Shawnette Brown

One of the thing I wasn’t prepared for was just how cold the mornings would be. Packing for a fellowship—and then extending my trip into an even colder region—with only a carry-on suitcase was definitely a challenge. Nevertheless, I bundled up, met the group, and we set off around 6:00 a.m. for a three-hour game drive through the national park.

I was especially grateful for the warm wool blankets provided in the vehicle because it took me a while to get comfortable. It was still dark when we began, but before long, I watched the sun slowly rise over the mountains. The deep pink hues gradually transformed into the light of a new morning. Once again, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude to be surrounded by the beauty of this incredible landscape.

One of my favorite parts of the morning was simply listening to the sounds of the birds and watching them dart gracefully through the air. My favorite sighting was the beautiful Crimson-breasted Shrike, whose brilliant colors immediately caught my attention.

The highlight of the morning, however, was watching a group of hippos. Their enormous bodies remained hidden beneath the water while their bulging eyes watched us closely. There were five in total—three nearby and two farther away that slowly made their way toward our side of the water. They sprayed water, yawned, and seemed perfectly content going about their morning routine. It was such a joy to quietly observe them in their natural habitat.

We also spotted elephants in the distance, and later we had an unforgettable close encounter with one. Each time our guide started the jeep, he would quickly turn the engine off because the elephant would shift its position, almost as if it were blocking our path. Our guide explained that this was simply a display of confidence and awareness rather than aggression. Eventually, the elephant allowed us to pass, making for an exciting and memorable experience.

Although we didn’t see a giraffe on this drive, the morning was filled with incredible wildlife and fascinating stories from our guide about the animals, the ecosystem, and the history of the park. Every outing deepens my appreciation for conservation and the delicate balance of life in these protected spaces.

After the drive, we returned for breakfast overlooking the magnificent landscape. The view was absolutely breathtaking. We later heard that a herd of elephants had come to drink from the nearby watering hole. While that would have been incredible to witness, I was genuinely happy for those who saw it.

One lesson this journey continues to teach me is contentment. I truly believe that while I’m here, whatever I am meant to see, I will see. That perspective has allowed me to embrace each experience with gratitude instead of disappointment. And for that, I am deeply thankful.

After arriving around noon on Monday, the five of us who chose to extend our South African adventure together traveled to Pilanesberg National Park and the beautiful Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge. We were excited for our very first game drive, which began at 3:00 p.m.

Game drives are offered twice each day at Kwa Maritane, and from the moment we arrived, I knew this would be a time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the incredible wildlife that makes South Africa so special.

Located in South Africa’s North West Province, Pilanesberg National Park is set within the crater of an extinct volcano, creating one of the country’s most unique landscapes. The park is home to the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and African buffalo—as well as approximately 27,000 animals and more than 360 species of birds. Just three hours from Johannesburg, it offers visitors an unforgettable safari experience.

What I wasn’t prepared for was how quickly the adventure would begin.

Within the first ten minutes of our drive, a herd of elephants calmly crossed the road directly in front of our vehicle. It was one of the most breathtaking moments I have ever experienced. Seeing elephants in their natural habitat—not behind fences or on a television screen, but walking freely before my own eyes—was surreal. This wasn’t National Geographic. This was my reality.

As we continued through the park, every turn revealed another incredible sight. Giraffes stood gracefully just yards from our jeep, their towering presence leaving me completely awestruck. Zebras wandered across the grasslands with an elegance that almost seemed intentional, as though they knew every visitor had stopped to admire them.

As the afternoon faded into evening, the temperature dropped, and I bundled up against the crisp winter air. The cool breeze only made the experience more memorable. Watching the sun slowly disappear behind the mountains, casting golden light across the valley, was the perfect ending to an extraordinary first safari.

My first game drive exceeded every expectation I had. It wasn’t just about seeing animals—it was about experiencing the beauty, peace, and wonder of creation in a way that photographs can never fully capture.

I have a feeling this is only the beginning of an unforgettable journey through the African wilderness.

One of the unexpected highlights of my time in Johannesburg was visiting Museum Africa. While the Apartheid Museum challenged my understanding of South Africa’s struggle for freedom, Museum Africa broadened my appreciation for the country’s history, culture, geology, innovation, and democracy. It reminded me that the story of South Africa is much larger than one period in history. It is a story that spans millions of years and continues to unfold today.

As an educator, I found myself slowing down to read exhibit after exhibit during the four hours spent there. Every gallery offered opportunities to connect geography, science, history, civics, and culture in meaningful ways that could easily translate into classroom discussions.

I enjoyed learning about Africa’s incredible geography, from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Nile River, while also exploring exhibits on weathering, rock formations, minerals, and the continent’s remarkable natural resources. The collection of minerals was especially impressive and showcased South Africa’s rich geological heritage.

One exhibit that deeply captured my attention was “Negotiating Democracy: 1990–1994 – How South Africa’s Democracy Was Forged.” Walking through this exhibition felt like witnessing history unfold. The displays documented the difficult negotiations, political violence, courageous leadership, and compromises that ultimately led to South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.

I also appreciated that the museum did not shy away from difficult conversations. Exhibits discussed the South African War, concentration camps that affected Black South Africans, and the complex realities surrounding reconciliation and nation-building. Rather than presenting simple answers, the museum encouraged visitors to think critically about justice, leadership, memory, and the ongoing work of democracy.

Another surprise was discovering galleries dedicated to cinematography (a favorite), optical toys, stamps, and communication. These collections demonstrated how museums can preserve not only political history but also everyday life, creativity, technology, and innovation.

As I walked through Museum Africa, I realized that museums are among our greatest classrooms. They invite us to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and appreciate perspectives beyond our own. For teachers, students, and lifelong learners, places like this remind us that history is not simply about memorizing dates. It is about understanding people, ideas, and the choices that continue to shape our world.

I left Museum Africa with a deeper appreciation for South Africa’s resilience and complexity. It is a museum I would enthusiastically recommend to anyone visiting Johannesburg, especially educators, historians, and those eager to better understand the rich tapestry of the African continent.

After spending the morning immersed in the stories of Museum Africa, I decided there was no better way to experience the city than aboard the City Sightseeing Johannesburg Big Bus Tour. Once again, I was fortunate enough to secure my favorite seat—the front row of the open-top deck. In my opinion, there is no better place to experience a city. From that vantage point, Johannesburg unfolded before me one neighborhood, landmark, and story at a time.

As someone who loves history, I appreciate tours that do more than point out buildings. This tour provided thoughtful narration that helped connect the city’s past with its present. Rather than avoiding Johannesburg’s difficult history, it acknowledged the complexities of colonialism, mining, apartheid, democracy, and the resilience of the people who helped shape the nation.

The route passed many of Johannesburg’s most significant landmarks, including Constitution Hill, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Museum Africa, the Holocaust & Genocide Centre, Gold Reef City, the Mining District, Newtown, and the option to continue on to Soweto, home to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street, and other important sites in South Africa’s struggle for freedom.

One of the things I enjoy most about hop-on, hop-off buses is that they allow you to experience a city at your own pace. You can simply relax and observe, or step off to explore museums, historical sites, restaurants, or neighborhoods that capture your interest. For visitors with limited time, it is also an excellent way to become oriented and decide which places deserve a longer visit.

Driving through Johannesburg also highlighted the city’s diversity. Modern business districts, historic neighborhoods, parks, universities, and cultural institutions all exist side by side, each contributing another chapter to Johannesburg’s remarkable story.

After an inspiring morning at Museum Africa, the Big Bus tour was the perfect complement. It transformed what I had learned inside the museum into a living landscape, allowing me to see the places where history happened and continues to evolve today.

If you’re visiting Johannesburg, I highly recommend beginning with Museum Africa and then boarding the City Sightseeing Big Bus. Together, they provide an engaging introduction to one of Africa’s most fascinating and resilient cities.