Out of Africa (Part 1)

I have always been fascinated by the idea of Africa. Africa, the continent. Africa bearing the stain of Apartheid. Africa, the continent of mystical and mythical animals, roaming the untamed savannah. Africa, where survival is often based on either eating, or being eaten.

Various authors have fed this craving, such as Bryce Courtney and Wilbur Smith. Men capable of using words to create mythical characters, leading fascinating lives, while roaming and surviving the untamed wilds of Africa.

Planning

Karen and I determined that this would be the year that we would finally scratch this itch. The tipping point happened when I saw an acquaintance post pictures on Facebook, highlighting their own trip to South Africa in 2024. On a whim, I reached out to ask who they had booked through, and the idea became a plan.

In late November 2024, we contacted a local travel agent, and the idea began to grow legs. We soon put down a deposit, and just like that, were committed. It was quickly becoming a reality for the African spring – Oct 2025.

As it turned out, we were meeting our cottage neighbours, Mark and Sue Kocaurek for New Years at the cottage. We shared our news and before we knew it, they were joining us. It was going to be quite a trip!

Sue and Karen share a love of all animals, large and small, so this would be a dream come true – and right in their wheelhouse. Talk became more and more animated throughout the summer and as the time grew closer.

Liftoff

After months of planning, organizing, anticipating and packing, it was time to leave. We joined Mark and Sue in Toronto on Oct 13th for the first leg of the flight – seven hours from Toronto to Amsterdam. Following a four hour layover, we boarded once again for the final leg to Johannesburg – eleven hours! I was sure my butt was going to require cosmetic surgery!! But we arrived in J’Burg 22 hours after departure, around 10PM local time. The adventure was about to begin in earnest.

After a quick sleep, we were back at the airport for the next leg – a 2 hour flight to Zimbabwe and our first foray into the Africa we had come to see.

It was here in J’Burg that we met our host, Khosi Mntambo. She would be our guide for the next fourteen days, through airports, border crossings, safaris, wilderness lodges and African villages. Originally from Swaziland, she was an incredible source of wisdom, culture, and history – and a joy to get to know. It was in the Johannesburg airport that we would meet our fellow travelers. Eighteen strangers, from three different countries, brought together for a single purpose – to experience Africa.

Zimbabwe

Exhausted from travel, but running on adrenaline, our adventure was about to become real. We flew into Zimbabwe, where our tour bus driver Eddie awaited us. He would be our transportation guru for the next four days. Eddie had the greatest smile – like he was keeping a secret only he knew.

Eddie had grown up in a Zimbabwean tribe and was a wealth of information on local culture, customs and politics. He transported us to our first destination, “The Wallow Lodge.”

Set within a nature preserve and on the edge of a river, our accommodations were exceptional. Technically we were sleeping in “tents”, but they were 5 star tents, with outdoor showers and mosquito nets around the beds – though we had taken all our malaria precautions, gratefully we did not see one mosquito on this adventure.

Our deck faced the river where animals roamed free. Giraffes, elephants, wart hogs, baboons, impala and more – literally wandered freely right outside our door. We were cautioned to keep our patio door locked, as baboons had a tendency to break in and steal anything they could get their paws on. (Right Tammi and Bill???)

Our experience at The Wallow, gave us an indication that this would be no ordinary trip. The food was exceptional, staff attentive and accommodations beyond reproach.

Aside from requiring a guide to walk us to our room after dark – as an abundance of caution – this was an extraordinary start to what would become an extraordinary experience.

The Village

The following morning, after a delicious breakfast we were herded (see what I did there?) onto the bus once again, in which Eddie took us to a local village, where we met Chief Mpisi – humble, wise and full of simple but applicable life lessons for us all.

The tribe lives a simple and humble life – but grateful for all they have. Chief Mpisi shared with us much about their culture and how they respect and revere their elders (unlike here in North America). Though he was eighty one years old, he deferred to a couple of people in our group, that were his senior.

We can all learn from a simpler life style, and respecting all those around us, regardless of race, culture or sexual orientation. At our core, we crave the same things. Happiness, health and safety of our loved ones, and to be be allowed to be who we are without fear of intimidation.

My takeaways: Be grateful. Be humble. Be inclusive!

Victoria Falls

Living two hours from Niagara Falls, it was a necessity to see Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world. Far different than our own wonderous falls, Victoria Falls is approximately 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) wide and 108 meters  (354 feet) high, making it the largest sheet of falling water in the world.

Though the water was lower than normal when we were there, it was fascinating to see the length, height and breadth of this legend. Truly a wonder!

Elephant Sanctuary

We had the absolute pleasure of visiting an Elephant Sanctuary, and got to experience these gentle beasts up close and personal.

Elephants are Karen’s favourite animals – the sheer juxtaposition of their raw power, vs the gentleness they exhibit in caring for their young, or picking a branch or root from a tree with their trunk. Karen says she can look into their eyes and see their soul. I can’t speak to that, but they are an incredible animal – particularly to see them in the wild.

Next Stop – Botswana

While we didn’t think this adventure could get any better, we were just getting started.

Aweee Collette Aweee!!