South Africa
South Africa is easily one of the coolest and most unforgettable places we’ve ever been. As a divorced dad, I was lucky enough to experience it not just once, but twice—each time with one of my kids on a one-on-one adventure. We started with a safari in Hoedspruit, where we saw the Big Five up close in their natural habitat, then wrapped up the trip in Cape Town, a city that’s as stunning as it is full of life. Sharing these moments with my kids individually made it even more special—memories we’ll all carry forever.
Hoedspruit
Our time in Hoedspruit was nothing short of extraordinary, and one of the biggest highlights was checking off the entire Big Five in just a few game drives. From the moment we entered the reserve, the sightings came fast and unexpectedly. We spotted a massive bull elephant crossing the road in front of our vehicle, completely unfazed by our presence. Later that day, we sat quietly as a pride of lions lounged under the trees, just a few feet away from us. There’s something surreal about watching these powerful animals in their natural habitat, free and undisturbed—it gives you a whole new appreciation for the wild.
But the most thrilling moment came when we saw a leopard stealthily weaving through the bush in the early evening light, a sight that felt both rare and electric. Not long after, we encountered a herd of Cape buffalo grazing near a waterhole and later came across a pair of white rhinos resting in the shade. Seeing all five of these iconic animals in their element, within just a couple of days, was the kind of experience you dream about when planning an African safari. Hoedspruit delivered in a way that was beyond anything we could have imagined.
Cape Town
Cape Town is hands down our favorite city in the world. It’s a place where stunning natural beauty meets vibrant urban energy. From the iconic Table Mountain to the breathtaking coastlines of Camps Bay and Clifton, every view feels like a postcard. There’s an endless list of things to do—whether you’re hiking, wine tasting in nearby Stellenbosch, exploring local markets, or diving into the city’s rich history. The people are incredibly warm and welcoming, and in recent years, we’ve found it surprisingly affordable—especially when compared to Europe, Australia, or New Zealand.
Cape Town was a nonstop adrenaline rush and easily one of the most exciting parts of our trip. We kicked things off with shark cage diving in Gansbaai—coming face-to-face with great whites in the open ocean was as thrilling as it sounds. We then took a scenic drive down to the Cape of Good Hope, standing at the southernmost tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. If that wasn’t enough adventure, we went skydiving with jaw-dropping views of Table Mountain and the coastline beneath us. And to round it all out, we hiked up Table Mountain itself—grueling, yes, but completely worth it once we reached the top and looked out over one of the most stunning city-meets-nature landscapes in the world. Cape Town was pure magic, start to finish.
