Welcome to Part 2 of Courtney's Travel Blog about her trip to Africa
The wildlife encounters in places like Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Phinda Private Game Reserve were spectacular. Getting up close and personal with elephants as they move through the bush, watching rhinos enjoy a midday snack or locking eyes with a baby leopard on a game drive, I felt a deep connection to the natural world that I had previously only imagined.

Every game drive brought new and different experiences, and each came with excitement and wonder for what could be out there. One of my top moments came from an evening game drive at Phinda. At this point in my trip, I had already done a few game drives and already seen the Big 5, so everything I would see from this point on was a bonus. For others in my group, they had not seen lions yet, so that was the goal for our guide. It didn’t take long for us to get a call over the radio of not just a lion sighting but a whole lion pride.

As we approached, I could hardly contain my excitement. Although I had already seen lions before, this was the first time I was seeing lion cubs. It was surreal to see these powerful creatures up close, their golden fur glistening in the sunlight. I watched in awe as one of the lionesses stretched and yawned, revealing her sharp teeth. It was a reminder of her strength and dominance in this wild kingdom. My heart swelled as I watched the young cubs chase and wrestle one another. I watched the pride eat their meal of freshly caught warthog with a mix of admiration and respect for these magnificent animals, and maybe a little bit of fear, as I was quickly reminded these cute and majestic creatures were also the top of the food chain in their natural habitat, and we were merely visitors.
After a while, one of the male lions stood up and stretched before rejoining the group, his movements graceful yet powerful. The sight was mesmerizing; it felt like witnessing a scene from a nature documentary come to life right before my eyes.
As we observed them, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection to nature. Here were these incredible animals living freely in their environment, embodying a raw beauty that is so often lost in our modern lives. I realized how much I had taken for granted, how little I understood about the complexities of wildlife and ecosystems before this moment. To see a little glimpse in this pride’s dynamics, you can see the similarities we humans have in our own family and communities. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this experience, the privilege of sharing this moment with such incredible creatures.

As I stand on the edge of the lush African plains, the sun begins its slow descent, casting a warm, golden glow over everything it touches. This is my last evening here, and I can feel a bittersweet ache in my chest as I take in the breathtaking scene before me. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, deep purples, and soft pinks, each color blending seamlessly into the next. It’s a sight I’ve witnessed many times during my stay, yet tonight it feels different, more poignant, more profound.
The air is warm and fragrant with the scent of earth and grass, and a gentle breeze rustles through the tall savanna grasses. I close my eyes for a moment, allowing myself to be fully present in this moment. The sounds of the evening surround me: the distant calls of birds settling down for the night, the soft rustle of leaves, and the occasional low rumble of wildlife in the distance. Each sound resonates within me, grounding me in this beautiful place that has captured my heart.
As I gaze out over the plains one last time, I am struck by how alive everything feels. The lush greenery stretches out before me, dotted with acacia trees silhouetted against the fiery sky. I think about all the experiences I’ve had here, the exhilarating game drives, the laughter shared with fellow travelers around dinner tables, and the quiet moments of reflection that have deepened my connection to this land.
With each passing minute, the sun sinks lower, casting long shadows across the landscape. I feel a sense of gratitude wash over me once again for all that Africa has given me: lessons in resilience from its people, awe-inspiring encounters with wildlife, and a renewed appreciation for nature’s beauty.

As the sun finally dips below the horizon, painting the sky with its final strokes of light, I feel at peace and a pang of sadness. This is not just a farewell to a stunning sunset; it’s a goodbye to an experience that has enriched my soul. I realize how much I will miss this land, the warmth of its people, the thrill of its wildlife, and the serenity of its landscapes.
I take a deep breath, inhaling deeply as if trying to capture this moment forever. The vibrant colors fade into twilight, but their imprint on my heart will remain long after I leave. As darkness envelops the plains and stars begin to twinkle overhead, I know that while I may be returning home soon, a piece of Africa will always stay with me—a reminder of beauty, connection, and the wild spirit of life itself.
As my trip came to an end, I realized this journey wasn’t just a vacation; it was an education in cultural understanding and self-reflection. I left South Africa with a newfound humility and an insatiable curiosity to learn more about the world and its people. The world suddenly seemed both larger and smaller, larger in its incredible diversity and complexity, yet small in our shared humanity. It taught me that true growth comes from stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown. Upon boarding my flight home, I knew that the person returning was fundamentally different from the one who had arrived just two weeks before; more aware, more compassionate, and infinitely more curious about the vast world I had only begun to understand.
Fast forward to Jan 2025, I am now working with the Latitude Expeditions team to plan a trip to Africa for family and friends. If your bucket list includes Africa or any of the other places we serve (Link here), please reach out to me at Courtney@Latitudexp.com.
Comentários