zebra – Educators of Excellence Institutes

“Learning to Listen”

July 24, 2026 - 5 Comments

Friday, July 24:

We started the day having seen two of the Big Five with high hopes for seeing a rhino, Cape buffalo, and lion in our remaining time in the park. But we have already been wowed by many other amazing African animals, so we were excited for whatever encounters we have while in Kruger! Each of us are simply trying to take it all in while processing with each other. Such an amazing opportunity all around.

Half the group started the day at 5 am with a bush walk while the sun came up. We learned about animal tracks and poop while also being wowed by some wildlife sightings. We were so thankful to be guided by Pelsy (one of only about 15 female rangers in the park) and Lucky and to learn from their expertise. Pelsy started by sharing “We must allow the bush to communicate with us.” We hope we are good listeners!

The full group gathered together and packed to move to our next location in Kruger. Of course, riding through the scrub forest with passionate teachers takes a long time while we look for all the things we can absorb in the lowveld (the term for this low-lying, subtropical, semi-arid habitat).

The vans climbed to the top of Mathekenyane Lookout where we took in a panoramic view of the park. Dr. Christian Kammerer delivered a geology lesson for us on top of this big granite rock. Of course, 30 seconds in, we spotted warthogs chasing impalas and we were all distracted for a few minutes. But then we focused and learned from his expertise.
After more driving and animal sightings (including, finally an African hoopoe!), we stopped at Afsaal for lunch and a lesson on the Little Five through an improv skit created by Sayrd.

Back in the vans, traveling on, we were amazed by zebras running, giraffes eating, and a herd of Cape Buffalo resting in the bush! Number 3 for us of the Big 5!
After more driving and animal sightings (including, finally an African hoopoe!), we stopped at Afsaal for lunch and a lesson on the Little Five through an improv skit created by Sayrd.

Dr. Christian Kammerer teaches us about the geology of Kruger National Park

We arrived at Berg-en-Dal, our base for the next two nights, and got settled in to experience two more days of South African wildlife.

We are realizing that it isn’t about accomplishing a checklist of wildlife observations; but rather having an experience that will change us, make us better educators, and allow us to transfer knowledge and processes to our students.

South Africa

“Our first safari adventure…”

July 22, 2026 - 5 Comments

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.

Leopard sighting at dusk in Kruger National Park

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!