We’re Forever Yours, Nambiti

By Julie (Biology, ‘26) and Lacey (Nursing, ‘26)

This morning, we were granted parole after 6 long days in the Old Pietermaritzburg Prison, however it was a bittersweet morning, as we said our goodbyes to Thandeka and the rest of the wonderful staff at Project Gateway. We have so much gratitude in our hearts for the staff for the hospitality, kindness, and generosity they have shown us. The stories and experiences they shared with us are deeply meaningful and we are especially grateful to Thandeka for accompanying us on some of our adventures.

We began our journey to the Springbok Lodge at Nambiti Reserve for our 2 part safari- the part of the trip many students have looked forward to the most. After a 3 hour drive that ended with widespread motion sickness, we arrived at the lodge where warm towels and fresh lemonade were waiting for us. We handed off our bags to staff, where they would later be waiting in our rooms. We got a brief tour of the main lodge and took in the breathtaking views.

Shortly after we arrived, we gathered for a delicious lunch consisting of salad, fresh rolls, and a beef dish served with rice, very similar to what we know as fajitas. With full bellies, we headed to our tents to settle in before our evening game drive.

When we were first told we would be staying in tents, we imagined the sort of camping we are used to in the States. Instead, we were greeted with large, luxurious tents, that can only be considered “glamping”.

For us, our tent was located at the end of the loop, about a 10 minute walk from the main lodge. The tents are canvas with large screened windows and a spacious front porch. Inside, the tent has an open floor plan with one large bed and a partial wall at the headboard, separating the bathroom and tub from the rest of the room. Out back, is an open outdoor shower. At the foot of the bed were personalized notes from the lodge’s owners and on the coffee table were biscuits and the mix-ins for tea and coffee. Given the floor plan of the tents, it is fortunate that our group has become so close in the last 2 and a half weeks.

We were heading back to the main lodge to meet up with the rest of the group when a large kudu ran across the path in front of us! A kudu is a type of antelope that is often described as “Africa’s grey ghost” due to their large size and distinctive appearance. We then split into two vehicles and embarked on a 3 hour game drive through the reserve.

Nambiti Reserve is a 23,000 acre private reserve with a variety of animals, including Africa’s Big 5: lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards. We first saw a large group of wildebeest. There were ostriches, zebras, and warthogs in the distance. Shortly after, we saw a lone Cape buffalo near the edge of the road. It was so cool, but also very intimidating to see it at such a close distance. We then came across two rhinos, a mother and a baby, between a pond and the road. Matthew told us how rare it is to see rhinos so close, so we were especially ecstatic. Our tour guide shared with us knowledge about the rhinos on the reserve, and how they track and dehorn them to prevent poaching from occurring. Next, we saw several giraffes. We learned that a group of giraffes is called a journey when they are moving together, while it is called a tower when they are just standing still. We drove towards a ridge where we briefly saw two female lions lying down in the grass and eating. We ventured on and came across a family of several hippos, including a baby, swimming near the edge of the pond. This was a surprise as we had just been having a conversation about how there are not often hippos on this specific part of the reserve. After seeing the hippos, we drove towards the top of the ridge and made a stop for a light snack and drinks. Prior to starting the drive, our drink orders were taken and snacks including, potato samosas, game meat jerky, and peanuts were served. We set off for the lodge to conclude our game drive for the evening, and came across two zebras followed shortly after by two cheetahs walking down the path.

Back at the lodge, dinner was served outside at tables surrounding a large fire pit. Dinner was multiple courses and served buffet style, starting with butternut squash soup and steamed bread, a salad bar, a variety of entree choices, including chicken skewers, steak, lamb, venison, and vegetables. There was a side of pap and beans. For dessert, malva pudding with custard and milk tart were served. Malva pudding has quickly become a favorite amongst our group, so we were excited to conclude our last meal together with it.

After dinner, we headed inside to have our final debrief. We sat in a circle and each shared about the ways in which this trip has impacted us. For most, this experience has been deeply powerful, beyond what we had imagined. Sheryl surprised us with bracelets from Goedgedacht that read “hope” to remind us of our resilience and connection to one another. This was an emotional debrief for us all, and we ended it with a group hug.

To end the night, some chose to take an icy dip in the lodge’s outdoor pool, while other chose to take a hot bath or shower under the stars to relax for the night before our early morning game drive and the long two days of travel that lie ahead.

As it is our last night here in South Africa, we felt it was important to reflect on the last 2 and a half weeks.

Julie’s final reflection:

As the end of the trip is near, I have taken a moment to reflect. Before going on this trip, I was so hesitant to embark on an adventure with people I didn’t really know in an environment that was unfamiliar. I can easily say that this experience has changed my life and will always be something I hold close to my heart. When we were in the classroom, it was hard to grasp the concept of everything and truly understand the beauty and pain that this country holds.

Learning about Apartheid through textbooks and different articles can only teach you so much. Truly being able to connect with people who have lived through these experiences is invaluable. While we were visiting a local who had been through all the pain and suffering, he said “I don’t have to learn about oppression, I suffer from oppression”. I think this saying has stuck with me throughout the trip and will be something I continue to reflect on. The people here are resilient and courageous through many trials and struggles.

Project Gateway is a special place. I walked out of the prison gates with a new perspective on what it means to be a part of a change. Thandeka, our Project Gateway team lead, truly is so amazing and I have a great sense of gratitude for her and the work she does. She welcomed us with open arms and took the time to understand us. She loves so openly and has made our experience unforgettable.

The safari has helped wrap up this bittersweet chapter by showing us the beauty of this country that exists everyday. I am so grateful and overwhelmed with joy to be a part of this trip. This group, the local communities, and the amazing country of South Africa is so special and inspiring. So much love for all that is to come.

Lacey’s final reflection:

It’s hard to put into words what this trip has meant to me. I spoke during our debrief of how it feels like this group of individuals was exactly the people I was supposed to have this experience with. We’ve laughed, cried, and, most importantly, grown together. In these two and a half weeks, we’ve supported each other through difficult mountain climbs and trying new foods we’re unsure of, and it’s reminded me how important community is. In each encounter and experience we’ve had here we have witnessed such a strong sense of community.

During our time at Goedgedacht, we were first-hand witnesses to a true community dynamic, and it was so heart-warming to be welcomed into that family the way that we were. Being from America, it was nerve-racking coming here during a time of such tension between our countries, however, from the moment we first landed in South Africa, we have been welcomed so openly. Each person we’ve met has been so warm and kind, and interacting with locals has reminded me that we are truly not so different after all.

I feel so grateful to be a part of the small percentage of Viterbo students that have made this journey to South Africa. I’m walking away with a full heart, a loaded camera roll, and so many moments to reflect on. I’ve learned so much about myself on this trip and the people, the places, and the experiences that have made this adventure a reality will forever be a part of who I am.

Siyabonga, South Africa

- Julie & Lacey