PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
Here are a few things to know and expect:
- Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
- We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
- Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
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BLOG POST FOR JUNE 23
We’re finally in the game reserve!!
It feels like we’ve already done so much despite arriving just a day ago in chilly Johannesburg. We’ve had great meals, played a round of football (soccer) as a group, gone on a half-day road trip and sat around a fire to get to know one another better.
We’re looking forward to a game drive in the morning and can’t wait to see the resident animals within Nambiti. Follow along with us as we discover the wild spaces and learn more about conservation.
Till next time,
Lisette and the SA student group
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 25
To start the day, we warmed up with soccer before breakfast. As we finished, we headed out on a two hour game drive. We didn’t get as lucky as we did on our first game drive, but we were grateful for the chance to see the animals on the Nambiti Game Reserve. Our sightings, or lack of, gave us a good sense of what to expect as the norm, and appreciate what that previous luck brought. Although we didn’t get to see that many animals, we did encounter and once in a life time experience of seeing a rhino dehorning from far away.
After getting back, we headed into the community and shared a warming experience with the children from a local Crèche, making it hard to leave. Playing with them created an enjoyable connection with the community and a broader view on developing global education. From there, we continued into the community and enjoyed the Gogo’s vegan lunch in a local home (Gogo being the Zulu word for Grandma) plus had an opportunity to purchase hats weaved entirely of recycled plastic- a moment that showed the deep passion passed from generation to generation.
After this, our group headed back to home base, and had an introduction to the internship curriculum. Then, for the last activity of the day, we prepped for a soccer match with a local academy team back within the community, and enjoyed the next few hours of fun and engagement. Finally, as we all enjoyed dinner, overlooking the savannah grasslands of Nambiti, we reflected and ended our day.
By Leaders of the day – Chloe and Logan
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 26
Today we packed up our bags and started our journey from Nambiti to Howick. During the drive, we enjoyed playing “Guess the middle name” and listening to music together. Once we arrived, we picked up a new member of our team! We ate sandwiches and drank our signature guava juice to welcome our new friend.
Then, we got geared up for our zipline adventure in Karkloof forest, and got to experience not 1, but 10 varieties of ziplines that gave us such a beautiful view of the South African forest horizon. After such an experience, we went ahead to our house at the Old Mushroom Farm which was surrounded by a cinematic view of pine trees, small dams and cows grazing on farmland infront of a magnificent sunset. As we settled in our one night stay, everyone had their moments to enjoy the nature and fresh air. As once said by our International Director Lisette, “Gen Z enjoy nature too”.
After a few hours of enjoying nature, company of friends, and moments of reflection, the sun eventually went down, and we all headed inside for some card games, pizza, and drinks from a nearby restaurant.
By Leaders of the Day – Assata and Henrik
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 29
Today we spent most of our time exploring the Snake Pharm where we got to enjoy many new experiences. The reason it is not spelt farm is because they make anti venom like a pharmacy. After the tour we got the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the animals there. These experiences varied from cleaning out mice and snake cages to petting mongooses and guinea pigs. After that we were able to hold a snake and alligator.
Following that we got a lesson on how to deal with snakes and dangerous animal encounters in the wild. Once we headed back to camp we learned how to hand wash our dirty clothes. To end the day we worked on a journaling activity that had us go into groups with people of similar strengths and work together to complete a task.
By Leaders of the Day – Maya and Sawyer
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30
Today we started our day bright and early, waking up before quickly heading to breakfast. After a delicious breakfast, everyone made their way to the pool where some of the girls took quick dips while others tried a variety of milkshakes. We spent most of the morning at the pool before riding back to camp and then headed to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve which is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa! This was our first game drive on this massive reserve and we were greeted by many different animal sightings.
Not even five minutes into the game drive we spotted multiple baboons and zebra. Driving deeper into the bush we also saw some warthogs and a couple rhino. After an hour or two of driving we made our way to the Hill Top restaurant and on the way we were greeted by a herd of elephant big and small. After our delicious lunch at the Hill Top we made our way back down the mountains. The sun began to set as we approached the exit of the park but once again our path was blocked by dozens of elephant, it was a beautiful and unforgettable sight to see. Finally we reached the end of the reserve and made our way to camp for dinner, night activities and some well deserved rest.
From Leaders of the Day- Violet and Giselle
BLOG POST FOR JULY 1
Hello everyone! As much fun as today was, all our tiredness finally caught up with us. This lead to a very slow morning, but once we got on the game vehicles with the cold air blowing in our face we were very awake. We went to learn more about the APU (anti poaching unit) and this team specialized in animal tracking by airplanes or helicopters. We got the chance to sit in the planes and learn how they navigate using pin points in WhatsApp. Learning more about how these people put their lives on the line has inspired all of us to help in little ways to create change. Later that day we also got to learn about traditional Zulu culture. We held spears and shields, balanced pots on our heads, and danced. Exchanging dancing that reflected our culture gave all of us a greater appreciation for learning about the world. To end off a wonderful day we watched a bush baby eat some fruit. It was a slow process waiting for the bush baby to appear but it was so worth it when it did.
As a leader I am learning so much in ways to lift up and support my team. Which isn’t too hard with all these wonderful people. 🩷
So much love, Maya (leader of the day)
BLOG POST FOR JULY 2
We started the day with some amazing breakfast made by our Chef Xolani, and after our delicious breakfast we were introduced to some of the members of the APU (Anti Poaching Unit) team here on Bonamanzi. These men work around the clock to ensure the safety of the animals on the reserve. We joined them on snare patrol where we were looking for any traps that poachers set up. We were then introduced to the k-9 unit and were taught how the dogs are able to track the scent of poachers.
After we finished up lunch we headed out on a boat to view the various kinds of bird life and animals in the wetlands. Upon returning to camp we were greeted by a massive rhino named bingo! This was followed by watching an anti poaching presentation that was created by Kate that taught us more about the intricacies around poaching and community involvement in minimizing this trade. We returned to camp to enjoy another amazing meal made by chef and while dinner was being served we spotted Bingo again, but this time he brought his 3 friends with him! We finished off the day by sitting under the canopy outside telling stories and sharing laughs.
Today I felt like I grew so much as a leader. I learned that it’s okay to sometimes be assertive when I need to be. This was a huge concern of mine as I’m usually a very light hearted person, and with the help of Lisette and Maya, I was able to find a perfect balance between being lighthearted and bringing the energy along with being assertive when I needed to be.
From Zach
BLOG POST FOR JULY 3
We started the day with an amazing breakfast made by our chef Xolani. Our first activity of the day was a cultural experience at Zamampilo, where we were taught to make beaded bracelets by some very nice local ladies. Following that a group of children came to sing and dance with us and we had a very fun time with them. Before departing from Zamampilo we checked out the craft market where we were able to buy fruits and other curio items from the locals. We returned to camp for lunch and had the opportunity to interact with the Reserve Manager of Bonamanzi where we learned a lot about her job and what it takes to run a game reserve. Our next activity was an exciting game drive where we saw giraffes and other animals. When we returned to camp we enjoyed an another amazing dinner made by Xolani. To finish off the day we had a bonfire and participated in some star gazing- exchanging Greek lore about how constellations came to be.
By Sawyer.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 4
We woke up bright and early at 4:30 am on July fourth before the sun was up and set off on a drive to Hluhluwe, the oldest and seconds largest nature reserve in South Africa. We split into two groups and went on a six hour game drive around the park seeing a beautiful sunrise and lots and lots of animals. In the morning we spotted two male lions (most likely brothers) lazing around in a clearing and got to hear them roar as a fun surprise. Our guides explained to us how their roars were a means of communication about the status of their territory.
After driving for a few hours in which we saw more elephants, rhinos, warthogs and even a baboon we stopped for a quick but rainy brunch at the Hilltop lodge. We then hopped back on our game viewer trucks and continued the drive, where we saw some giraffes and many more impalas. Even though in the afternoon we didn’t see as many animals as in the morning my van group still had a lot of fun talking to our guides and learning South African songs. This moment really spoke out to me because I remembered how lucky I was to have this wildlife experience and on top of that to have this experience with like minded people who share an appreciation for South African culture and wildlife.
We headed back to Bonamanzi in mid afternoon where we began working on our final internship projects in small groups. Each group will try to solve a glocal issue (problems that are local and also global) using the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals which address current inequities across the world and work to solve them. I loved getting to work with my group and our propositions to try and improve the education systems in local towns outside of game reserves in South Africa.
After our meetings and internship work we all had dinner and due to technical difficulties had to postpone our group movie night to a different time. This was fine with us however because we instead played a group game of lantern tag which is similar to a night time capture the flag game. The game was very exhilarating and became quite competitive. After a very fun but also quite exhausting day we all headed to bed excited for the late 8 am wake up the next morning!
By Quinn
BLOG POST FOR JULY 6
Today was the day we left Bonamazi and started the last leg of our trip at Saint Lucia. We started the morning by saying farewell and thanks to our guides Cate and Sam, and our chef Xolani. After an emotional goodbye, we got in the van and drove to Saint Lucia.
Once we arrived, we walked around the town to get us orientated with the place we will call home for the next week. We shopped at several markets and stores, including the iconic Banana Box Supermarket. After our exploration, we were introduced to our new rooms at Shonalanga Hotel and we had time to unpack and relax.
During the afternoon, we went on a boat tour in Lake Saint Lucia, where we saw hippopotamuses, several kinds of birds, and a few small crocodiles along with exquisite scenery.
We then ate dinner at a nearby pizza restaurant and spent the evening planning and working more on our presentations.
Today I learned how to better support my group. A lot of people were tired from the traveling and activities, so I had to put in extra work to keep up our energy and concentration. Normally in group settings I act more passive, so being the person in control was something that caused me to grow and improve my leadership.
From Henrik
BLOG POST FOR JULY 8
We started the day with a breakfast of eggs and sausage made by the lovely staff at our lodgings. Then we were picked up by two rangers from iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Splitting into two groups we went on a beautiful game drive, our guides telling us all about the 5 ecosystems of the park and the flora and fauna that live in each space. When we reached the end we spent time at the beach, swimming, playing rugby and relaxing. The game drive tour provided us with lunch. We drove back to the hotel and swam in the frigid pool that was there. After some rest we presented our final projects and finished the day with some time to relax in our rooms.
As for being a leader I felt that I have greatly improved from last time. I learned how to command everyone’s attention when speaking and to be confident in my own skills, follow through with what I say I’ll do and keep myself and others on time. With a little advice from friends the prior night, I managed to keep a smooth running and fun day for myself and hopefully all the others.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 11
On our first day in Saint Lucia we went to the crocodile center and learned from Yohann about the animal’s importance in Saint Lucia and also the centers work for rehabilitation projects. Yohann taught us about the difference between alligators and crocs and different species nesting styles. I particularly thought it was very interesting that crocs are some of the oldest species on earth and have remained virtually unchanged in their genetic stricture for millions of years.
In the afternoon we did community service for the center, restoring all the bird watching pathways and clearings around the crocs gates. It was pretty hard work and to complete the whole project took two days but with team work and some great conversations with Yahann the time flew by. Over the next few days we experienced a life time of fun ocean side adventures including a canal boat ride where we saw four hippo family’s and lots of baby crocs. We also went on a whale watching boat trip where we saw over eight whale breaches from a pod of all males and one female humpback.
Our time in Saint Lucia went too quick and was tainted with the sadness of the trip coming to an end but we still had a great last week bonding as a group and presenting our internship presentations which helped us incorporate all of the lessons we’ve learned into a final reflective piece. This whole trip truly taught me so much about myself and broadened my world perspective. Although I’m sad to leave I know the memories I’ve made with my directors and like minded peers will last a life time. Thank you GLA for a great summer in the bush.
From Quinn
