Lifetime memories made on a family adventure in Southern Africa

Our series Bespoke Behind the Scenes lets you in on some of the incredible trips that B&R Experience Designers create for travellers. Whether it’s a multi-generational family reunion or an exploration of a dream destination, our team works one-on-one with travellers to design original journeys that meet every need and desire. Here, Experience Designer Christine Tucker shares the story of a family adventure full of incredible hikes, wildlife sightings and cultural connection in Southern Africa. 

Though this trip was bookended by time in South Africa’s most notable cities, stunning Cape Town and inspiring Johannesburg, the exploration and adventure took on a whole different look and feel once this family stepped out onto less developed terrain.  

The intent, says Experience Designer Christine Tucker, who specializes in B&R trips in Eastern and Southern Africa, was to immerse the entire family in places, flavours, smells and sounds they hadn’t experienced before. “It was a trip for the senses,” says Christine. “And an itinerary totally unique to them.” 

After a few days discovering Cape Town, from a hike up Lion’s Head, one of the city’s most famous mountains, to a beach that a small colony of penguins calls home, the family headed north to Zimbabwe for some time in Southern Hwange National Park. The largest natural reserve in the country, this was a prime spot for safari and wildlife viewing—over 100 mammal species and 400 different types of birds call it home. After incredible game drives, the family spent relaxing evenings recalling animal sightings around the fire at a luxury bush camp. “The family experienced everything I had hoped for and then some. Nature put on a show for them that they will never forget,” says Christine. 

Their next stop was an eco-lodge at Victoria Falls in Zambia, right on the banks of the Zambezi River. Along with stunning sunrise and sunset cruising along the river, they had visits to a sustainable community farm and a local village to gain a deeper understanding of daily life in the area. They travelled to South Luangwe National Park to track animals on foot—a highlight of travel in Zambia.  

“There is nothing like a walking safari,” says Christine. “Having a true connection to the land, feeling that energy rise up through your feet to the back of your neck knowing predators, or worse cranky buffalo are wandering nearby. The world just slows down and simplicity takes over.” 

Another highlight—one of many during the three-week Bespoke trip—was an epic hike. The family walked to their next camp in South Luangwe following a 12-kilometre route, an incredible experience with a private guide that helped them truly understand the essence of this spectacular part of the world.  

“But let’s just say we can only set the stage and then Africa provides the magic,” explains Christine. "It’s never the same twice. What is meant to happen will happen and the best experiences are those you never would have imagined or planned for.”