Adventures in South Africa!

What an incredible journey it was! Our adventure kicked off with a daunting 16-hour straight flight, but we braved through it and emerged victorious. Touching down in Johannesburg for a night, we then embarked on our journey to Zimbabwe. Adding this stop to our itinerary was a must – after all, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to witness one of the natural wonders of the world: Victoria Falls.

What took us by surprise was the breathtaking cruise along the Zambezi River, where we were treated to the sight of herds of elephants joyfully bathing in the waters, all against the backdrop of a stunning sunset!

Every day was filled with thrilling new experiences! One highlight was the "Walk with the Elephants" tour we had scheduled. Little did we know, we'd be walking among, touching, and interacting with elephants in their natural habitat! It was a truly surreal experience!

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Our next destination was the stunning Cape Town. Settling into a beautiful condo in Camps Bay for a week, we had endless adventures. From exploring markets and cliffs to lounging on beaches and going on whale watches, our days were filled with excitement. We even ventured into wine country and had the unexpected thrill of changing a flat tire! Amidst it all, we discovered amazing restaurants and had the joy of playful monkeys climbing all over us, seeing the penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat. Every moment was thoroughly enjoyed as we eagerly anticipated the next leg of our journey: encountering the Big Five.

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Our journey into Kruger Park was an adventure beyond belief, a continuous stream of awe-inspiring moments that kept us pinching ourselves from start to finish! From the moment we stepped off the plane into what seemed like a thatched roof hut of an airport, and onto the dusty roads signaling the beginning of our safari, we knew we were in for something extraordinary. "Here we go," I whispered to myself, excitement bubbling up inside me.

The morning and evening safaris were nothing short of breathtaking, sometimes quite literally leaving us breathless! Witnessing the Big Five was a privilege we cherished - from a lion devouring its kill so close we could smell the blood, to cheetahs elegantly sipping from the creek, and leopards leisurely sauntering just arm's lengths away from our safari vehicle.

Among the standout moments were the majestic elephant herds and the lions basking lazily in the sun, serenaded by the harmonious melodies of the local village choir. This experience, enjoyed by a mere 2% of Americans, etched itself into our hearts, a memory we would gladly replay again and again. Mornings were spent leisurely sipping coffee while observing monkeys, baboons, giraffes, zebras, and elephants playing right outside our porch. One mischievous monkey even managed to swipe my biscuit in the blink of an eye, proudly flaunting his victory as if he'd pulled off the heist of the century!

Surrounded by the untouched beauty and tranquility of nature, we were embraced by the warmth of the locals - kind-hearted, welcoming souls who left a lasting impression on us. Visiting the village, meeting the Medicine Man, and witnessing his profound belief in his herbal remedies was an enlightening experience. Waving to the smiling children and sharing laughter with the village choir, we couldn't help but leave a piece of our hearts behind, eagerly awaiting the day we could return.

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I'm thrilled to share our incredible accommodations with you. Each night after our exhilarating safari adventures, we were greeted with a delightful surprise as we entered our room—a luxuriously drawn bubble bath awaited us, inviting us to unwind and relax. And dinner? It was nothing short of a delightful affair! We gathered around in the enchanting outdoor area, dining family-style under the starlit sky, savoring delicious meals and sharing stories of our day's adventures. It was the perfect ending to our unforgettable days in the wild.