s goodbye now and hello to our next new destination.” -Zinhle

“I woke up early to watch the sunrise over the watering hole and listen to the birds and vervet monkeys all around me. I listened and watched, and was joyful and thankful for our time at Berg-en-Dal.” -Christine

“I said see you later along the Rhino Trail on the outskirts of camp. I accidentally startled a vervet monkey, and stood quietly to apologize. A few steps later, I locked eyes with a giraffe just beyond the fence. As one of my favorite animals, I silently thanked him for greeting me and sharing his space with us. Our Berg-en-Dal bush gave us so many memories.” -Stephanie

“Goodbye to the lilac-breasted roller, my “spark” bird, brilliant and bright. Goodbye to the friendly spider next to my bed who abided by the agreement to keep your pinchers to yourself. Goodbye to the leopard that alluded us all day, only showing his face to make things right.” -Emily

“I didn’t know how to say goodbye to a place that gave me the most incredible day of my life. But I remembered my students don’t let us say goodbye, just see you later, because it isn’t final.” -Ashley

“I don’t believe in goodbyes!” -Shelley

“Thank you for providing me with one of the most incredible days of my life. The location, people, and experiences were incredible.” -Michael

“Thank you Berg-en-Dal for starting this journey with joy, amazement, and awe!” -Flavia

“ I would not like to move there, but I would come again with a bigger family. I think it was nice.” -Noma

Noma and Flavia as they packed up and said goodbye to their Berg-en-Dal home.

“Berg-en-Dal, you did not disappoint. Thank you for rejuvenating my soul and bringing me some amazing memories. The heartbeat of the bush is within me now and will keep calling me back to you.” -Amy

“Goodbye to the red-eyed dove that wished me a good morning and the fiery-necked nightjar that bade me good night. Goodbye to the sounds of Berg-en-Dal, until we meet again.” -Andrew

“Waking with the sun and walking with curiosity – watching for birds, investigating seeds and tracks, and navigating past docile bushbuck – deepened my connection and appreciation to this space, even as we said our goodbyes.” -Emma

The whole group on our journey from Berg-en-Dal to Skukuza Rest Camp, our next stop in Kruger National Park.

South Africa

“What the Bush Gave Us”

July 23, 2025 - 8 Comments

Sunrise Game Drive-Day 1 Kruger 5:00 AM

“Do you have time to….just be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world?” Mary Oliver

For the lioness and her cub

For the giraffe and her baby

For the elephant chasing his mama’s tail

To watch the sunrise over Southern Africa?

This morning, our driver Peter warned us that we may not see what we wanted. We would only see what the bush would give us. And this morning, the bush was incredibly generous.

There were so many moments on our first game drive that stole our breaths from our lungs. We held on to each other, eyes big, looking at each other. Asking “is this real?” It was real. This morning we entered their territory. We breathed their air. You could feel the rumble of the mama lion in your chest as she chided her too playful cub.

Many of us were shocked to find that we weren’t incredibly disgusted to watch a pack of wild dogs consume an impala in under 5 minutes.

African Wild Dogs (or Painted Wolves as they’re becoming known) eating an impala carcass.

We squealed as an elephant family walked toward us, the tiniest baby chasing mama’s tail, and catching it. Some of us even got chastised for leaning too far outside the vehicle (even teachers forget the rules, sometimes).

A group of female elephants and their young paraded by our vehicle.

Several giraffes surprised us, seemingly out of nowhere, their majesty overtaking us. We celebrated small rhino families, that are slowly taking what has been stolen from them.

We were so alive this morning. Together, in one place, in a broken world. Taking time to just be…16 strangers holding hands and sharing a once in a lifetime experience. Falling in love with South Africa and Kruger.

Jane Goodall said “there is a timeless quality to the African wilderness, a sense of peace and belonging that I haven’t found anywhere else in the world.”

It was peaceful to let the world steal our breath in a good way, for a moment. When was the last time you stopped and watched and waited and let life tell you what you needed? When you took only what was given and didn’t ask for more or what was next?

Take a chance and be open. You may find exactly you need, even if you thought it wasn’t what you wanted.

Sunset over the southern part of Kruger National Park.

South Africa

“Falling into South Africa”

July 22, 2025 - 2 Comments

“You don’t just visit South Africa. You fall into it heart first—so deep and forever I changed.” -unknown

And the adventure begins. After a 15 hour flight and a few hours of sleep we headed off for Kruger National Park. The drive started with a very flat, dry landscape and turned into mountains and a fascinating drive through the park. We left the city for the country.

An important thing to practice before heading into Kruger National Park? Using binoculars!

–

It happened before I even made it through the gates.

We stopped on the bridge just outside Kruger National Park, expecting a quick glance, maybe a photo. What I didn’t expect was to feel something crack wide open in me.

The view on one side of the bridge outside Kruger National Park.

Below the bridge, the river wound its way through the dry landscape—wide, slow, and shimmering under the African sun. It was peaceful, but alive. And there, along the shoreline, they appeared—hippos, lounging together in the shallow water and stretched out across the muddy riverbank.

Their huge, rounded forms looked like ancient sculptures, but it was their pink bellies that stopped me. Soft, exposed, glowing faintly in the light—they added this surprising sweetness. They looked oddly content, piled close together in the warm sun completely unbothered by the world. There was something strangely intimate about it.

And then I said it, almost laughing: “Hippopotamus.”

Not like I’d said it before. This time it came out in awe. Like the word itself was part of the magic.

Just beyond them, impala moved gently through the grass—delicate and alert, catching the sun on their sleek coats. Nearby, crocodiles lay motionless, also sunning themselves, their armored backs blending into the riverbank. At first I didn’t even notice them—until I did, and then I couldn’t not see them. They were eerie and fascinating, ancient-looking and incredibly still. The kind of stillness that makes you feel the power just beneath the surface.

Then, as if to balance all that grounded stillness, a fish eagle soared overhead—its wings wide and commanding. In the shallows below, a grey heron waded slowly and purposefully through the water, all grace and patience, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

And all of this—all of it—was just from the bridge.

We hadn’t even entered Kruger, and yet I already felt undone. Not in a dramatic, life-flashing-before-my-eyes kind of way. It was gentler than that. More like something inside me recognized this place. Like my heart had been waiting for it.

I didn’t want to move. I didn’t want to speak. I just stood there, overwhelmed with gratitude—not just for what I was seeing, but for the fact that I got to be there at all. That, for one fleeting moment, I was a witness to this wild, untouched beauty.

That bridge wasn’t just a crossing point. It was a beginning.

Because you don’t just visit South Africa.

You fall into it—heart first. So deep and so suddenly, you don’t even realize it’s happening until you’ve already changed. Forever, and beautifully, unknown.

An unexpectedly close encounter with an African Elephant in Kruger National Park.

South Africa

“Up, up, and away!”

July 21, 2025 - 0 Comments

How do 12 North Carolina educators travel to South Africa? Through a LONG day of travel.

From Raleigh to Atlanta to Johannesburg, our teachers walked, took a tram, flew, then walked some more for over 20 hours in order to reach South African soil.

The team ready to board our flight to Atlanta.

Anticipation was growing in Raleigh and really took off in Atlanta as we received itinerary and map stickers to add to our journals. As we read the details of our trip again and counted down the minutes to take off, excitement filled the air. A rainbow over the airport caught our eye and added to the growing energy as we all took it as a positive sign. Further pre-boarding bonding took the form of showcasing compression socks – from penguins to holidays, we were quite the fashionable crew.

The flight to Johannesburg was a long haul – a hefty 14.5 direct flight from Atlanta. While some of us were able to get some sleep, many of us spent the majority of the flight watching movies on the inflight entertainment system. Wicked was a popular choice for many folks.

Excited faces – we’re finally on the plane to South Africa!

After clearing customs and picking up our checked bags we met up with Andrew and David, our local guides, and Noma and Zinhle, two South African teachers who are joining us for this journey. We ended the day with a group meeting as we learned more about what was to come and then headed to bed – we’re ready for some real sleep!

We made it! The whole crew together in Johannesburg.

Want to see more photos of our traveling team? Follow @ncmnsteachered on Instagram!