PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
This blog is for the South Africa split session starting July 9, 2026, which includes both the 14-day and the 21-day student groups.
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 JULY 9
Hello, friends and families!
After months of anticipation, travel, and preparation, almost everyone has officially arrived in South Africa! Throughout the day we welcomed students as they made their way to our home for the next few weeks, and it has already been incredible watching new friendships begin to form. While there were certainly a few sleepy faces after long journeys from around the world, the excitement and energy have been contagious as everyone settles in, meets their roommates, and starts getting to know one another.
Over the coming days, we’ll be diving into everything that makes this program so special. Students can look forward to exploring South Africa’s incredible landscapes, learning alongside local conservation professionals, participating in meaningful service experiences, and spending time on safari observing wildlife in their natural habitats. Along the way, we’ll challenge ourselves as leaders, build new friendships, and learn more about the people, cultures, and ecosystems that make this country so extraordinary.
Tonight is all about settling in, getting some much-needed rest, and preparing for the adventures that begin tomorrow. We look forward to our few remaining students who are coming tomorrow and completing our team. We are so grateful to have this wonderful group together and cannot wait to share the memories, growth, and laughter that the next two weeks will undoubtedly bring.
Thank you for following along with us—we’re excited to take you on this journey!
Warmly,
Diana Weyn Gonzalez
International Director
Graeme Wheeler
Local Director
Juliet Mashiri
Mentor
Siddhesh Barale
Mentor
Katie Weinstein
Mentor
BLOG POST FOR JULY 11
On our first morning, we started off the morning strong with a great hearty breakfast. Then we were separated into four groups and loaded into Safari trucks. From there, we experienced our very first safari drive on the Nambiti Game Reserve. All groups saw impala, kudu, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, warthogs, hippos, rhinos, and elephants. We also learned some fun facts about the local safari animals on the reserve. One fun fact that stood out to us was that Hippos can’t swim; they reach the bottom and push off to the surface to take in oxygen.
Half way through our game drive, we had lunch at a cliff side overlooking a river. We all enjoyed eating our lunch while taking in the beautiful views. Then we continued our game drive across the massive Nambiti reserve, which is roughly 32,000 square miles! On our way back to camp we came across hyraxes, which are small mammals that resemble marmots. Surprisingly, their closest relative is an elephant!
Later into the evening, we went out for a predator game drive. For the first part of the night drive, we all were unsuccessful in finding any animals. Luckily, we have a telemetry system that allows us to locate and identify animals. One of our amazing researches, Graeme, was able to utilize this system to find three lions; one male and two females. It was an unforgettable and special experience for us all! We all have enjoyed and treasured our time here on the Nambiti Game Reserve and can’t wait for what’s next on our GLA adventures!
Hamba kahle
Chloé King and Sebastian Aamoth
BLOG POST FOR JULY 12
Good morning 🦒☀️
We started our day in some very chilly tents, but a breakfast of eggs, toast and some knock off British bean’s fixed that pretty quickly.
After cleaning our dishes and getting packed for the day, we headed out on our morning safari. It was unreal. Most groups got to see cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and so many other amazing animals. We also learned a bunch of cool facts from our guides. At 12 we had a packed lunch on the reserve. After that, we took outdoor showers, met with our mentor groups, and then had dinner.
We wrapped up the night sining karaoke with everyone. There were some pretty great performances but the overall first place has to go to I Want It That Way performed by Olivia, Freya and Talia. We ended the night with everyone joining in for Baby by Justin Bieber. Goodnight!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 13
We woke up at 6:30. Then had a stupendous breakfast at the Nambiti Game Reserve. Afterwards, we packed up and left the camp at around 8:30.
We went on a very scenic drive to the Howick Waterfalls. We were able to buy souvenirs at a local market there. After another drive, we headed to a historic zip lining place. We had cheese and chicken mayo sandwiches. We then headed to the zip line and saw amazing views from hundreds of feet high. We saw monkeys, native birds, and mountains.
Once we were done with zip lining, we headed to our home stay for the night. As we arrived we settled down and unpacked. We had a mouthwatering spaghetti bolognese. Before and after dinner, some were playing cards and some were singing karaoke. Once dinner was done, many of us bought treats at the shop located in the dining hall. After that we went to bed!
– Zoey and Vanessa
BLOG POST FOR JULY 14
Today started with breakfast before everyone packed up and got on different buses to travel to our new location. The bus ride was long, but we made a lot of stops along the way. We stopped for lunch, spent some time at a mall, and took a few breaks at gas stations so everyone could stretch their legs. Even though the trip took a while, it was fun talking with friends and seeing more of South Africa as we traveled.
When we finally arrived at our new camp, Bonamanzi, we were welcomed in a really special way. The people there greeted us by singing and dancing, and a lot of us joined in too. It was a very exciting and energetic welcome that made everyone feel included. It was clear that they were happy to have us there, and it was a great first impression of our new home for the next part of the trip.
One thing we noticed right away was that this area is much warmer than where we stayed before. The warm showers are definitely nice after a long day of traveling. Even though it took most of the day to get here, the nice welcome and new surroundings made the journey worth it and we’re excited to see what this new place has to offer.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 15
This morning we had a balanced breakfast of eggs, beans, and toast. After breakfast we split into groups and explored different aspects of the Bonamanzi Game Reserve. Some of us went to go bird watching, while others participated in game drives, telemetry tracking, and cultural environment interpretation.
Then we came back for some lunch, free time, and bonding games. The games we played helped us all get closer together as a group and was also a great way to move around. We played soccer, knee tag, and “I like people who like…”. After our lunch break we rotated sessions and explored more of the Bonamanzi Game Reserve.
Lastly we all came back for some warm dinner after the sessions. After that we had some free time. Some of us decided to take a nice shower and relax while some preferred to sit by the fire and get warm and toasty. When our free time, a big groups of us decided to play mafia and others decided to enjoy the World Cup. Finally we all turned in for the night and went to sleep to get energy for the next day.
-Gemma & Natalia
BLOG POST FOR JULY 16
Today we started the day with heading into the community to meet the children at a small school. They introduced us to new dances in their culture. We then gathered to learn from the gogos how hand make crafts including beaded bracelets and straw baskets. Additionally, we got to go to the market where we bought authentic African pieces and art.
After lunch we met up with the anti-poaching unit to learn about their importance on the reserve and impact in conservation. We went on an anti poaching walk to scout out snare traps! Thankfully we didn’t find any! They then demonstrated how they use their K-9 unit dogs to track poachers. We did an activity that included Bony the dog who helped us understand how they track down poachers.
After our exciting day some of us got to experience hand washing clothes for the first time! Others got to try flying a drone. Each of these activities where very eye-opening for us. Finally we wrapped up the night with marshmallows and mafia!
Brenna and Olive
BLOG POST FOR JULY 17
Sunibonani!
This morning started off great with a few people waking up early to watch the sunrise! After breakfast we traveled in safari cars to the Snake Pharm. There we learned about some of the most venomous snakes in the world and how they make anti venom. Some people got to clean snake cages or crocodile enclosures, while others cleaned the guinea pig cage. To wrap up our adventures at Snake Pharm, we all got to hold a python!
We got to cool off and eat lunch by the pool, while a couple of us were brave enough to pass the swim test! We had hotdogs and french fries. Then we moved on to the cultural visit!
We visited a Zulu village and we learned about their language, culture, and customs! The boys got to practice throwing spears and the girls got to practice their balance carrying baskets on their heads! To wrap up our visit, the Zulu people showed us some of their traditional dances. We even got to try some!
We finished off the night with dinner, a delicious casserole with beef and noodles, and did some more karaoke!
Until next time!
Mallory and Mila
BLOG POST FOR JULY 18
We started the day with a spectacular breakfast of bacon and eggy bread. Then we went on to our last day of rotations, everyone experiencing all that Bonamanzi has to offer through guided tours of the reserve; focused on culture, tracking, plant and animal life. After, we had a delicious meal of chicken burgers and potato wedges. We saw different animal kinds, some of us even spotting the matriarch in a herd of elephants.
Towards the evening we went to a public viewing of an absolutely incredible rugby match between South Africa and Wales ending with a score of 47-0; South Africa the champs again! There, we were served dinner of either burgers or Boewors rolls and enjoyed the ambience of cheers and a bonfire. After we made our way back to meet in our mentor groups, collectively checking in and planning for the future with our service projects and our itinerary’s for tomorrow. We ended the night by having free time and hanging with our friends!!
Prue and Ares
BLOG POST FOR JULY 19
This morning we were given a later wake up time. While breakfast is usually at 7:00-7:30 AM, today, breakfast was at 9:00 AM. Most slept in, some got up as they were too used to waking up that early. For breakfast, we had eggs, toast, beans, fruit, toppings for the toast, along with a side of yogurt. Once everyone had eaten and washed their dishes, we packed into the safari cars to begin our first hours of community service.
We were given the task of pulling out invasive plant species. For the tougher plants and trees growing around it, we were allowed to use machetes to chop the excess so we could pull out the root of the invasive plant. Though it was a tough job, we still got it done. We were split into our mentor groups and competed to see who could make the biggest pile out of invasive plants they pulled out. Once the time ran out, we headed back for lunch.
After lunch, we made our way to a part of the game reserve to set up traps for birds. We intended to trap them and tag them, making it possible to track the graceful creatures. When we returned, some of us played a good old game of volleyball while others socialized. After that, we split up into four groups and debated about the ethics of international rhino horn trading, ending the debate with one contract agreed on by all parties. Finally, dinner rolled around and we had a delightful meal consisting of soft tacos, salad and sliced pineapple pieces
After we had cleaned up dinner, we split into groups to do our own things. Some stayed in the kitchen/dining area to watch the Spain vs Argentina soccer game and some had gone to get ready for bed and relax as we have an early day of exciting activities tomorrow!
Raey and Minnie
BLOG POST FOR JULY 20
This morning we woke up early at 6:00 to help Kevin a local zoologist and ornithologist with the he banding of small passerine species. Yesterday we set up the nets and today we caught the birds. When we arrived Kevin had already caught a few species only active in the morning like kingfishers and starlings. Throughout the day we ended up catching 15 species and over 30 individuals, everyone watched the banding process and was allowed to release a bird if they wanted!
In the afternoon we had a cooking competition! The competition was for the best stew and we were split into two groups, one group cooked chicken and the other cooked kudu venison. We each had access to the same ingredients which we collectively chose from and cooked in a traditional Zulu poikie over hot coals. Our local cook Xolani from Bonamanzi judged the completion and the venison team won! Then dinner was served and we ate our delicious stew.
Lastly at night we went on our first night drive here in Bonamanzi! We were allowed to work the flashlights this time while looking for nocturnal animals like hyenas and jackals. Some groups were lucky enough to see genets and others saw unique avian nightlife like owls and nightjars. Today was an amazing fun filled day summing up all the great things we experienced here at Bonamanzi!
Thomas
BLOG POST FOR JULY 21
The whole crew woke up at 4:30am before sunrise and we got our breakfast that we had prepared the day before. We took the Safari cars to another game reserve for our last big safari and chance to see the “Big 5”. We then switched into new buses and headed in to Hluhluwe umfolozi (the game reserve). There were monkeys and even though they were cute, we were told they have a reputation of stealing food from people! We got back into the cars after this incident and entered a Game Reserve (which I thought was the most beautiful one that we explored) and we went at the top of a mountain right before seeing a lion.
We were very amazed to see it from so close, and we also saw other animals, but the birds were breathtaking.
We then headed back to the place where we had switched cars earlier (it was now 1PM) and bought ourselves some snacks and some stuff in a little market. We ate lunch at the Bundu camp and had a break until 4 PM to chill and start packing (for those leaving the next day). At 5 we were all dressed nicely and prepared to go take some nice pictures during the sunset in the forest.
We then went to a restaurant in the evening and then formed a circle to reflect on everything that had happened during the last few weeks and to appreciate all those new people that we met and shared unforgettable memories. Many people felt sad to leave and separate from each other so everyone hugged to say goodbye.
We went back home at 9PM, showered and went to sleep.
Violette and Eleonore
BLOG POST FOR JULY 22
We started off our day, with one final breakfast as a whole group. After we ate, we had to say goodbye to our friends on the 2 week trip. We had made so many close friendships, with so many fond memories, that it was hard to see them leave. Following their departure, we rode together to a primary school in the community. Trying to keep the moods high with some upbeat music, while everyone was missing their friends.
Once we arrived at the community’s primary school, the principal gave us a tour of the campus. We saw the grade 1 students, all of them smiling and waving as we walked in. Then we saw the grade 7, right before lunch. As the students lunch began, the courtyard flooded with kids of all grades 1-7 and together we played soccer, we danced, and we sang; it was lovely. For our last bit of time at the school, we helped tend to their community garden by watering, de-weeding, and preparing new plant beds. This garden helps supply kids with fresh, nutritious vegetables and lunches, so it felt good knowing we could help support that system.
After their school, we drive down the street to a small homestead in the community where we ate lunch with a local family. We learned about their home, architecture, and norms within their space. We ate a traditional meal with the family, then we began to dance with the guides, and the family. We follow their moves, and everyone laughed and smiled as they were having a good time. Now that everyone is tired out from the dancing and the gardening, we had some downtime at our base camp, Bonamanzi, to nap, hangout, and pack for our move the following day. Dinner was much quieter with so many of our friends having departed, but now we will have a chance to get close with new people, forming more connections we wouldn’t have otherwise formed.
Rae
BLOG POST FOR JULY 23
We made it to St. Lucia!
This morning we had a nice late start! We ate breakfast at 8:30 and said goodbye to Bonamanzi at 10:00. The journey to St. Lucia was short and most people slept the whole way. Upon arrival we got to check out our awesome new accommodations!
For lunch we had incredible wraps. After lunch we went on a walking tour of the estuary here in St. Lucia. We got to see the incredible landscape and had some fun on the beach!
Before dinner some of us went to buy clothes and others went to the grocery store. Since we have freezers in our rooms, a lot of us got drinks and ice cream!
We got all dressed up and walked down the block for dinner. Most of us had pizza and some of us had burgers. We had a nice night and headed back for bed!
Until tomorrow!
Mallory
BLOG POST FOR JULY 24
Today, many people woke up at 4am to say their goodbyes to Luiz before going back to bed for a 7am wake up before a delicious breakfast at 7:30. We then went to the crocodile centre for our community service where we cleared two paths filled with trees to make it possible to view some of the crocodiles. Some people went into the alligator enclosure (while it was in there) to clear that.
After that we came home for lunch, and had a great announcement that for all our hard work we’d be leaving early for our boat tour to get ice cream. On our boat tour we saw many families of lizards, some very interesting birds, a water monitor lizard, and a ton of hippos! After finishing the boat tour we walked about 5 minutes to the local grocery store to buy some snacks.
We then came back for about an hours free time before a delicious dinner of spaghetti bolognaise. Many people then had movie nights in their rooms with friends before an early night after a tiring day.
Ffion and Lilja
BLOG POST FOR JULY 25
Today our GLA team got up at 8:30 AM and had a hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, toast, avocado, and bacon with some nice cold juice to go with it. After that we went on a walking birding tour at 9:30 near where we were staying for the rest of the week. We saw lots of monkeys, but we also saw a lot of amazing birds, such as Olive Sunbird and Livingstone’s Turaco.
Near the end of our birding tour we merged into a competition of garbage pickup on the beach, where we walked to the beach, but as we walked we picked up any litter we found. Our mentors and directors were so proud of our teamwork that they agreed to reward all of us.
After the community service, some of us split up and stayed back while others went shopping at the local market. After the long day of work, some of us decided to go swimming- a perfect end to such a hardworking day.
Ares and Minnie
BLOG POST FOR JULY 26
Today was bittersweet as it was our last game drive for the trip. We saw white rhinos, baby hyenas, zebra, buffalo, crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and a large selection of birds. We traveled to Cape Vidal to swim, catch some rays, and have lunch before heading back for some free time. Before engaging in GLA activities, we had some time to chill by the pool and hang with friends. During mentor groups, we played mentor trivia. After mentor groups and group activities, we enjoyed dinner and dessert of lasagna and ice cream.
Freya and Natalia
BLOG POST FOR JULY 27
We began our morning by waking up very early. We had our usual breakfast of toast, fruit, and eggs. We then began to head over to Khula Health Center. We were split into two groups where we alternated activities. One group started by helping the locals find glasses that fit their prescription. The other group started by visiting the local creche and helping attend with the younger kids.
After both groups did both activities, we headed to a primary school and played soccer with the schools team. We then took a short walk over to a soup kitchen where we handed out rice and chicken to the people in the community. After the visit at the soup kitchen, we had lunch at a butterfly dome. Once lunch was done we went into the dome and learned about how the people there capture the butterflies from the outside and bring them into the dome to help keep the butterflies safe.
Then we went back to home base and got a choice of either ice cream or smoothies because of how well we did with our beach trash collection from the day prior. After our sweet treat we had some free time before our final GLA activity!
For our final activity we broke into three groups. Each group had to come up with a shark tank presentation about a business model to fix problems we’ve seen on our 3 week trip. These groups included a trash collecting vending machine, a water filtration system, and a sustainable brick that was composed of plastic. Finally, we had our last dinner at home base. We enjoyed chicken with a side of delicious garlic bread. After dinner we had free time and then we went to bed.
-Vanessa and Zoey
BLOG POST FOR JULY 28
Welcome to the last full day in South Africa. We are all so sad it is our last day of this program. Today we split into two groups. One group woke up at 6am to go whale watching while the other one got to go at 10. Everyone saw lots of marine life! Whales, Dolphins and other little creatures. It was truly a wonderful experience. 🐳 🐬 🌊
We all met up and had lunch together and then went to the beach for our last service. We picked up trash all over and took our last group picture together! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. 🏖️ 🌅
After that, we all went home and got ready for dinner. We had a nice last dinner. Sadly our time has come to an end here in South Africa but the memories will last forever. Thank you parents for allowing all of us to go on this trip! It has truly been life changing.
– Nixon
