In March next year, my father turns 80. We both love to travel and explore; it’s our absolute favourite thing to do. So when my dad said he wanted to take the whole family on a trip to Kruger National Park to celebrate his 80th birthday, I got excited. I’ve planned trips like these for over seven years, but this time is a little different. It’s personal.
My father lived in Africa for most of his life, growing up in Zimbabwe from age 8. In later life, he immigrated to New Zealand with my mother and brother, where he has lived for 23 years. Despite being far from his beloved Africa, he visits frequently.
My brother is coming too, with his lovely Kiwi wife and their two children. This will be the first time his children visit South Africa, where he was born. I’m excited that he’ll be able to introduce them to the magic of Africa – its wildlife, its people, and its soul.
My brother and I were fortunate to have spent many childhood holidays in the bush with my parents. I especially remember a camping trip to Hwange in Zimbabwe, where we spent hours in hides waiting for wildlife to arrive at a waterhole. My dad was an avid birder and we saw many birds of prey that winter. I loved the regal secretary birds who strutted around like they owned the place.
But the story we always tell about that holiday is how I, aged 9, got up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet and lost my way back to our tent. I was wandering around the campsite trying to find reception when I heard my mom calling me. I still remember the sensation of relief that flooded over me when I heard her voice! That evening we’d just seen a pride of lions outside the campsite and it was lucky that I had not ended up at the gate near reception and the pride of lions!
What I’m most excited about on this upcoming trip is seeing my parents introduce their grandchildren to iconic African animals like giraffes, lions and elephants, as well as the insects and birds that make the African bush come alive with colour and sound. Imparting their love of nature to their grandchildren, especially their Kiwi grandchildren for whom these animals are only seen on TV and in books, will no doubt leave a lasting impression.
My own children will be 11 and 9, while my niece and nephew will be 3 and 18 months old. This means we’ll need to be flexible to cater for different attention spans, bedtimes, and food preferences. The rhythm of life at 80 and at 40 is different too. In planning this milestone trip, I thought a lot about how to balance these differences and ensure everyone has an amazing time.
We’re doing his big birthday trip the way my father likes to travel, which isn’t the typical holiday I plan for my clients. We will stay in SANParks accommodation in Kruger National Park, and self-cater the entire trip. We’ll be doing self-drive safaris too, which I don’t recommend for first-time safari-goers because a good guide reveals so much more of the bush than you discover on your own. But in this case, my father will be our guide. He and my mother used to run birdwatching safaris and, as guides, have extensive knowledge of the bush.
“Why would I want to go to Kruger for my 80th birthday celebration, bearing in mind that I have visited this National Park for over 400 days over the last 40 years?” said my dad. “The answer is simple: I think it is fantastic and the best location for a true family holiday in South Africa.”
Many families shy away from planning trips like these because they feel too ambitious, too complicated, or too impossible to manage for the grandparents, parents and grandchildren together. But it’s honestly worth figuring out. When you get it right, it’s a rare chance to reconnect as a family and offer the next generation a glimpse into their parents and grandparents that they rarely get to see.
And for me, it’s a way to show the next generation that Africa holds a deep and lasting place in our family’s story.
Happy travelling,
Diana
We are totally independent and not affiliated to any group of lodges, so you know that you’re getting the best itinerary and choice of accommodation on offer.
Crafting your ideal holiday can be a time consuming exercise, especially if you don’t know the region well, or you’re travelling in a group (like a multi-generation family holiday, or for a special celebration). We take your requirements and then distill and simplify all the travel info into a perfect itinerary for you. You’re welcome to be involved in the planning process as much, or as little, as you like.
Leopard is a small “human-sized” business offering personal touches. We want you to feel like you’re dealing with a real person who gives you the attention you deserve.
We specialise in curating itineraries that apply sustainable travel principles. One of our core company values is to support the conservation of biodiversity through travel. We recommend longer stays in each destination, supporting local small businesses and visiting off the beaten track attractions.
Our meticulous planning ensures our clients have a completely seamless experience, but in those instances where something goes wrong, we are available 24/7 to solve any problems.
We are true Africa experts. “My team and I visit almost every hotel and update our ‘little black books’ with hidden gems, so I can recommend the perfect stay for every client,” says Diana Granoux, Leopard’s founder and director.
We curate each journey for you. Every itinerary is handcrafted to ensure that it matches perfectly with your wishes. We tailor each itinerary so every detail feels perfect. From breathtaking beaches to adventurous safaris, spectacular views, hotels and knowledgeable guides.
