Why I love Africa – it delivers something special every time
Throughout my 20-year career in the travel industry, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have visited Africa on several occasions. Yes, I know how lucky I am, and couldn’t be more thankful for the fantastic experiences my career has offered. Each trip and country has been one-of-a-kind and special in its own way, but all share a few things in common: friendly and welcoming people, outstanding natural beauty and wildlife, and unique experiences. My most recent trip to South Africa was no different. Another destination I’d return to in a heartbeat!
For South Africa, I had the pleasure of spending time in Cape Town (one of my new favorite cities), the nearby wine country (I wouldn’t call myself a wine person, but it was fab!), the Western Cape coast (I definitely want to return in whale season – the peak of which is September), and the greater Kruger region for safari (outstanding sightings of the Big Five and more). Each location was a standout and an excellent combination for a well-rounded adventure. Two of the many highlights of our trip were our time in the Winelands and on safari.
In wine country, we had the great pleasure of doing a wine tasting with Bradley at the Hazendal Estate near Stellenbosch. His genuine passion for wine, storytelling, and sharing his enthusiasm with us was absolutely contagious. Again, to be honest, I’m not typically a wine person (I usually prefer a lovely dram of whiskey), but I thoroughly enjoyed both the outstanding wine and the overall experience with him. He has single-handedly made me a “wine person.” At least I now want to learn and try more.
Another highlight in Africa was when my partner, Nick and I went to Uganda last year. He had a bit of an introduction to a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, in addition to seeing the gorillas and chimps (I’ll save that fabulous tale for another day), but this was his first “true” safari adventure. Seeing his wonder at each new species and the search for the next brought back memories from my first safari. Never knowing what was around the corner, and being amazed by everything we saw, from the unexpected sighting of wild dogs chasing a small nyala right in front of our vehicle to the playful baby elephants learning to use their trunks to a pack of lions killing a giraffe (I have to say that one was a lot harder to witness, but it’s nature, and the cute lion cubs were hungry and needed to eat). I don’t have children, but I imagine the awe in our eyes was a bit like that of kids seeing something special for the first time – sheer joy and excitement!
If you haven’t been to Africa, or even if you have, I recommend a trip as soon as possible. Africa has yet to disappoint me, and I am so grateful for each incredible experience I’ve had. And you know I’m already dreaming up my next great African adventure! Where will it be next?!? Stay tuned…