4-Country Southern Africa Wildlife Expedition

Hakuna Matata from the Wild and Whimsical Heart of Southern Africa!

Day One: Cheetah Encounters, Cafes, and Chic Fashion

I touched down in this breathtaking land of lions and laughter. Day one started with me stalking cheetahs (and making silly puns) at Ann van Dyk Cheetah Rescue. Little did I know that wild encounters with big cats would be our jam this week. Fueled by pink glitter lattes from the Goddess Cafe, I rendezvoused with my friend Sandra in Jo’burg, South Africa. We dove headfirst into African fashion and enjoyed lunch in the Maboneng art district. Next stop? Melrose Arch, where meals were as chic as the district itself.

Stephenson Adventures customized the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre to my schedule. It was great getting up close and personal with big cats.

The fashion experience with Sebo and his team at Caraci Experience (a Black Queer Owned Business) was terrific. I can’t recommend meeting the owner, Sebo, enough; he is well-traveled, kind, thoughtful, and adds special touches to his craft. We picked our favorite fabric locally and ended the day with a beautiful piece—a bomber jacket that got compliments all week.

Zebra Lodge: Giraffe Glamour and Zebra Zen

From there, I joined the new-to-me Albatros Crew (basically family now) at the airport for an excursion to Zebra Lodge. First, stroll through the reserve, and bam! Face-to-face with a giraffe family—baby and all. Minutes later, I found myself in a zebra herd (not a bad start, eh?). Days blurred into nature excursions and giggle-fueled stories, plus an introduction to the fine art of African poo spitting—I decided to pass on that cultural gem. Trust me, it’s a thing. I capped off the evening with a friendly bonfire discussion about Wales (like one does).

Day Two: Soweto’s Soul and Historical Heartbeats

Day two was spent in Soweto, the birthplace of legends like Nelson Mandela and Trevor Noah. Singing and dancing locals schmoozed for tips. The Apartheid Museum left my heart in stitches.

Entabeni Safari Conservancy: Lions, Rhinos, and Golf—Oh My!

Entabeni Safari Conservancy called next—with a quick stretch—and then we arrived at a game lodge where The Big 5 roam, and the golf course includes a helicopter to a “Pride Rock” ledge for that perfect swing (or flub) on the infamous Hole 19. Our first game drive hit the jackpot: mama lion and her, not one, two, or three BUT FOUR CUBS tumbling off logs in sibling joy, pumbas scurrying (yes, they’re real!), and an unforgettable encounter with several “room key-challenged” Americans (back patio, front door—logical —got it?).

Game Drives and Starlit Nights: Safari Bliss

Anticipation peaked with game drives shouting “RHINO!!!” and spotting cheetahs. Jay, aka “clean underwear man” (long story), joined for pasta feasts and race course inspections. Cue starlit nights, more drum circles, and a run day with the incredible Albatros Travel’s Big 5 Marathon that started scenic and, for me, ended hyponatremic (look it up—yikes!). But there were LOTS of celebrations, hugs, and “bonus K’s” to be had. A true showcasing of the whimsical Heart of Southern Africa, on foot and alongside new friends who are like family.

More game drives, “skip the impalas” shouts, and sunrises that belong on postcards—Rhino, lions, and slightly sore legs—a small price for safari bliss.

Wine-Fueled Nights and Twerking Rangers: The Grand Finale

The grand finale? Wine-fueled nights, table dancing (yes, it happened), and twerking rangers (go figure). We even debuted in the race video footage—future adventure planning, sorted.

Victoria Falls and Beyond: Nature’s Dramatic Show

Jay and I then winged it to Victoria Falls—border-hopping through Zim-Zam (Zimbabwe, Zambia) and Botswana, all within earshot of the “Smoke that Thunders” (not to be confused by the Thunder From Down Under). River safaris, baby hippos, and a resort with bougie zebras, giraffes, and baboons—standard day in paradise. We highly recommend the TikTok-worthy Royal Livingstone Anantara Hotel – the hotel was a luxurious oasis amidst untamed wilderness.

Chobe National Park: The Big 5 Safari Escapade in Africa

A quick African safari journey to Chobe National Park—final game drive, check. Leopards were lounging, water buffalo strolling, and lion family drama (teen angst included). We had done it – saw 5 out of the Big 5!

Angels Pool: A Heart-Stopping Climax

Then, the heart-stopping climax? A must-do of Southern Africa exploration: a swim at Angels Pool at Victoria Falls—a photo op to remember (or fear forever).

Cape Town: Penguins, Wine, and Waterfront Wonders

Final stop: Cape Town. Indulgence hit new heights with PIER-waterfront dining, a Cape of Good Hope tour, wine!, and penguins at Boulders Beach (cuteness overload).

Farewell to Africa: Until We Meet Again

Straight-up Lion King vibes, Toto’s Africa playing on loop for weeks in my head, and malva pudding to last a lifetime—four African countries later, this journey’s etched in our hearts. Cheers to wildlife, wine, new friends, and a continent that continues to leave a mark. Until next time, Africa—thanks for the memories in the Wild and Whimsical Heart of Southern Africa!

4,000+ photos to —> one wildlife album.

That Layover Life! Much love,

Nancy (and Jay)

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