South Africa

“From Freedom’s Footsteps to Golden Horizons: A Journey Through South Africa’s Past and Present”

July 30, 2026   -   2 Comments

The Elephant team (from right), Tokitha, AJ, and Viola, pause for a picture with an incredible portrait of President Mandela made out of intricate beadwork.

Before we could begin another day of adventure, we packed our vans, enjoyed one last early breakfast together, and said goodbye to the beautiful coastal town of St. Lucia. While we were excited for what lay ahead, it was bittersweet knowing our South African journey was beginning to wind down.

This iconic sculpture of Nelson Mandela was created by the artist Marco Cianfanelli. It is made up of 50 separate steel poles between 19-32 feet high (one for each year since his capture as of 2012 when it was installed). As you approach and view the statue from a distance, the 50 vertical steel columns line up, magically recreating an image of Nelson Mandela’s face, and also reminding you that many different separate things can make up a whole, in solidarity.

Our first stop was the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where history came alive in a powerful and deeply personal way. As the temperature dropped, the significance of the moment only seemed to grow. Walking through the museum, we had the opportunity to see artifacts and exhibits that connected directly to the book we all read to help us prepare for our journey, Long Walk to Freedom. These artifacts brought the pages of the book into vivid reality. One of the most memorable moments was seeing the actual vehicle in which Nelson Mandela was captured in 1962, a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and equality. Many of us also visited the gift shop, bringing home meaningful souvenirs to remember this impactful experience.

“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

After reflecting on Mandela’s extraordinary legacy, we enjoyed lunch together at the on-site café before continuing our journey. Time was limited, so we climbed back into the vans and made our way toward Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

The drive quickly became an adventure of its own. As the road grew bumpier, Christian transformed the ride into another learning opportunity, teaching us about the fascinating rock formations, fossils, and geological history that make this region so unique. Although one of our radios stopped working along the way, Christian adapted by sharing information through our group chat, ensuring we didn’t miss out on the educational experience.

As daylight slowly faded and the South African landscape transformed beneath a spectacular sunset, we finally arrived at Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The towering sandstone cliffs welcomed us as we checked into our hotel, the place we will call home for our final two nights in Africa. We ended the day gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories, laughter, and gratitude for another unforgettable day.

Today reminded us that South Africa’s story is written not only in its breathtaking landscapes but also in the courage of those who shaped its history. As our journey nears its end, we continue to carry with us lessons of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of freedom.

The sunset from the road leading to Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
As we gained elevation from the coast, the temperature dropped. Tomorrow will be cold for fossil hunting!
South Africa

“A Long Walk to Freedom”

July 30, 2025   -   Comments Off on A Long Walk to Freedom

“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.