June Trip Report: Forty Years of Friendship, One Extraordinary African Adventure

Some journeys are memorable because of the places you visit. Others are memorable because of the people you share them with.

Hylton and I have just returned from an incredible hosted safari that had been more than two years in the making. There is something uniquely rewarding about being involved in every stage of a journey, from the initial planning and lodge selections to countless emails, supplier coordination, and pre-trip conversations. To then stand alongside our guests and experience it all unfolding in real time is one of the greatest privileges of what we do.

This particular adventure brought together five couples whose friendship and family ties stretch back more than four decades to their days in medical school. While their lives had taken them in different directions, the bond remained as strong as ever. Their shared history, endless laughter, and genuine appreciation for each other's company created a wonderful atmosphere that carried throughout the safari.

Our journey began in Cape Town, where Hylton and I welcomed the group for the first chapter of their African adventure. Winter delivered some of its finest weather, with crisp blue skies and near-perfect conditions for exploring the Mother City.

A visit to Table Mountain offered sweeping views across the city, coastline, and distant mountains. From there, we followed the spectacular Atlantic Seaboard, winding our way toward Boulders Beach, where the endangered African penguin colony never fails to delight visitors. Guests spent time watching these charismatic birds shuffle between their nesting sites and plunge into the cool waters of False Bay.

The day continued to Cape Point, where resident ostriches wandered across the landscape and Cape fur seals basked along the coastline. A small herd of eland, Africa's largest antelope, added to the sense that the safari had already begun. Standing at the southern tip of the peninsula, surrounded by rugged cliffs and crashing seas, anticipation for the wildlife adventures ahead continued to build.

No visit to the Cape would be complete without spending time in the Winelands. Our group enjoyed a wine and cheese pairing at Fairview's famous Goat Shed, followed by a leisurely exploration of the magnificent gardens at Babylonstoren. The estate's immaculate orchards, pathways, and seasonal plantings left a lasting impression on everyone. The day concluded with a private tasting at Delaire Graff, where exceptional wines, world-class hospitality, and panoramic mountain views combined to create an unforgettable Cape Winelands experience.

From South Africa, we crossed into Zimbabwe and arrived at one of Africa's greatest natural wonders, Victoria Falls.

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders," the falls were putting on a spectacular display. The group quickly discovered why rain jackets are often useless here, as everyone was thoroughly soaked by the immense spray rising from the gorge below. The sheer power and scale of the Zambezi River plunging into the chasm left a lasting impression.

Several guests chose to experience the falls from above during scenic helicopter flights. From the air, the full magnitude of this UNESCO World Heritage Site becomes clear, with the Zambezi River carving its way through a series of dramatic basalt gorges.

One of the highlights of our stay was a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Hippos surfaced around the boat, an elephant bull appeared along the riverbank, and a rich variety of birdlife accompanied us as the afternoon light softened into golden hues. In the distance, the spray from Victoria Falls rose above the horizon while pastel colours reflected across the water, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

The adventure continued into Botswana and the wildlife-rich landscapes of Chobe National Park.

Our lodge overlooked the Chobe River. The first afternoon was spent on a river safari, allowing us to observe wildlife from a completely different perspective. Hippos wallowed in the shallows, kudu emerged cautiously to drink, and large elephant bulls entered the river to swim, play, and cool themselves in the afternoon heat.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the river seemed to glow gold and crimson. Watching the elephants splash in the water was one of those quintessential African safari moments.

Game drives over the following days delivered exceptional sightings. We encountered two different lion prides, numerous giraffes, vast herds of elephants, and one of the region's most sought-after species, the endangered sable antelope. For me personally, one of the highlights was finding puku, a beautiful and relatively uncommon antelope found primarily along the Chobe River floodplains.

For the final safari chapter, a light aircraft flight carried us into Botswana's legendary Okavango ecosystem and the Khwai region.

This year's floodwaters were exceptionally high, with several airstrips across the Delta region partially submerged. Reaching our camp required an additional mokoro transfer through the waterways, making for a memorable arrival. Situated within the Khwai Community Area and overlooking the Moremi Game Reserve, our unfenced tented camp felt wonderfully remote and immersed in nature.

On our first afternoon, a small herd of elephants grazed peacefully on the floodplains directly in front of camp. As darkness fell, we gathered around the campfire beneath brilliant starlit skies, sharing stories and laughter late into the evening.

Winter nights in this part of Botswana can be surprisingly cold. The combination of the surrounding floodwaters and the sandy Kalahari landscape resulted in frosty mornings that had everyone reaching for extra layers. Fortunately, steaming mugs of coffee, hot porridge, and toast prepared over the campfire quickly restored feeling to frozen fingers and toes before the day's adventures began.

Game drives explored both the Khwai Community Area and the wildlife-rich habitats of Moremi Game Reserve. The sightings were exceptional, but one particular evening provided a dramatic reminder of Africa's complex predator dynamics.

Shortly after midnight, while fast asleep in the safety of our tents, the African night suddenly came alive.

Somewhere out in the darkness, a pride of lions had become the focus of attention for a clan of spotted hyenas. We could hear the hyenas' distinctive whooping and cackling calls echoing through the night as they attempted to summon reinforcements. The commotion steadily intensified, creating an atmosphere of anticipation that had everyone listening intently.

Then came the deep roars of male lions.

Although it was far too dark to see what was unfolding, the sounds told an incredible story. The males appeared to be moving toward the disturbance, announcing their presence as they approached. At one point, alarmed elephants began trumpeting in the distance, suggesting the lions had passed through a nearby herd. For experienced guides like Hylton and me, the sequence of sounds painted a vivid picture of a dispute with archenemies unfolding somewhere beyond the reach of our campfire.

Of course, in the darkness, we could only speculate.

The following morning, however, we set out to investigate.

After tracking down the pride, our suspicions appeared to be confirmed. We found the remains of a zebra they had brought down during the night. A distance away, we found several lionesses, leading their full-bellied cubs deeper into the Feverberry thickets to rest and sleep off the night's meal.  The dominant males lay nearby, unmistakably full and content. The evidence suggested that the lions had successfully defended their prize from the hyenas before reuniting with the pride.

It was a remarkable example of how much of Africa's drama unfolds long after the sun has set, and how sometimes the sounds of the bush can tell a story every bit as compelling as the sight itself.

As incredible as the lion sightings were, one final challenge remained. Throughout the safari, leopards had somehow managed to avoid us.

On our final afternoon, some guests opted for a peaceful mokoro excursion through the waterways, while four of us committed ourselves to one last leopard search. For over an hour we carefully explored an area where a female leopard and her cub had been seen previously.

Then we noticed something exciting.

Fresh leopard tracks crossed directly over our own vehicle tracks, suggesting the animals had passed through moments earlier. Shortly afterwards, the alarm calls of tree squirrels and francolins revealed exactly where we needed to focus our attention.

Hidden within a dense mopane thicket sat a young leopard cub.

Its mother had moved off, likely hunting, leaving the youngster alone and remarkably relaxed in our presence. The cub sat quietly, occasionally glancing toward the sounds of the bush around it, allowing us wonderful views. It was a beautiful sighting and a perfect way to conclude our time in the wilderness.

After returning to Johannesburg, Hylton and I bid farewell to the group. For most, it was time to begin the journey home.

A fortunate few, however, had one final chapter awaiting them. They continued onward to the beautiful coastal town of Vilanculos in Mozambique, where pristine beaches, turquoise waters, ocean safaris, snorkelling excursions, and private picnics on remote sandbanks provided the perfect contrast to the safari experience.

After months of planning and years of anticipation, this remarkable journey finally became a reality. More importantly, it reminded us that while Africa's landscapes and wildlife are extraordinary, it is often the people we share these experiences with who make them truly unforgettable.