Jon and I were in South Africa as newlyweds 18 years ago and decided it was the opportune time for us to return with our three boys aged 15 to 10. They had heard our many stories, watched the National Geographic specials, and have a healthy desire to experience life first-hand. My parents are immigrants from South Africa so this trip had special meaning for all of us.
Judy had prepared us well for this trip and planned the perfect balance of experiences. We spent our first day in Johannesburg getting to understand the social and historical dynamics of South African society. I am glad we took the boys to a social injustice museum in Alabama a few months earlier as they could now relate to South Africa’s prior Apartheid policies. We found Johannesburg to be a vibrant city and wish we had more time to explore it, but our safaris awaited.
Our first safari was Serondella in the Thornybush Reserve next to Kruger. As we arrived there was a giraffe at the watering hole in front of the lodge to greet us. This was our welcome to the bush. It was so rewarding to witness the awe on the faces of our boys.
On that first game drive, we encountered a pack of lions feeding on a buffalo and later found ourselves surrounded by hundreds of grazing buffalo. Our encounters with wildlife were numerous, immersive, and real. Our guide TJ, or should I say teacher, as he imparted but a small fraction of his immense encyclopedia of knowledge, made the bush come alive. He connected extremely well with the boys and we all learned about the symbiosis of life in the bush and what it takes to be a safari guide.
Next was a two-night stay at Victoria Falls. Here we, of course, got to see and feel the millions of gallons of water cascading over this phenomenon of nature. We also had a walking encounter with elephants. A highlight for the boys was to actually touch these magnificent creatures.
From there we flew to Machaba, a safari camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Judy had said that this would be a different experience to Serondella and it certainly was. Due to modern communications, the guides back in the Thornybush had a good idea of where the various animals were and could somewhat plan out our day. Now in Botswana, on the other hand, this was an observational safari experience. Everything was a surprise, for the guide and for us, as we never knew what we would find around the next corner. This environment was truly remote, wild, and untouched. Here we were able to learn by simply watching life unfold as it has throughout the millennia.
Our final destination was the most beautiful city in the world – Cape Town. This is where my parents originated from so we have a special affinity to the city. We spent time with family and explored the many offerings of the city and its surroundings. We were extremely lucky as the rainy winter weather held off for most of our stay. One day was the Winelands and the next was learning to surf in Muizenberg. We explored the local markets and hiked the slopes of Table Mountain.
Leaving South Africa, Jon and I remarked on what an amazing bonding experience this has been. All of us disconnected from electronics, school, and work. This was quality time spent together in an exciting, immersive, learning environment. It will not be long before the boys start leaving home but we will always savor the memories of this time together.
