South Africa and Zimbabwe

A Journey I’ll Carry With Me Forever: South Africa & Zimbabwe

Some trips blur together over time. This one never will.

My journey through South Africa and Zimbabwe in October 2023 was one of those rare experiences that stays vivid — not just in photos, but in how it made me feel.

Madikwe Magic at Jaci’s Lodge

We began at Jaci’s Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, and almost immediately, the outside world fell away. Days were shaped by early mornings, open landscapes, and that quiet sense of anticipation that comes with being deep in the bush.

Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat was something I’d dreamed of, but nothing prepared me for how emotional it would feel. We saw zebras, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes, but the moment that really stopped me was watching female lions with their cubs. There was something incredibly grounding about standing still, watching them exist so calmly and confidently in their world.

As evening came, we’d head out on sunset safaris, sipping gin cocktails as the sky softened into golds and pinks. Those moments felt unreal — quiet, indulgent, and perfectly still. Back at the lodge, the food was unforgettable. Every meal felt thoughtful and comforting, the kind you linger over, swapping stories from the day.

Jaci’s Lodge had a warmth to it that made everything feel effortless, luxurious, yes, but never showy. I felt completely at ease there.

Johannesburg & A Powerful Pause

From the bush, we travelled on to Johannesburg, staying for a couple of nights in a small five-star hotel that felt calm, elegant, and personal, a lovely contrast to safari life.

One of the most moving moments of the trip came here, when we visited Nelson Mandela’s house. Standing in such a historically powerful place was humbling and emotional. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the country and added a quiet sense of reflection to the journey, a reminder that travel isn’t just about places, but the stories they carry.

Zimbabwe & the Wonder of Victoria Falls

From Johannesburg, we flew to Zimbabwe, where the adventure somehow reached another level at Victoria Falls River Lodge. Set right on the river, it felt both peaceful and thrilling, luxury wrapped in wilderness.

One night, we took a boat safari after dark, and it’s a memory I’ll never forget. We drifted along the river surrounded by dozens of noisy hippos, their calls echoing through the darkness, while crocodiles lay still along the river’s edge. It was exhilarating, slightly surreal, and completely unforgettable.

We headed out on another jeep safari and later visited the breathtaking Victoria Falls themselves. Seeing the power, scale, and sound of the water in person was overwhelming in the best possible way, something that truly has to be experienced to be understood.

Final Reflections

This journey gave me more than incredible views and unforgettable wildlife; it gave me moments of stillness, perspective, and deep gratitude. From the plains of Madikwe to the history of Johannesburg and the raw beauty of Zimbabwe, it was a trip that reminded me just how vast and extraordinary the world is.

It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one I know I’ll carry with me forever.