Memories & Dreams of Africa
In normal times, our team visits different parts of Africa every year. We’ve asked some of our advisors about their most precious memories and dreams; reasons why we can’t wait to plan our thoughtful return to Africa.
Ann – Dream: Africa is still on my bucket list... I dream of outdoor lodges and the beauty of the sounds of nature in Africa.
Gabrielle – Memory: As I rounded the corner, twelve of the seventeen [gorilla] family members were lounging peacefully in the brush. An unimaginable moment was now a reality. As we stood in awe of these astonishing creatures, they continued with their rituals as if we didn’t exist. The silverback, Kabukojo, was with the females and children of the group. The mother grabbed one of the toddlers and pulled them close to separate them, but moments later the shenanigans began again. It felt like watching human children get into mischief, with their mothers reprimanding them. In the background, one female began to groom another by carefully plucking bugs from her fur.
Geoffrey – Memory: Gathering three dozen of my closest family and friends for our wedding at a vineyard in gorgeous Franschhoek is a moment I cherish every day. I can remember the excitement when everyone discovered the estate and regrouped for an informal rehearsal dinner - a garden party at sunset followed by a traditional braai. I am already dreaming of a renewal of our vows!
Lauren – Dream: I’m dreaming of an off-the-beaten-path return to my favorite continent. At the top of my list is a safari in Zambia. Zambia is often included in itineraries as a short stop at Victoria Falls, but there is much more to be discovered in this charming country, one of Africa’s last true safari frontiers. Did you know Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari and home to the second-largest wildebeest migration on the continent (without the crowds)? I’d begin my stay in South Luangwa, then make my way to the Lower Zambezi for a sleep-out under the stars before ending my safari in Liuwa Plain. This area is so remote, it can only be reached by a private helicopter transfer.
Megan – Memory: Before my son and I left for Tanzania, a friend told us, “You can leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you.” Wow, so true! Our safari is a highlight of both of our lives. We have so many incredible shared memories: eating breakfast in a sea of bellowing wildebeest, witnessing a baby impala escape a cheetah, finally catching up with a pair of leopards we had been tracking all day, spotting four black rhinos in one day, being bluff charged by an elephant, and waking up with a civet’s tail dangling through the top of our tent.
Sandi – Memory: I visited southern Africa a while ago and will never forget the feeling of seeing my first elephant in the wild…it was the first animal I saw on this trip and they were coming down a hill in a herd. A truly magical moment.
Shawna – Memory: My parents took us to East Africa over 25 years ago and while my memory fails me more often now than I’d like to admit, I will never forget this trip and hearing elephants walking though our camp at night. They were so close but we didn’t ever feel at risk. We had learned to respect the animals habitat - we were the visitors.