I’m often asked about the highlights of my trips, and my most recent adventure to South Africa and Zambia was so full of incredible moments that it’s hard to narrow down. But it wasn’t just about the sights; it was about the experiences and the people who made the journey truly unforgettable.
Here are my Top 5 Unforgettable Moments from the Southern African adventure.
1. A Profound Connection: Philanthropic Township Tour with Uthando
This was, without a doubt, the most profound part of the trip. Instead of a standard, often voyeuristic, tour, we took a philanthropic tour of a township with an organization called Uthando (which means “love” in Xhosa and Zulu). This model beautifully connects tourism with sustainable community development.
We visited incredible grassroots projects, including a vibrant preschool and a dedicated urban farm, seeing firsthand the impact of their work. My favorite stop was a Senior Center, where we spent time sharing stories. We laughed and connected over the universal experiences of family, joy, and sorrow. I learned that despite our vastly different backgrounds, we have so much in common. This experience opened my heart and gave me a powerful, non-transactional way to engage with the local community.
(Learn more about their incredible work: https://www.uthandosa.org/)
2. Adrenaline Rush: Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls
Talk about a heart-stopping thrill! Devil’s Pool sits right on the very lip of Victoria Falls in Zambia. During the dry season, the water level drops just enough that you can actually swim right to the edge—a natural rock barrier acts as a safety measure, allowing you to peer over the massive, thundering drop of the waterfall.
It was scary and exhilarating all at once! Gazing down into the misty gorge with the roar of one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls just feet away is an image that is forever seared into my memory. And who doesn’t love gazing over a waterfall at rainbows?!
3. Spellbinding Safari: An Elephant Walk Through Camp
Forget the alarm clock—this was a wake-up call I’ll never forget! We were sitting down for breakfast at our safari lodge when a herd of nearly 30 elephants silently wandered right through the heart of our open-air camp.
The entire camp froze as the colossal, majestic animals moved with an almost unbelievable grace. They stopped a few feet from us to drink at the swimming pool trough, trunks curling and splashing in a rhythmic dance. It was a completely spellbinding, intimate moment with the wild—a clear reminder that in the bush, we are merely guests.
4. Unleashing Our Inner Sommelier: Wine Blending in Franschhoek
We brought a bit of competitive fun to our trip in the stunning Cape Winelands! Our group unleashed our inner sommelier at Rickety Bridge Winery in Franschhoek. We were given three different red varietals—Merlot, Pinotage, and Shiraz—and tasked with blending them to create our own custom wine.
The best part? We bottled, corked, and personalized our own labels, walking away with four unique bottles to enjoy on the safari portion of our trip. Cheers to a fantastic souvenir! 🍷
5. The Real Highlight: The African People
Every single time, this is the real highlight. While the landscapes are breathtaking and the wildlife is incredible, it’s the kindness, warmth, and quiet pride of the people in South Africa and Zambia that turn a beautiful trip into a truly transformative and unforgettable journey.
From the guides who shared their deep knowledge of the land, to the seniors who shared their life stories, their spirit and hospitality are what leave the deepest impression. They are the soul of the continent.
From adrenaline-pumping nature to deep cultural connections and unforgettable wildlife encounters, South Africa and Zambia truly offer it all.