It has always been in our hearts to visit Africa. For some reason, we always felt drawn to its vast expanse of beauty and diversity. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly brings us joy, what fills our inner cup to the brim. We were compelled to pause, to absorb, and to reassess. Africa was calling us.

It is simply a breathtaking continent, blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and incredible wildlife. In every corner of this beautiful land, you’ll find something to marvel at, whether it’s the stunning natural scenery, the incredible wildlife, or the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. Africa truly is a land of unparalleled beauty and wonder. Its landscapes, its people, its spirit — all exude a timeless sense of promise and possibility. Something we learned about Africa is that its generosity knows no bounds. Its landscapes, from the sun-drenched savannahs to the lush rainforests, are a testament to nature’s boundless creativity. Each sunrise over the Serengeti, each ripple of water in the rivers, and every single animal that we encountered along the way filled us with a sense of wonder and awe.

After deciding to leave the craziness of Miami, my husband and I embarked on an extraordinary adventure that would forever be etched in our memories. Our journey took us from Tanzania to Kenya to Zimbabwe and lastly to South Africa. The regions of Africa we had planned on visiting were south of the Equator. This means that the seasons we experienced are the opposite of what we usually experience north of the equator. Our summer is their winter, and vice versa. We decided to embark on our journey at the end of November and return before the holidays in December (this would be considered Africa’s springtime moving into the summer season). Our journey started with a 28-hour flight to Kilimanjaro/ Tanzania with an eight-hour layover in Doha (there were no direct flights from Miami). Yes, it was a long journey! And when we finally arrived at the lodge, we were so exhausted that all we wanted to do was to sleep for the entire day.

We stayed at Mwiba Lodge, located in a private wildlife preserve which lies to the north of Lake Eyasi Escarpment, within the greater Serengeti ecosystem. The 50,000-acre reserve is home to over 30 freshwater springs and an array of wildlife.

However, the most touching moments of our journey were the encounters with the warm and welcoming people of Africa. Inspired by a desire to give back, we expressed our interest in contributing to the local communities. To our surprise, a special visit to a tribe living on the outskirts of the reserve was arranged, a touching addition to our itinerary.

“Our trip was not just a vacation; it was a soul-stirring experience that left an incredible mark on our hearts.”

The connection we made with the tribe went beyond a mere tourist interaction! We shared stories, laughter, and glimpses into each other’s lives. We also had the privilege of meeting the leader of the tribe. She was a remarkable woman, exuding kindness and generosity with every word and gesture. She and I connected on a deep level, bonding over our shared love for music and storytelling.

She welcomed us into her community with open arms, and we spent hours singing, talking, and laughing together. Our connection was something remarkable, a reminder of the power of human connection to transcend language and cultural barriers. In her, I found not only a gracious host but also a dear friend, and I cherish our time together.

During our visit, the tribe graciously opened their homes, eager to share their way of life. We were given a firsthand look at their daily routines and traditions, from gathering food to crafting clothing and tools. They patiently showed us how they cooked over open fires, using age-old techniques passed down through generations.

We watched in awe as they expertly crafted clothing and weapons, each item a testament to their resourcefulness. Exploring their living arrangements, we gained a deeper understanding of their close-knit community and the importance of family, culture and tradition in their lives. It was an invaluable experience, one that left us humbled and deeply grateful for the opportunity to glimpse into their world.

Inspired by the warmth and hospitality of the tribe, my husband and I felt compelled to give back. We were deeply moved by the sense of community and resilience we witnessed during our visit. We decided to make a donation to the village, contributing to projects that would improve their quality of life.

Even though we only played a small part in donating, the gratitude and joy expressed by the tribe were overwhelming and filled our hearts with immense joy. The generosity and kindness of this tribe resonated with us, leaving an imprint on our hearts.

This unplanned encounter became the soul of our African adventure, reminding us that the true essence of a journey lies in the people we meet along the way.

Our next stop was traveling through Kenya and landing in Zimbabwe. There were so many highlights to our trip, however, one of the many highlights was a breathtaking helicopter ride over the iconic Victoria Falls: One of the Seven (Natural) Wonders of the World.

75% of the Falls can be seen from the Zimbabwean side, while the remaining 25% is visible from the Zambian side.

The cascade of water, visible even from the skies, left us awestruck. We marveled at the sheer force and beauty of nature as we hovered above in the helicopter. But our connection with Victoria Falls didn’t end there. We decided to experience it up close and personal by venturing to the trails, close by the falls. Walking as close as possible exposed us to the raw power of nature, drenching us in the mist as we embraced the thrill of standing close by this natural wonder. 

Victoria Falls is also the boundary dividing the upper and middle parts of the Zambezi River.

The Zambezi River is the fourth-largest on the African continent and spans across six different nations – its amazing journey spans an impressive 2,700 km. Along the way, you can see a range of wildlife and participate in a plethora of activities. 

Which brings me to the next highlight of our African adventure. The breathtaking river cruise down the Zambezi River. Drifting along the gentle currents, we were surrounded by the serene beauty of the African wilderness. As we floated past the riverbanks teeming with wildlife, we were treated to sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, exotic bird species... and the most mesmerizing sunset! 

Of course, no trip to Africa is complete without embarking on multiple safaris, and our journey was no exception. The thrill of spotting the renowned “Big 5” — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros — in their natural habitat was a dream come true. Each safari we went on had unexpected encounters with untamed African wildlife. That’s the thing with safaris. It’s not like you can always predict what you will see... or if you will even see anything! Seeing the Big 5 during our trip was ultimately a blessing indeed. 

We stayed at the Singita Boulders Lodge, which we very much recommend to all our friends and family. Venturing to the South African reserve, we witnessed the conservation efforts in place to protect the diverse wildlife and ecosystem. Our encounters with endangered species and the passionate individuals dedicated to their preservation were a testament to the collective commitment to safeguard Africa’s natural treasures. 

My favorite moment was spotting a young leopard during our safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Being just a few feet away from such a majestic creature in its natural habitat was an unforgettable experience. With its sleek coat and piercing gaze, the leopard moved gracefully through the grasslands, a silent predator in search of its next meal. It was a fleeting encounter, but one that served as a reminder of the untamed beauty and raw power of Africa’s wilderness. 

Our exploration continued as we touched down in Cape Town, a city that blends urban sophistication with natural wonders.

We explored the bustling markets, reached the “Cape of Good Hope”, wandered through the historic streets of the city center, and took the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The iconic Table Mountain gave us a panoramic backdrop as we immersed ourselves in the rich history and culture of this city. We were reminded of Cape Town’s complex history and the resilience of its people, who have overcome adversity to create a city that is as dynamic as it is diverse.

Africa will always have a special place in our hearts. 

We can honestly say that, being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Africa and the heartwarming encounters with Africa’s people, our trip was a celebration of love, adventure, and the undeniable beauty of the world. Africa had not only captivated our senses but had also woven its way into the fabric of our souls, leaving us forever changed by the magic of the continent.