This is what I said to Judy when we first met. Several years ago, my husband passed away, unfortunately, before we were able to live out all our dreams. I am in great health and still young at heart and my dreams are still very much alive, but as a single woman I am not comfortable travelling on my own.
Judy told me that with a Mushinda private itinerary I would be met and transferred everywhere. I would never feel alone or abandoned. With trepidation, I gave her the okay to book a trip for me. After a year of planning and detailed preparations (Judy supplied me with everything I could possibly need, including lending me a sun hat) I finally boarded the flight to Johannesburg. As I emerged from the jetway I was greeted by a lovely smiling face holding a sign with my name. Immediately, I relaxed with the realization I really would be able to enjoy every moment of my dream trip.
From then on, I was never alone, never giving a thought to where or how I was going to get anywhere. My vacation simply unfolded, and each day was a new experience.
My first day in Johannesburg my private guide Natasha escorted me on a tour of Soweto, the largest African Township. This was a real eye-opener as I had always read about apartheid and the oppression and I was able to see how the township had evolved and how people had adapted to living under a democratic government. I began to understand the multi racial forces that drive this vibrant society.
The next day I flew to Jamala in the Madikwe Game Reserve for my first safari experience. Of course, I had no real idea what to expect and my senses were on overload. The close proximity to the proliferation of animals, the babies, the vast herds of elephants with their young in tow. Around every corner there was a new adventure waiting.
The safari lodge was beautiful and way beyond my expectations. It is very tastefully built to blend into the natural surroundings yet not lacking for any creature comforts. The highlight for me was to sit on the deck and watch the constant parade of animals as they came to the watering hole to drink.
My second safari destination was a lodge called Serondella in the greater Kruger National Park. This is a small lodge managed by women, so I was made to feel very much at home. The staff were incredibly warm and hospitable. By now I was a pro so I was very relaxed and could really take in the finer details of the whole safari experience. It was great to stay at two lodges in different parts of the country as the topography and wildlife were quite varied.
From here I flew to Victoria Falls where, for the next two days, I was escorted by my private guide. My hotel had a spectacular view of the Falls – a true wonder of nature. Here I also visited a traditional native village where I learned about the challenges of farming and simply surviving in Africa. Amazing to see the adaptation of technology like cooking gas generated from waste products when there is no ready source of electricity.
My final destination was Cape Town. It is abundantly clear why this is called the most beautiful city in the world. Judy had hand-picked a wonderful guide for me. We immediately bonded and discovered that we had much in common. I loved my few days in this city. My guide was a fund of knowledge and as we explored, I learned so much about everything from art to politics. Once she knew my interests, she customized the touring to include out of the way stops like private sculpture gardens.
My dream trip far exceeded my expectations in many ways. I was not prepared for the unbelievable warmth and hospitality at every level, from the porters to the guides. I did not expect the meals and cuisine to be so delicious and wholesome. The game-viewing experience was much more than I imagined. Judy and her entire Mushinda team were incredible. Their planning and attention to detail was seamless.
For me this trip was life changing. I now have the confidence and know that I can do anything. I feel empowered. So much so that Judy is already planning my return trip to East Africa.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The African elephant is the largest land mammal. It is also the animal with the longest teeth and nose, and the largest ears and legs.
- The gorilla is the world’s largest primate and can weigh as much as 440 lbs
- The eland is the world’s largest antelope. It can grow to a height of almost 7 feet and weigh 2,000 lbs
- The Nile crocodile is the largest reptile in existence. It can reach a length of up to 18 ft and weigh as much as 1,600 lbs
- The African giant snail is the world’s largest land gastropod. It can grow to over 3 ft long and weigh 2 lbs
~ van Lill, Dawid. African Wildlife Trivia. Penguin Random House South Africa
