Life-Changing Travel: Adventures from Madagascar to the Okavango Delta

Life-Changing Holidays: Adventures from Madagascar to the Okavango Delta

Travel has a unique way of transforming us, taking us out of our comfort zones, opening our eyes to new worlds, and offering the kind of reflection that can change the course of our lives. For those seeking more than just a break from routine, those longing for a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, life-changing holidays offer experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Our mission at Leopard is to create life changing holidays that our clients love so much that they will eagerly recommend us to others.

Discovering Madagascar: A World Apart
Madagascar feels like a different planet. This island nation off the southeast coast of Africa is a place where nature has evolved in isolation for millions of years, creating landscapes and species found nowhere else on earth. From the towering baobab trees and lemur-filled rainforests to the surreal rock formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar offers a striking, unfiltered connection with nature.

Madagascar is a destination I dreamed of visiting for many years. I imagined trekking through dense jungles, encountering lemurs for the first time and discovering the incredible reptiles and invertebrates that inhabit the island. I love the natural world and Madagascar gave me many opportunities to connect to nature. A particularly moving moment for me was listening to the haunting call of the Indri Indri in the rainforest. It was so moving and to me, felt mournful… as if the lemurs were mourning the loss of their natural habitat which is unfortunately happening really quickly.

But what was really life changing for me about Madagascar were my encounters with the local people. Their lives are tough and most Malagasy live in unbelievable poverty. We stopped at three village schools to deliver books, pens and other supplies which were joyfully received. When I arrived back in Johannesburg, I realised how much I have to be grateful for. Our infrastructure is not perfect but it is much better than Malagasy people have to contend with, and I am grateful to live where I do.

Hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains: Growth through Discomfort
If you’re looking to challenge yourself physically while immersing yourself in breathtaking scenery, hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains is a must. Nestled in the heart of South Africa, the Drakensberg is a mountain range that stretches for over 1,000 kilometers, offering rugged cliffs, dramatic peaks, and lush valleys. The range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning landscapes and its rich cultural history, as ancient San rock art can be found scattered throughout the area.

Whether you’re hiking the challenging mNweni circuit, like I recently did, or exploring gentler paths that wind through the foothills, the Drakensberg offers a chance to reconnect with yourself and the natural world. The sheer beauty of the landscape, the sense of accomplishment after reaching new heights, and the quiet reflection you’ll find in the mountains, makes hiking in the Drakensberg a deeply transformative experience.

I hiked the mNweni circuit in the northern Drakensberg with a group of experienced Kiwi trampers (hikers) including my 74 year old mom. We had the mountains to ourselves which is a real privilege and a very different experience from hiking some of the busier mountain ranges in Europe.

It was a holiday that not only tested our endurance but also our ability to cope with discomfort. Discomfort such as very hot temperatures in the day, cold nights, lack of water, basic food, uncomfortable but sensationally beautiful campsites. The hardest part for me was not showering for 4 days! I also realised how essential water is to daily life, and how difficult it is to live without water on demand. Despite this physical discomfort, I felt a sense of peace and clarity which came from being immersed in these rugged mountains for 4 days with no cellphone reception.

Walking Safari in the Okavango Delta and Hwange: Nature at Your Feet
For those who want to experience the wild in its rawest form, a walking safari is unlike any other. While safari game drives offer the thrill of seeing animals from a vehicle, walking safaris offer something even more intimate: the chance to explore the bush on foot. Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll learn to read the landscape, track animals, and listen to the sounds of the wild in a way that makes you feel part of the ecosystem rather than a spectator. The heightened awareness and connection with nature make each encounter more meaningful. This kind of immersive, up-close experience leaves a lasting impression, deepening your respect for the animals and the environment around you.

I visited the Okavango Delta in October, one of the hottest months to visit, but with very rewarding wildlife sightings. The only way to cool down was to take a dip in the shallow channels formed by the seasonal flooding. I was scared about potentially encountering a hidden crocodile in these waters, but since I was with experienced guides, I trusted them and plunged, fully clothed, into the water! It felt great to have overcome my fear and to cool off in this unique way.

On the same trip, I visited Hwange where I had a few more incredible encounters with wildlife while on foot. After arriving at “The Rocks” to begin our walk, our expert tracker and guide searched the ground for information on animals that had recently passed by. They picked up fresh leopard footprints and began tracking. It was seriously impressive to watch the tracker and guide at work, and their expertise was evident to us all. The air was tense with anticipation as we quietly moved through the bush, paying close attention to fresh prints, broken twigs or alarm calls from other animals and birds. Excitement built when we came across the mark of the leopard’s tail in the sand. This meant that she had taken a break to lie down and we could get closer! Leopards are one of Africa’s most powerful predators and are masters of camouflage, and we were all excited to potentially see one on foot. Sadly this time, the leopard headed into a rocky area making it impossible to continue tracking her. We had come so close but luckily our consolation prize was observing a family of elephant from on top of a rocky outcrop.

Whether you’re traversing Madagascar’s otherworldly landscapes, pushing your limits in the Drakensberg Mountains, or walking side by side with nature in Botswana and Zimbabwe, these life-changing holidays offer more than just a holiday, they provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature, rediscover yourself, and return home with a renewed sense of purpose.

The beauty of travel lies not just in the places you visit, but in how those places transform you. These destinations promise to do just that: inspire, challenge, and ultimately, change your life in ways you never expected!

Happy Travelling,
Diana

P.S. Contact us for help planning your next next life changing holiday in Africa.