Preparing for South Africa

Years ago my mother-in-law mentioned to my husband how she would like to take her grandchildren on a safari. Since then we have been planning a trip for the kids and we are honored to tag along! What began as a dream is coming to fruition. Although, both Sean and my mother-in-law have been on a safari in Tanzania, - this will be all of our first time visiting South Africa and my emotions are a mix of excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and curiosity.

I was in college during the early aughts and that is when I first was curious about the history of South Africa. Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s work on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission captured my attention. Unfortunately, since then I haven’t delved into the history nearly as much as I would have wished and honestly should have. So I’ve used preparation for the trip as a forcing function to learn more. By no means is this an exhaustive list, but the below have provided me much insight.

I’m looking forward to learning more. Please feel free to follow along on Instagram and I’ll also be posting over in Itineraries by way of email updates as well.

South African Travel Resources

Hum if You Don’t Know the Words by Bianca Marais

Over five years ago a book club I’m in read the book Hum if You Don’t Know the Words and I was reminded that there is so much about the history of apartheid in South Africa and that as a responsible world citizen, I needed to know more. This book tells a story of a white and black experience during the Soweto Uprising - a significant historical event that was new to me. In addition, in the story there is a beautiful librarian character that captivated my heart. Books provide such power in showing me where I need to learn more. Long before this trip to South Africa was discussed, I knew that learning more about the history of South Africa should be a priority.

Ordinary Love by U2

U2 wrote the song Ordinary Love to be part of the official soundtrack to the Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom biographical film that was released in 2013. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, but lost to Frozen’s Let it Go. Anyone who has read this blog for awhile knows how much I admire Bono. So in preparation for this trip, I’ve been reflecting on this song and it’s lyrics. I’ve been imagining what Ordinary Love looks like and how the leaders of the apartheid movement in South Africa sought to live this out. Instead of watching the movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (which was produced by Harvey Weinstein), I’ve been watching this music video and plan on reading Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom during the trip (The flight is 15 hours!). In addition, This tribute that Bono wrote about Nelson Mandela in 2013, is also well worth a read.

Trevor Noah

In 2023, Sean and I had an opportunity to hear Trevor Noah in Boston so we cleared our calendar and got tickets. Heading into the show, we had no idea what it would be like - was it going to be more comedy, social commentary, a mixture of both? I left the show impressed.

Granted it was in Boston, so Noah had a good idea what the crowd would be like if he relied on stereotypes - the show was full upper-middle class, left-of-center, white, Bostonians. At the time, the United States was still in the process of reconciling the racial tensions which were heightened by the killing of George Floyd in 2020. With his unique background, having grown up in South Africa, Trevor Noah had such a valuable point of view. He was humorous, but he was insightful and convicting at the same time.

As is an ongoing theme of this blog post - I once again realized, there is still so much I need to learn about the history of South Africa, and Trevor Noah, taught me that in doing so, it can help me be a better citizen of my country. Since then, I have read h his best selling book Born a Crime and bought the middle age version for Jack to read someday.

The Soccer Fence by Phil Bildner

Since we decided to take this trip, and knowing that Jack would be six years old, I knew I wanted to try to at the least teach him concepts of South African history - specifically leadership of Nelson Mandela. He is getting older and is starting to understand the ideas of man’s inhumanity to man so teaching him the Fred Rogers principle of Looking for the Helpers is a perspective I’m trying to take.

Fortunately, I discovered this wonderful children’s book about soccer and how Nelson Mandela loved sport. Significant events of the apartheid movement are described as well as the rejection a kid feels by not being able to play soccer with another white kid. The artwork is well done and the power of sport in bridging divides is beautifully told.

Honest History

In googling South Africa and kids, I stumbled upon resources from Honest History and purchased the South Africa issue. It is a beautifully designed periodical type book. Beautiful pictures address a variety of topics from geography, history, animals, maps, weather, etc. Jack is a bit young for the resource, but while reading through the contents, I learned some vernacular in the way of describing events and history that can be helpful while I chat with Jack about what we experience. I’m glad I know about this now and will use it as a places to find information for future trips and experiences. Also of note: I love the subtitle of the South Africa issue is “A Good Hope.” It seems to play so beautifully on the imagery of the Cape of Good Hope and the history of the country.

The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

This book has my heart. I’m listening to the audio version of it and my love, admiration, and awe of elephants has only grown - which I didn’t think was possible! The rescuing of nine elephants to a private game reserve in South Africa by conservationist of Lawrence Anthony is described in a way that the mysteries of the natural world are celebrated. Often I’m left in awe by Anthony’s observations. He shares how the rescuing of elephants taught him more about the beauty, of the world and humanity’s place in it. This book is a must. There is a young adult version that I’ll also check out.

Invictus Film (2010) and Poem

Let’s be honest, Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, and Clint Eastwood are a trifecta of near perfection. I still remember watching this film when it came out. Granted I’m a sucker for any movie that combines social change and sport. However, I also thought this movie was a manageable way of learning the basics of Nelson Mandela and the time period when he was released from prison. There is still so much for me to learn! Click Here to view trailer.

The title of the film is based on the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley which Nelson Mandela was known to recite during his incarceration in Robben Island. Click here to hear Morgan Freeman discuss the poem and recite it.

Out of the night that covers me
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul.

Travel Agent Sarah Hidey

We do not typically use a travel agent in planning our trips, but this was a clear exception. Figuring out how to take three kids under ten to Cape Town and on a safari needed expert on the ground help. Fortunately my friend Sarah stepped in and provided fantastic resources, perspectives and advice. If you are in need of a travel agent - check her out! Click Here

Local Passport Family Travel Blogger

When preparing for trips, I have found Preethi at Local Passport Family to be a tremendous source of travel advice and encouragement. She has a way of inspiring families to take the “difficult” trips and I love how she seeks to make all areas of our world “kid friendly.” When traveling with Jack, it is tempting to think:

“Is this safe?”

“Will he remember this?”

“Is this appropriate for kids?”

Preethi has such a great way of addressing these questions and helping travelers to see every corner of the world as a place that children call home. When planning for this trip, I’ve addressed many of my questions regarding traveling to South Africa with Jack by reflecting on ideas like:

“There are 6 year olds who call South Africa home.”

“6 year olds lived through apartheid.”

“What better way to teach Jack about the circle of life than on safari?”

Local Passport Family’s website and Instagram account have provided so many age appropriate ways to address these topics and I just love the work she is doing. Finding a resources like these are so helpful in planning a trip to a less common tourist destination - especially for Americans.