Happy Days in Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls

Ubuntu, wildlife & waterfalls with Remote Year

There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” -Nelson Mandela

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I’ve spent the last 2.5 years mostly traveling solo, savoring trips with friends when they’re available. I’ve become fully independent and embraced being alone, sometimes lonely, and having to start over and make friends in every new place. It’s exhausting, but I also love having complete control and autonomy. Still, even with this seemingly glamorous nomad life, I miss my family, niece, dogs, friends, and routine. When I’m with them, I miss the world. Something always seems to be missing. Perhaps it is community.

Ubuntu is a Zulu word that means "humanity to others" or "I am because we are. "When I was a middle school English teacher, my school in Austin, Texas, celebrated this concept every January, emphasizing the importance of the community over the individual. Ubuntu is a way of life that encourages people to share the benefits and burdens of the community and to put the community's interests first. I believe being in a community with others is essential to my wellbeing, as much as I think I’m super independent and do well on my own. 

I took a leap and hopped on the October trip to Cape Town with Remote Year, a travel program and community for people who work remotely. Initially, I was nervous about being with a group for so long (Will we get along? Do we have the same travel style? Will I have enough introverted downtime?) I’m proud to say I fully savored every moment with this crew—every braai (South African barbecue), every cocktail, wildlife tour, bar crawl, and dining opportunity. I can confidently say October in Cape Town was one of the best months of my life.

That is the special thing about community, hey? Even though you may not be exactly the same, you cherish what you have in common, respect the things that are different, and accept others simply because they are part of your circle. Being part of a community elevated my experience exponentially. Seeing all South Africa+ had to offer—from hanging onto the edge of the gorge at Victoria Falls, Zambia, to seeing the Big 5 in one afternoon and hanging out with a hippo at sunset, G&T in hand, to accomplishing the brutal hike straight up Table Mountain and the small moments, like sharing a buy 2 get 1 free falafel sandwich at the Lebanese bakery or strolling the V&A Waterfront together—these shared moments are priceless. Debriefing with each other and saying popsicles and poopscicles (What Went Well) are opportunities to celebrate Ubuntu and are essential to boosting wellbeing and thriving in life. Here are some of my favorite memories (so add these to your Cape Town itinerary!):

First Thursdays Art Gallery Walk 🎨🏺🖌️

Jacqui, Missy, and I explored Cape Town’s art scene during First Thursdays, where galleries stay open late, and the streets come alive. Then, an exploration of The Bars of Bree Street, of course!

Stellenbosch Wine Tasting Day

A day in South Africa’s wine country, Stellenbosch. 🍇🍷 Did you know South Africa is home to the world’s oldest wine-producing regions? Faves were a Chenin Blanc & Merlot. Don't ask me from which place--we tasted like 18 different wines that day! 

Kayaking to Boulder Beach 🐋🦭🐧🛶

Paddling along the coast, Meg, Lexis, Jacqui, Claire, and I got up close with penguins, seals, and even whales! A perfect sunny day in Simon's Town. 

Strolling Boulder Beach on Foot, Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak Drive 🛣️

Exploring Cape Point, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, with breathtaking views on Chapman’s Peak Drive. 

Gin & Tonics with Incredible Scenery 🥃

Sipping a gin and tonic, a standard sundowner, while hanging with a hippo. Is this even real? 

Museums 🖼️🦕🇿🇦

From ancient fossils to local history, Cape Town’s museums are a deep dive into South Africa’s complex past. The Natural History Museum had more fiberglass fish than actual fossils, but it was still fun. The National Gallery had some amazing art. One exhibit was drawings on canvases set up around the city. People were encouraged to participate by painting on/over the drawings. I learned the most at Slave Lodge, which details the histories of enslaved people, the Dutch East India Company, colonization, and apartheid. 

Walking Tour of East City with Bakeries, Bookstores, and Coffee Shops ☕️

A stroll through East City, indulging in baked treats, cozy bookshops, and coffee spots. The Book Lounge, Lebanese Bakery, Charly's Bakery, and New York Bagel were some faves. 

Partying with Locals/Braai at Rand’s in Khayelitsha 🥩🎪

A true South African experience, sharing a braai with locals at Rand’s. Shaunté and I may or may not have snuck up to the VIP section. Don’t let your Monday ruin your Sunday, hey?

Tuesdays with Friends from Amman, Ingrid & James: A Lovely Walk on Table Mountain’s Pipe Track with Sunset Views of the Atlantic 🌅🏞️

Locals love sunsets and picnics. I cherish every time I get to see friends from far away again! 

Tea and Cheesecake at The Company’s Garden ⛲️🪴🫖🌺

Afternoon tea at the historic Company’s Garden with Missy and Jodi. We reserved a tasting. After some confusion, we just ordered our own tea and cheesecake. TIA, or This is Africa

Safari at Kruger, Where We Saw the Big 5 in One Afternoon 🦏🦛🦁🐆🐃

Memories in Kruger National Park with safari mom Jacky. Spotting all the Big 5 in a single afternoon was like winning the safari lottery. Circle of Life moments sundowning with a hippo and the convergence of an elephant herd and Cape Buffalo at the watering hole. 

Sidenote: Conservation has been on my mind lately. What is a truly ethical wild animal encounter, if any? Should we humans refuse to partake in all of it? Surely, there is a balance between protecting endangered animals (in captivity, though??) and letting them be wild. It’s so frustrating that humans are the cause of all of it. There are many organizations like HERD in South Africa and Elephant Nature Park in Thailand that are doing great things for rescued animals. But it’s up to us tourists to refuse experiences where animals are mistreated. It’s also difficult to get honest information about their processes. Do you have thoughts on this? I’d love to hear. 

Met HERD Elephants 🐘

I made Irene's dreams come true after I visited these rescued elephants at HERD elephant orphanage near Hoedspruit. She knows all of their names, personalities, and stories. Please, let's protect these gentle creatures. 

Robben Island ⛴️

Claire and I took a solemn visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. For hundreds of years, Robben Island was where people were imprisoned or sent because they were thought to be 'undesirable' or unwanted by others. During apartheid, Black people like Nelson Mandela were imprisoned there because they spoke out against the atrocity of racial discrimination.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 💦🇿🇼

We witnessed one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, and felt the mist up close. “The Smoke that Thunders” indeed! 

Museum & Markets in Livingstone, Zambia 🛍️

Jacqui and I explored Livingstone’s culture through its museum and local market, and we even caught a traditional dance performance in the street. 

Cruising the Zambezi River in Zambia 🚤🇿🇲

A serene Zambezi River cruise at sunset, where wildlife sightings and the golden glow made for a perfect African evening. 

Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls 🌈

The Devil’s Pool is on the edge of Victoria Falls. A guide holds your ankles as you peer over the edge. There's a perpetual rainbow. This has to be one of the most thrilling things I've ever done!

🍚🥩🥘🍮🥕South African food is incredible. I love the beef stew, pap (traditional South African cornmeal porridge, like polenta), chakalaka (spicy South African vegetable relish), roasted veggies, bobotie (spiced minced meat casserole with an egg topping), and malva pudding (sweet, caramelized sponge cake dessert).

Table Mountain Hike with 2,500 Feet of Elevation Gain & Extra Hike to Maclean’s Beacon 🏞️🥾

Arjit and I conquered the brutal hike up Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain, reaching the summit at Maclean’s Beacon for epic views of the water on both sides. It was like climbing rocks bigger than me—straight up, the whole way. I'm proud of us! 

Beach Day 🏖️

On a visit to Clifton 4 Beach, I somehow messed up my knee (it was giving 25th birthday vibes, if you're familiar). It was such a great sunny day, with turquoise waters and a Granadilla lolly to make you jolly. 

Yacht Time & Mimosas at the Waterfront 🛥️🥂

Morning mimosas and photo shoots on a yacht on Cape Town’s waterfront—a little luxury on the waves with great company.

Captain C’s Cape Town Bar Crawl(s) 🍸

Dancing at the klerb. 

Old Biscuit Mill Market 🍛🥤🍩

Weekend market vibes at the Old Biscuit Mill. Every type of food imaginable, complete with a DJ. Nothing fills my heart quite like a market, and this is one of the best I’ve ever experienced.

Cabo Beach Club 🌊☀️🍹

Wrapped up with brunch at Cabo Beach Club and final fam photos.

I am so happy I want to cry. I have all these experiences under my belt and still a loving and supported family waiting for me back home in the Mitten. I get to squeeze my nieces and nephews (both fur and human) and plot my next adventure.

Happy Days in CT. Miss ya. And see ya soon, Sydney 😍🐨🦘🇦🇺🌏