I got a ride to the airport and then we drove for three hours to get to the lodge. I was happy to have my own room, but I didn’t expect to be the only person traveling alone and the only Black person in the whole group. Since we were in South Africa, I thought there would be more diversity, but that was just my own idea. The staff at the lodge were Black, so I didn’t feel totally out of place, but it was something that stuck with me the whole time I was there. It made me think about my own assumptions and how they can sometimes be wrong.

I loved the daily routine, it was the same every day and that’s what made it so great. We’d wake up before the sun was up and head out on a morning game drive, with coffee and snacks ready to go in the jeep. Then we’d head back to the lodge for breakfast, and after that, we’d go out again for an afternoon game drive. When we got back, dinner would be waiting for us. By the time we made it back to our rooms at night, the beds would be all turned down and there would be water bottles on the nightstand. It was a routine that let you just relax and be in the moment, you know, without having to think too much. The structure of it all was really nice, it just let you be present and enjoy everything.

I was the only one traveling alone, so I got the best spot in the jeep – right up front. There were nine of us in total, and we were lucky enough to see four of the big five, plus a cheetah from far away. It was amazing every time we spotted one. But what really caught me off guard was how much I fell in love with the warthogs. They’re not exactly pretty, but somehow that makes them adorable – I don’t know, it just does. Our guide was great, really knowledgeable, and he taught us a lot about what we were seeing without making it feel like we were in a classroom. He did a fantastic job, and it made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

We were on a game drive, just cruising along, when things took a turn for the worse. This other jeep came out of nowhere and pulled up right behind us, way too close. We were stopped next to this huge elephant, and I mean huge, and it started to charge. Our guide sprang into action, got us moving fast, but looking back, that other jeep was stuck, couldn’t go forward or backward until we got out of the way. One of the ladies in our jeep totally freaked out, had a panic attack, and it was pretty intense. She told us later she’d had a similar experience when she was a kid, so this really triggered her. The adrenaline was pumping, and it took a while for everyone to calm down. It was one of those moments that puts things into perspective, you know, makes you realize just how small you are in the grand scheme of things.

At first, I had my meals by myself, but things changed on the second night. The other travelers I was with had an idea – they wanted to push all the tables together so we could all eat as a group, like one big family. This way, I wouldn’t have to sit alone anymore. We did this for the rest of the trip, and it really made a big difference to me. It was a small thing, but it meant a lot, probably more than they realized.

I didn’t have phone signal or reliable wifi in my room, which actually ended up being a blessing in disguise. I used the time to unwind with a good book and just think, you know, because even though the game drives were amazing and I loved being around people, I needed some quiet time to myself to recharge. When I did venture out to the common area, it was usually just to check out the watering hole and see what animals were hanging out. Most nights, there would be elephants and water buffalo coming to drink, and on the last day, it was like the whole animal kingdom had descended upon the place – it was incredible.

Our last night together ended with a classic South African braai, and let me tell you, there was so much food it was almost too much to handle. But the real surprise came when our conversation took a turn and we started talking about racism in South Africa. What really caught my attention was when the other travelers shared their own experiences of facing racism, but in a way that was totally different from what I was used to. They talked about how white people were often overlooked for opportunities and how certain communities were targeted. As a Black woman from the US, I had to really make an effort to listen to what they were saying without putting my own spin on it. I literally closed my eyes and just focused on their words, not because I didn’t believe them, but because it took a lot of effort to understand their perspective without comparing it to my own experiences. It was one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had while traveling, and it really made me think.

The trip back to Johannesburg was an adventure I’ll never forget. We made a pit stop at a gas station, and I decided to use the restroom, which was located at the back of the building. I carelessly left my phone in the car, not thinking it would be a problem. But, as I tried to leave the bathroom, the door wouldn’t budge, and the window was stuck too – I was trapped with no way to call for help. It was a pretty scary situation, and I was starting to get really worried. Luckily, another woman came into the bathroom and was able to get someone to assist me. A guy from the parking lot even took the handle off the door to set me free. At the time, it was super stressful, but looking back, it’s actually really funny. The rest of the group thought it was hilarious too, and we all had a good laugh about it for the rest of the drive back to Johannesburg.