Africa Through My Eyes
When people ask me about my trip to Africa, I often find myself pausing — not because I don’t know what to say, but because it’s hard to capture just how deeply it moved me. I knew it would be a special journey, but I hadn’t anticipated the lasting impact it would have.
We broke up the long haul with a two-night stopover in Perth. It’s a lovely city — easy to explore, with a relaxed feel. We took a peaceful river cruise and spent some time in Fremantle. Perth is the gateway to Western Australia, and there are so many other parts of the region I’d love to experience on another trip.
From there, it was on to Johannesburg. We stayed overnight at the Sandton Maslow, which turned out to be a very comfortable hotel with beautiful grounds and a great pool — I never once felt any safety concerns there. Our time in Johannesburg included a Soweto and Apartheid Museum tour. It was an emotional, eye-opening experience and offered incredible insight into South Africa’s recent history. Again, we never felt unsafe at any point — just deeply moved.
Flying into Hoedspruit, the adventure truly began. We stayed at Shimungwe Lodge, a hidden gem in a private part of the Kruger. With only four rooms and a maximum of eight guests, it felt intimate and personal from the moment we arrived. The staff were just wonderful — a husband and wife team prepared all our meals, which we enjoyed outdoors for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Our ranger had been with the lodge for 25 years, his younger brother the tracker for nearly as long. Their experience and dedication were unmatched. They were determined to show us the Big Five — and they did. Being in an open vehicle just metres away from a pride of lions with a fresh kill, witnessing a pair of lions mating, or being surrounded by 200 buffalo as they calmly grazed all around us — it was beyond anything I had imagined. The proximity, the sheer presence of these animals in the wild — I’ll never forget it.
From Shimungwe, we travelled to Shalati – The Train on the Bridge. It’s exactly as it sounds — a train permanently stationed on a heritage bridge over the river, with each carriage transformed into a luxury suite. Standing at the window brushing my teeth, watching a hippo graze below while a crocodile basked nearby and an antelope tiptoed toward the water — it felt like a dream.
While game drives in this part of Kruger were mostly on sealed roads, the experiences were no less remarkable. One sunset saw us sipping gin and tonics on the bridge with hippos below, and then — as if perfectly timed — a leopard trotted toward us across the bridge. I honestly had to pinch myself.
Next came Victoria Falls and the stunning Palm River Lodge, right on the banks of the Zambezi. Hippos grazed just in front of our room, warthogs and antelope wandered freely — it felt like we were in the middle of a nature documentary. The sunset dinner cruise here was a real highlight.
We also made a day trip to Zimbabwe and the Chobe River. The morning cruise gave us even more incredible sightings — hippos, elephants, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and a variety of birdlife. The afternoon game drive was full of magic too — a baby elephant playing soccer with a rock on the beach, then heading into the water to play with its mother. Just pure joy.
For the final leg, we spent three nights in Mozambique at Anantara Bazaruto Island. It was everything you dream of in a tropical escape — a long, quiet beach with just 31 bungalows scattered along it. We had our own private pool, but I also swam in the ocean — though the wind did pick up and keep things interesting! When we arrived, there were only three units occupied, and just seven by the time we left — no crowds, just peace. The staff and food were exceptional.
Then it was back to Johannesburg for an overnight before the long journey home via Singapore.
Looking back, I don’t think I was prepared for how much this trip would affect me. The nearness of the animals, the warmth of the people, the colours of the sky — it’s all etched into my memory. The African sunrises and sunsets were breathtaking. It’s a journey I’ll always remember — for the landscapes, the wildlife, and the people.
By Margy Twigden, Wanderlust Travel Expert
Inspired to experience Africa for yourself?
Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime safari, luxury lodge stay, or exploring vibrant cities and natural wonders, our Wanderlust Travel Experts are here to help make it happen. Many of our team have travelled to Africa and can share firsthand advice and recommendations to create your dream holiday. Get in touch today — your African adventure starts here.