Why Combine Kenya & Tanzania for a Luxury Safari Tours
A luxury safari is more than just a vacation—it's an immersive experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. While Kenya and Tanzania each offer exceptional safari experiences on their own, combining these two East African destinations elevates the journey to extraordinary heights. From the sweeping plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic landscapes of the Masai Mara, a dual-country safari provides diversity, exclusivity, and a deeper connection to Africa's wild heart.
Kenya and Tanzania are home to some of the most iconic wildlife reserves in the world. A combined safari allows travelers to witness the Great Migration, one of nature's most spectacular events. The migration follows a cyclical route between Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Maasai Mara, offering different perspectives of this awe-inspiring phenomenon. In Tanzania, the Serengeti's vast grasslands host millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, while Kenya's Mara River crossings provide dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Beyond the migration, both countries boast rich biodiversity. Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater is a natural sanctuary for the Big Five, while Kenya's Amboseli National Park offers breathtaking views of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Combining these destinations ensures a well-rounded wildlife experience, from big cats to rare bird species.
Luxury safari tours in Tanzania and Kenya are designed for discerning travelers seeking comfort and exclusivity. High-end lodges and tented camps in both countries provide world-class amenities, private game drives, and personalized service. In Tanzania, properties like Singita Grumeti and &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge redefine opulence with private butlers and gourmet dining under the stars. Kenya's Angama Mara and Segera Retreat offer equally lavish experiences, blending contemporary elegance with untamed wilderness.
A combined itinerary allows guests to enjoy the best of both countries' luxury offerings. Private conservancies in Kenya, such as Ol Pejeta and Lewa, provide intimate wildlife encounters away from crowds, while Tanzania's Selous and Ruaha National Parks offer off-the-beaten-path adventures in remote, untouched landscapes.
East Africa's cultural heritage is as captivating as its wildlife. Kenya's Maasai communities are renowned for their vibrant traditions, and luxury safaris often include visits to local villages, where travelers can learn about ancient customs and crafts. Tanzania, meanwhile, is home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, whose hunter-gatherer lifestyles offer a fascinating glimpse into humanity's past.
Combining Kenya and Tanzania ensures a richer cultural experience. Guests can engage with Maasai warriors in Kenya's Laikipia region before meeting the semi-nomadic Barabaig people near Tanzania's Lake Eyasi. These interactions add depth to the journey, creating meaningful connections beyond the typical tourist experience.
The landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania are strikingly diverse. Kenya's Great Rift Valley lakes, such as Nakuru and Naivasha, attract flocks of flamingos, while Tanzania's Tarangire National Park is famous for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, dominates Tanzania's skyline, while Kenya's Aberdare Range offers misty forests teeming with wildlife.
A dual-country safari lets travelers explore these contrasting environments seamlessly. From the golden savannas of the Masai Mara to the dense forests of Tanzania's Mahale Mountains, where chimpanzees roam, the variety ensures every day brings a new adventure.
After days of thrilling game drives, unwinding on the pristine shores of Zanzibar Beach is the ultimate luxury. This Tanzanian archipelago, with its turquoise waters and powdery white sands, is the perfect complement to a safari. High-end resorts like Mnemba Island and The Residence Zanzibar offer private villas, spa treatments, and world-class diving.
Including Zanzibar in a Kenya-Tanzania itinerary transforms the trip into a holistic escape, blending adrenaline-pumping safaris with serene beach relaxation. Whether snorkeling in coral reefs or savoring fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, Zanzibar provides an idyllic conclusion to an unforgettable journey.
Luxury safari operators specialize in seamless cross-border itineraries, handling visas, flights, and transfers with precision. Chartered flights between Kenya's and Tanzania's premier parks minimize travel time, maximizing time in the wild. Expert guides, with deep knowledge of both countries, enhance the experience with insights into animal behavior, conservation efforts, and hidden gems.
Combining Kenya and Tanzania for a luxury safari tour offers the best of East Africa—diverse wildlife, exclusive lodges, rich cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether tracking the Great Migration, exploring off-the-beaten-path reserves, or relaxing on Zanzibar's shores, this dual-country adventure ensures a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For travelers seeking the pinnacle of safari luxury, Kenya and Tanzania together deliver an unparalleled journey into the wild.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Los Angeles Times
06-06-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Dreaming of a Safari Honeymoon? Here's Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
An African safari honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and luxurious accommodations. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway filled with adventure or a relaxing escape into nature, a safari honeymoon can be tailored to suit your interests and travel preferences. To help navigate the possibilities, we spoke with two leading travel experts who specialize in luxury African honeymoons: Deborah Calmeyer, CEO and Founder of ROAR Africa, and Alli Allen, a luxury travel advisor with Travel Edge. Both note a significant rise in honeymoon safari interest, as newlyweds increasingly seek out bucket-list experiences and meaningful travel. 'We have never seen as many requests for honeymoons in Africa,' says Calmeyer. 'It's not a surprise to me that honeymooners have realized that the African landscape provides the beauty, peace, and stillness that one wants to drop into after all the stressful wedding planning.' Allen adds that the honeymoon has become a catalyst for couples to 'take the ultimate trip,' embracing a blend of exploration, cultural immersion, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your African safari honeymoon. The best time for an African safari depends on the country you're visiting and what you hope to see. In general, the dry season is the most popular time for safaris because animals gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot. The Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move between the Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya, typically occurs from July to October. This period is considered an excellent time for wildlife viewing as predators follow the herds, providing incredible opportunities to witness dramatic scenes of nature. The dry season, which lasts from May to October, offers the best game viewing opportunities. During this time, animals congregate near rivers and waterholes due to the lack of widespread water sources, making them easier to spot in open areas. Some regions, such as Botswana's Okavango Delta, are best visited during the wet season, from November to April, when the floodplains come alive with lush greenery, migratory bird species, and a vibrant ecosystem. However, the rainy season can make some areas challenging to access due to muddy roads and increased mosquito activity. According to luxury travel advisor Alli Allen of Travel Edge, 'The beauty of a honeymoon safari is that it can really take place any time if couples are open to going where the conditions that time of year are best for fantastic game viewing.' She emphasizes that the Great Migration is a year-round cycle, with wildlife always on the move. An African safari is generally safe, but travelers should take certain precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Many safari destinations require vaccinations such as yellow fever, and some areas have a risk of malaria. It is essential to consult a travel doctor well in advance of your trip to ensure you receive the necessary vaccinations and prescriptions for malaria prevention medication. It is highly recommended to invest in comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and emergency evacuations. Some safari destinations are remote, making emergency medical transport essential in case of an accident or sudden illness. When choosing a safari, book with reputable lodges and tour operators that prioritize safety. While major parks and reserves are well-secured, it is advisable to avoid traveling alone at night in cities or unfamiliar areas. Additionally, keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings when in urban locations before or after your safari. Each national park and game reserve has its own rules to protect both wildlife and visitors. It is crucial to follow all park regulations, including not feeding animals, not disturbing wildlife, staying inside safari vehicles unless instructed otherwise, and listening to your guide's safety instructions at all times. Alli Allen also advises honeymooners to consider the cultural context of each destination: 'Africa is a diverse continent with a tapestry of customs, traditions, languages, and religions. Some countries are LGBTQ-friendly, and others are not. It's important to be well-informed about these differences.' A safari typically follows a structured itinerary, allowing for maximum wildlife viewing and comfort. Here is a general outline of how a safari unfolds: Your safari adventure begins by flying into a major airport such as Nairobi in Kenya, Johannesburg in South Africa, or Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. From there, a connecting flight or road transfer will take you to your safari destination. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can stay in luxury lodges, tented camps, or more budget-friendly accommodations. Some lodges are located within private reserves, offering a more exclusive and intimate wildlife experience. Most safaris include two game drives per day, one early in the morning and another in the late afternoon, each lasting approximately three to four hours. Between game drives, guests enjoy meals at their lodge, relax by the pool, or participate in guided nature walks and other activities. Some safaris include cultural excursions, sunset cocktails in the bush, or romantic private dinners to enhance the honeymoon experience. After several days on safari, you may return home or extend your trip with a beach holiday in a nearby coastal destination. Both Allen and Calmeyer observe that many honeymooners are increasingly interested in multi-stop itineraries. 'They want to see and do as much as possible,' says Allen. 'International airfare is very expensive, and using their long haul flight as a launch pad to broaden their experience in other African countries fits the bill.' At the same time, Calmeyer emphasizes the value of balancing relaxation and exploration: 'A well-crafted luxury safari itinerary ensures that transitions between locations are seamless, providing the perfect blend of adventure and downtime.' Mahali Mzuri, part of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection, is a celebrated luxury safari camp nestled in Kenya's Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Often ranked among the top hotels in the world, the camp features 12 beautifully appointed tents that combine sleek, modern design with regional craftsmanship. Guests are treated to pan-African cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. After morning and evening game drives, unwind beside the firepit with a drink, soak in the heated infinity pool, or book a massage at the serene Nasaro Spa. There's also the opportunity to visit a nearby Maasai village for a meaningful cultural exchange and firsthand insight into the community's way of life. Mara Plains Camp sits within the 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, bordering Kenya's famed Maasai Mara National Reserve. Guests at this camp enjoy exclusive access to nearly 100,000 acres of private conservancy land in addition to the Maasai Mara, offering one of the most expansive and diverse safari experiences in the region—especially during the Great Migration. The camp features five elevated guest suites, each built atop recycled railway sleepers and designed with a nod to East Africa's safari heritage. Guests can embark on both day and night game drives across the conservancy and Maasai Mara, while hot air balloon safaris are available by request at an additional cost. Sala's Camp is an exclusive safari retreat nestled in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. With just seven luxury tents, including two family suites and two secluded honeymoon tents, the camp offers an intimate and personalized experience. Each tent features a private plunge pool and terrace, providing guests with comfort and privacy amidst the wilderness. Situated in a prime location, Sala's Camp offers exceptional game viewing opportunities, including the chance to witness the Great Migration up close. Guests can enjoy a range of activities such as guided game drives, sundowners with breathtaking views, and cultural visits, all while being immersed in the sights and sounds of the African bush. Cottar's 1920s Camp is an award-winning luxury safari lodge located in Kenya's private Olderkesi Conservancy, just one kilometer from the Maasai Mara National Reserve and near the Serengeti. This intimate camp features eleven spacious cream canvas tents, each elegantly furnished in the romantic style of the 1920s, offering guests a nostalgic yet luxurious safari experience. Owned and operated by a fifth-generation safari family, Cottar's emphasizes conservation, community, culture, and commerce, earning recognition as a Global Ecosphere Retreat. Guests can enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing, professional guiding, and a range of activities, all while contributing to sustainable tourism and local community development. Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel located in Nairobi's Lang'ata suburb, renowned for its resident herd of endangered Rothschild's giraffes that freely roam the 12-acre property. Guests often experience close encounters with these gentle giants, who may poke their heads through windows during breakfast or tea time. The manor, built in 1932 and modeled after a Scottish hunting lodge, offers 12 elegantly furnished rooms that blend classic charm with modern comforts. Its proximity to Nairobi makes it a convenient and unforgettable addition to any Kenyan safari itinerary. A safari honeymoon offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. Here are some unforgettable experiences to consider: The most common way to experience a safari is through morning and evening game drives, led by expert guides. These drives offer the best chance of spotting the Big Five and other wildlife, as animals are most active during these times. For a more immersive experience, guided walking safaris, such as those in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, allow you to observe wildlife up close and learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem, including animal tracks and native plants. Safari lodges and camps range from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious. Many high-end lodges offer spa treatments, private plunge pools, and romantic candlelit dinners under the stars, making them perfect for honeymooners. One of the most romantic and breathtaking safari experiences is taking a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the African savanna. This is especially popular in Kenya's Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti, offering panoramic views of wildlife roaming below. Visiting local Maasai villages in Kenya and Tanzania or engaging with San Bushmen communities in Botswana provides an opportunity to learn about indigenous cultures, traditions, and ways of life. In destinations like Botswana's Okavango Delta and Zambia's Zambezi River, boat safaris allow you to explore waterways and see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife up close. Many honeymooners extend their safari with a beach retreat in exotic locations such as Zanzibar, Seychelles, or Mozambique. Deborah Calmeyer, CEO of ROAR Africa, notes that 'more honeymooners are opting for Mozambique due to its easy access from Johannesburg, allowing them to seamlessly combine a city stay in Cape Town with safari and an idyllic beach retreat.' The variety of wildlife you will encounter depends on the region you visit. The famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—are among the most sought-after animals to see. Other incredible wildlife includes: Expect to see massive herds of wildebeest and zebras, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant flamingos around lakes such as Lake Nakuru in Kenya. In this region, you may spot African wild dogs, hyenas, warthogs, hippos, kudu, and the rare sable antelope, which is native to areas such as Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. For those interested in primates, Uganda and Rwanda offer the unique opportunity to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Volcanoes National Park. Calmeyer mentions that 'Rwanda has emerged as a top choice. Gorilla trekking, paired with some of the most spectacular lodges on the continent, offers an extraordinary experience.' Africa is a birdwatcher's paradise, with thousands of species, including the striking lilac-breasted roller, the powerful African fish eagle, and the elusive shoebill stork found in Uganda's wetlands. Bring lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a high-quality camera with a zoom lens, binoculars, and sun protection to enhance your experience. Safari lodges fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so it is best to book at least six months in advance. Consider whether you prefer witnessing the Great Migration, tracking gorillas, or pairing a safari with a beach retreat. Let your lodge know if you are celebrating a honeymoon, as many offer special perks such as private dinners and room upgrades. Calmeyer recommends working with a travel advisor who is based in or deeply familiar with Africa. 'Honeymooners come to us to cut through the overwhelming number of options and craft a journey that speaks to their unique travel style.'
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Coca-Cola's ex-CEO is spending retirement swimming with sharks and climbing with gorillas—and he's not slowing down
At 78 years old, Coca-Cola's ex-CEO Douglas Ivester is planning his 11th safari. It's a tradition he started in the first 12 months on stepping down from the top job at the $309 billion beverage giant. What do you do after stepping down from Coca-Cola's helm? For the former CEO, it's taking month-long excursions around Africa. When Douglas Ivester stepped down as the $309 billion beverage giant's CEO and chair at the turn of the century, he knew the continent of gold savannah, vast deserts and tropical rainforests was the first place he wanted to visit with his newfound free time. 'My first trips to Africa were to work because we had businesses in South Africa and East Africa particularly,' Ivester recalls in an interview with Fortune. 'When I retired, I wanted to take my wife, so we put together the first trip to Africa, which included Kenya and Tanzania.' 'We spent a day visiting medical facilities, including an AIDS clinic. We spent some time in schools, and we spent time with local artists, talking to them about their artistic ability and product and things like that, in addition to all the other things that people would go see—the animals and the landscape, all the things like that.' It's been over 25 years since, and Douglas Ivester has made a tradition of taking yearly month-long vacations all over the world—and has found himself back in Africa many times along the way. 'We've maintained what traditionally people call a bucket list of things to do… I wanted to climb in Rwanda to visit the mountain gorillas. So we took a trip that included that in the middle of the trip,' Ivester adds. 'I wanted to do Asia and wander around in Asia and see what I can learn there. So I did that.' In 2017, he says he spent 30 days discovering Southeast Asia. The pandemic, of course, put his annual vacation to an abrupt halt. But now, at 78, he's planning his 11th 'Rewild' safari with Botswana and Kenya on the cards for 2026. For the growing number of leaders taking a sabbatical, a Rewilding Safari offers the chance to participate in wildlife conservation efforts, like releasing Darwin's rhea in Patagonia National Park and planting trees in Madagascar and Sumatra. Just don't think of it as a vacation, Ivester warns. How much does it cost? Ivester estimates that an all-inclusive trip at a safari camp will set you back $50,000, including airfare. What's so special about Africa? 'I've been to Latin America, I've been to Asia, but Africa is my favorite place to go to is Africa. It's so vast. It is so different. It is learning something new almost every minute of the trip. And I like that,' Ivester says. 'We attempt to incorporate as many learning experiences as possible. As an example, we were in Cape Town in South Africa, and we took a day and went out to go swimming with the great white sharks and a superb experience.' 'To take a balloon ride over the Great Migration is something you can't describe, you just have to experience it. To ride an elephant in South Africa at one of the camps down there, you cannot describe it, but I've done it… You have to be there and be there in the moment and be willing to take some risk.' 'I wouldn't describe our trips as 'vacations'. A vacation implies rest and relaxation. And I would say we're more moving around and learning and experiencing life, and we have to rest when we get home.' Do safaris have good WiFi? 'That is an ever-changing situation,' the retired chief says. '20 years ago, the answer was no. You really didn't have phone service, and certainly no internet connection or anything like that. In more recent years, a lot of the hotels do have coverage, and the phone service is much, much better, but it improves on a yearly basis.' Any word of warning for execs?'My word of caution would be to plan every day and to research every day and make sure you go into it with an understanding of what you want to accomplish,' Ivester recommends. 'A really good Safari trip will probably take a year to plan and a year to schedule. And if you've got it done that way, you'll probably have a very successful trip, but you can't do things sort of spur of the moment.' A two-day excerpt from The Magic of Africa, a private safari designed for Mr. & Mrs. Ivester and friends in late June. Day 1 Location: Little Kwara Camp, , Okavango Delta, Botswana Background: The Kwara Reserve shares its southern boundary with the Moremi Game Reserve. It encompasses a wide variety of wildlife habitats, ranging from deep-water lagoons and thick papyrus beds to dry-county scrub and mopane forests. Nestled on the edge of the permanent waters of the Okavango, Little Kwara Camp's five canvas tents are elevated into the tree canopy on wooden decks. Morning: Wake up to an early morning wake-up call—a gentle voice saying 'Good Morning' just outside the tent. Following breakfast, we venture out in the custom-designed Land Cruiser for our morning game drive. At this time of year, the water is high, so we frequently have to drive through water. The tracker scans for the footprints of the animals we seek. We venture into the bush, eventually finding the small lion pride whose prints he found. We watch the small lion cubs chase each other until one of them finds its mother and begins to nurse. The other two cubs join their siblings as their mother lies contentedly in the shade. Later, we venture further, scanning the trees for the most elusive big cat: the leopard. After a rewarding game drive, we return to camp for lunch. Afternoon: We venture into the Okavango Delta's waterways in a traditional canoe called the mokoro. Floating along the channels between the reeds, the guide uses a long pole to navigate the two-foot deep crystal-clear water. We enjoy the calm silence of gliding along as we watch various birds fly over us. Eventually, we reach an island, where we disembark and take a gentle walk among the trees. The safari guide points out the various trees and shrubs and explains how some are used in the traditional day-to-day life of the local inhabitants. As we approach the end of the island, we find a team from the camp waiting for us. We order our beverages, enjoy some snacks and toast the setting sun as it disappears over the western horizon. We return to Little Kwara by motorboat, arriving just before dark. We have time to shower before returning to the dining area, where dinner is served under the African sky. Day Two: The Selinda Reserve Background: While not as famous as its southern neighbor, the Okavango Delta, the Selinda Reserve is an incredible 521-square-mile wilderness. By this time of year, large numbers of migrating wildlife have joined the permanent residents who thrive on these open savannas. A variety of antelope species are found, along with giraffe, warthog, baboons, and vervet monkeys. Lion, cheetah, and spotted hyena are the primary large predators. But there are two species of wildlife that make the Selinda Concession stand out: The Cape hunting dog and large breeding herds of elephants. The experts at Great Plains Conservation estimate that over 9000 elephants make Selinda their temporary home during the dry season. Morning: Following breakfast, we are driven to the airstrip and board a Cessna Caravan aircraft for our flight into northern Botswana. Our destination is Selinda Camp, and our goals are twofold: to find the elusive African painted dogs and experience the influx of hundreds of elephants. We land and with our tracker perched on the Land Cruiser's hood, we begin our journey. Eventually, the tracker finds something interesting and tells the guide to drive into the bush. We sit silently and hear yelping sounds. The guide whispers to us that we are near the den site, where the alpha female has recently given birth to her pups. Although the den is hidden from us, we see a handful of the African painted dogs resting in the shade. We continue on to camp, where we are warmly greeted by the Selinda team. We are each handed a cool moist washcloth and a welcoming drink to freshen up after our journey. After a briefing about the camp, we are escorted to our 'tent'—home for the next two nights. Afternoon: Following lunch, we rest until our afternoon game drive. As we drive into the bush, ithin a few minutes we come upon a herd of 12 elephants, with two very young babies. As we watch the adults chewing on tree branches, the baby elephants nurse within about twenty feet of our vehicle. As evening approaches, we begin to return to camp and come across a big bull elephant. Our guide tells us the bull is heading toward the group of elephants we just visited. His goal is to find out if any of them are ready to breed. We return to camp. After showering, we sit around the campfire as our guide summarizes the day's adventures and discusses plans for tomorrow. As we crawl into bed, we hear a distinct sound in the distance—the mighty roar of a male lion telling all that this is his territory. It's the perfect sound to end another fascinating day in the African bush. This story was originally featured on
News24
02-06-2025
- News24
5 bucket list thrills in 2 days: Kayaking to paragliding, my Shot'left provincial escape
South African Tourism wants South Africans to travel more within the country and have the campaign ''It's your country, enjoy it'. A trip between the Western Cape and Eastern Cape has the potential to help a keen traveller tick a lot of boxes. While there are obvious must-see places in all the provinces, there are less popular spots that are definitely worth exploring. Since TikTok exploded, many South Africans have had a front-row seat to how people from other countries are enamoured with South Africa. Every second video shows us travellers from the global community blown away by everything from our sunsets to our waterfalls and mountains. Many of us know that South Africa is a beautiful country. We know about the Big Five at Kruger National Park, the unparalleled Durban beaches, and the magic of Table Mountain in Cape Town. Some of us are more nuanced in our inter-provincial tourism and will speak of the magic of the Northern Cape dark skies, the vibrancy of Soweto, or the all-you-get buffet of experiences in North West's Sun City. However, some gems remain hidden - known and enjoyed by the locals of that particular village or small town. Through their local campaign, 'It's your country, enjoy it,' Shot'left is on a mission to encourage a feeling of ownership and pride in such places, not only from the people who have known about them all their lives but also from the rest of the nation and then the world. Born and bred in Limpopo, I've become an unofficial plug for the many places we offer in my province. From Tzaneen to Bela Bela, Limpopo is the go-to place for bush getaways, with some of the most breathtaking resorts and good weather, and nobody produces better avocados or mangos (I'm ready to fight for this one). However, I recently became a student when - through a Shot'left media trip - we touched down in the small George Airport. The town of George lies half-way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth on South Africa's ever-popular Garden Route. The Garden Route, gorgeous as it is, unintentionally promotes the misinterpretation that George is a 'drive-through' town. I recently learned that couldn't be further from the truth. We arrived in George on the first flight in and, because of the partnership between Shot'left and Ford, made our way to a Ford garage to collect a Ford Wildtrak X, two Ford Tremors, a Ford Everest and a Ford Tourneo - which would be our rides for the two days of the trip. Because of George's strategic placement, we would spend a day in the Western Cape and then head to the Eastern Cape in a few hours. In George, the small town charmed us as we discovered why it has more to offer than a 'town you pass through.' We headed to Garden Route National Park, where one of my bucket list items would be ticked off. After a brief talk on safety and fitting our life jackets, we were off on a kayak at the Ebb and Flow Rest camp, each equipped with a double-bladed paddle. The calm water made the experience much more fun, allowing us to enjoy the park's serenity. Once we got into the swing of things, we could go as far as our upper body strength would allow. Straight after, we were on our way to a local gem, the PiliPili Beach Bar. This bar offered everything from mouth-watering fish dishes to pizzas and ribs, all with a cool vibe to match. While eating, with the beach a few steps away, you watch people 'fall out of the sky' every few minutes with parachutes. That signalled our second location, where I would tick off the second item on my bucket list: paragliding. While there are a couple of options where you can paraglide, we ended up at Cloud 9 in Sedgefield. Paragliding is super cool, mainly because it doesn't even require you to be an adrenalin junkie. Most of what you do in that activity is run for takeoff. After that, you sit as the instructor controls the parachute for five minutes, and y'all glide in the sky until you land. I would do it again! That was all the adventure we could fit into the available hours for day one. We watched the sunset from the beach, wine and non-alcoholic champagne glasses in hand, and retired to the Kamma Kai Beach Villa. We enjoyed a braai for dinner in this four-star homely place, complete with a whiskey masterclass courtesy of Gift Makoti and Glenfiddich. After a few hours of shut-eye, we were ready to soak up what we could of George before crossing the invisible line into Gqeberha. We started the day with a traditional South African breakfast and, like the locals, made our way to the Wild Oats Community Farmers' Market. It wasn't long until we were driving out to Plettenberg Bay. Almost two hours later, we were at the Bloukrans River Bridge, where I could tick off not one but three items on my bucket list: bungee jumping, sky walking and zipline. The Bloukrans River Bridge is Africa's highest bridge, and if you take the plunge from there, you will have conquered a 216m high bungy jump. I didn't jump (I know, I know... honestly, I just wasn't keen on losing my breakfast, but I'll take my L), but I did skywalk and zipline, which was just as fun without the whole facing life and death thing. Everyone else in my group who did the jump said there's nothing like it, and they all highly recommend doing it at least once in one's lifetime. All that activity left us hungry, so the next stop was Cattle Baron restaurant inside Tsitsikamma National Park, at least according to the itinerary. In reality, we drove to Tsitsikamma and ordered food, but instead of sitting down, we opted to do what we thought would be a short walk to Storms River mouth. As it turned out, it was a hike. Not only was I not dressed for a hike, but I had a wig and makeup on and wore cutesy Puma sneakers (the uncomfortable kind) because I thought it was a cute little walk. Boy, was I wrong! Jonga, I was huffing and puffing like a big bad wolf just 10 minutes into it. There was absolutely nothing cute. However, I forgot the struggle when we finally reached the suspension bridge. The Storms River Suspension Bridge, also known as the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge, is a well-known landmark in Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa. This suspension bridge, which crosses the Storms River and is only accessible by foot, provides breathtaking vistas and an unforgettable encounter. The bridge is a component of Storms River Mouth, a famous tourist destination in the park. After we got our photos and videos, I huffed and puffed back - complaining every two minutes - but also appreciating God's creativity courtesy of the stunning views. The views to, at and from the suspension bridge are worth the hype, and they are quite literally breathtaking. Needless to say, I was ready to call it a day after the walk turned hick, but Tsitsikamma and its hidden gems wouldn't let me. I am certain not many people know that there is a cute, straight-out-of-America, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley-inspired food joint called Marilyn's 60's Diner (if y'all knew and kept quiet, y'all aren't good people, she...). That's where we went for a very late lunch. It has the most Instagrammable milkshakes I have seen, and some of the burgers are made famous in American movies. It was truly hard not to love. We then check in at Tsitsikamma Village Inn. The three-star hotel gives us a vineyard feel, like the Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate or some of the boutique hotels in the Western Cape. We didn't call it a night until we had a potjiekos dinner and 'nightcap' at a homely restaurant called Tsitsikhaya Lodge Restaurant & Venue. In the morning, after breakfast and check-out, Tsitsikamma, which I've nicknamed the gift that keeps on giving, had one last adventure to offer: a Segway Tour. During the tour, I learned about the close-knit community of Tsitsikamma and where the name comes from. Tsitsikamma is a Khoi word meaning 'abundance of water' due to the high rainfall experienced in this area, which sustains the lush natural vegetation and is home to various animal and bird life. As we drove out of the 'place of many waters,' I held on to all the treasures I had discovered and was excited at the thought of what else Tsitsikamma had hidden that I needed to return to discover. At the Port Elizabeth International Airport, we bid farewell to Eastern Cape. I had left Joburg in the AMs on a Friday and went on to experience two provinces over two days, which gifted me with a serene kayaking, ethereal paragliding, adrenalin-pumping bungee-jumping (almost), ziplining, sky walking, mountain hiking to the Suspension Bridge at Storms River mouth, one of the biggest farmer's market, an American diner and so much more. I would do this Shot'left over and over again.
