Kruger National Park: The Landscape Behind the Art

Our time in Kruger National Park has been nothing short of extraordinary.

While this trip is focused on understanding the indigenous art and cultures of South Africa, it is impossible to separate that art from the landscape that inspired it. The animals, plants, and vast open spaces are not merely subjects depicted by artists; they are woven into spiritual beliefs, stories, ceremonies, and visual traditions that have developed over thousands of years.

We made our home at the Kruger Gate Hotel, where the staff could not have been friendlier or more welcoming. Every person we encountered seemed genuinely excited to help us experience this remarkable place.

The adventures began with a night safari. There is something magical about driving through the bush after dark, scanning the landscape with spotlights and never knowing what might emerge from the shadows. The highlight of the evening was finding a group of elephants and, even more unexpectedly, a hyena den complete with several adorable cubs. Watching the young hyenas interact and play was one of those moments that no photograph can fully capture.

Our daytime safaris somehow became even more incredible. We were fortunate enough to see all of the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. High five for the Big Five! Along the way, we also encountered zebras, countless species of birds, giraffes, antelope, and perhaps my favorite sighting of all: a leopard feeding on an impala it had hauled into a tree.

Several times during these drives I had to stop and remind myself that this was real. After years of seeing these animals only in books, documentaries, and works of art, I was suddenly experiencing them in their natural environment. It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I am also filled with gratitude. None of this would have been possible without the support of the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Foundation and the Pat Taylor Teaching Award. The foundation has made a longtime dream come true, allowing me to experience these places firsthand and, more importantly, bring these experiences back to my classroom.

I already know that when I return to school, my lessons on African art and culture will be richer because of this experience. Sometimes the best way to understand a work of art is to stand in the landscape that inspired it.

Thank you for following along on this journey.