How lucky we came to visit! - South Africa with the parents

How lucky we came to visit!

How lucky we came to visit – Orly and Matthew Kaufman

Before I tell the story of our visit during the wonderful trip of our daughter Yael in South Africa, I would like to offer a small introduction.

When Yael announced to us that her "after the army" trip would be to Africa – we were a bit surprised.

A bit very surprised, actually (even though this was after her brother, who is a year older, was already in the middle of his trip to the East, and we were experienced with one of our children traveling and discovering the edge of the world). Especially when Yael started laying out her dream to fly to Africa and mentioned a cross-section of countries she wanted to travel through, get to know, and discover.

Countries such as: Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, and other "select" countries. What they had in common in our eyes was being Third World countries that were not exactly commonly traveled by Israelis. We were mainly afraid of the harsh hygienic conditions known in those countries and common diseases there, but Yael was determined to head to the continent.

The magical continent, the landscapes, the cultures, and the nature she was about to encounter captivated her, and it was impossible to suggest "classic Europe". We were glad she had a very close partner for the journey – her good friend Gal. This fact lowered our anxiety level a bit because, after all, "traveling alone in the Black Continent" – especially when you are young and beautiful – we shouldn't mention what "movies played in my head". Surprisingly (I was really surprised), they talked about friends of friends who traveled in these countries and sang the praises of the continent and trips there, and of course received priceless recommendations from them.

(The girls on the continent's paths)

So the meticulous planning of the trip's details began (they were very serious) and they took written recommendations, access routes, accommodation, and equipped themselves with required vaccinations ("the red areas on the map hit by malaria..."), maps, and special equipment (a liquid fuel stove, not gas, medications, summer and winter clothes, and more). The girls didn't skip planning trekking and extreme routes either – like bungee jumping and climbing mountain peaks.

(And I thought bungee jumping and conquering mountain peaks only existed in the East or South America).

The girls presented to us and to the parents of her friend Gal the trip plan – what and how, and where they would sleep.

After we felt they were confident and knew what they were setting out for, we gave them our blessing (as if we had any other choice...) and of course an additional cell phone just in case...

Yael and her friend set out on a special journey in the continent of Africa. ​

Between us – there is a special magic that casts a spell over Africa. A primeval world, tribes preserving tradition and a special lifestyle untouched by civilization, a diverse culture, encounters with wild animals in their natural environment, vast open spaces. (A feeling of jealousy even popped up here and there). Throughout Yael and Gal's entire journey, we were updated via WhatsApp and email whenever possible. The experiences and photos we received from Africa were stunning in their beauty and definitely made us want to join them. We were amazed to hear that they conquered the summit of Mount Kenya and the summit of Kilimanjaro – simply un-be-liev-able!!

(Tribes preserving tradition and a special lifestyle untouched by civilization)

In family conversations, the idea of traveling together in Africa came up from time to time. We thought about joining our daughter Yael at a certain stage of the trip, making it "our annual trip". Slowly, the idea trickled into our minds and hearts – we began to dream about it and imagine what it would be like to travel together with our big girl in Africa.

(How it will feel to travel together with our big girl in Africa)

Days went by and then months, and Yael was still on the Black Continent.

Yael's last destination on the continent was South Africa, which is considered a Western and convenient country for travelers like me (fearful of the unknown...), and so we began planning the joint trip on the continent. We decided to visit her in magical South Africa. The idea didn't remain just a plan – and the trip took place in December 2015.

We boarded an El Al flight (safe, right?) to Durban via Johannesburg. We landed in Durban and drove to meet Yael at an animal rescue center where she had been volunteering for several months. Meeting Yael was incredible! She was happy and radiant, gave us a tour of the special center, and introduced us to the team she had worked with for several months until she had to say goodbye to them. It was evident that Yael was highly appreciated there, and she would certainly be missed.

After a very long goodbye from the team accompanied by flowing tears, we started the trip with Yael, and throughout the entire trip I was pleasantly surprised by the place, and very, very happy for the opportunity given to us to come to South Africa.

(Tough goodbyes and an emotional reunion!)

We began the trip at the magnificent and unique beach of the city of Durban – with artists sculpting in the sand, all kinds of animals, cars, and people... A wonderful exhibition! Also, thanks to Yael, we got to enjoy a spa treatment in Durban, where she took care of every detail for us. Each of us received a special and high-quality massage. The local people we met were very nice, and from there we continued on a flight to Port Elizabeth and set off on the famous, gorgeous Garden Route that we had read about in advance, continuing until we arrived at wild Cape Town. All along the way, we turned off the main road to towns and parks that are well worth a return visit!

(The family on the road)

The first visit where we encountered animals in their natural habitat across vast open spaces was in ADDO Park.

There we did a safari where we encountered a massive number of elephants. The breathtaking sight of elephants with all their families coming to quench their thirst at the lake was simply an unforgettable experience, as was watching the crowd of people trying to capture good camera angles (a smartphone camera, by the way, isn't enough for this purpose). It’s quite an experience driving a car into a vast area without knowing which animal will pop up and from where. We also met zebras along with wildebeests and even a solitary lion lying in the field. It's hard to describe in words how uplifting the sight is. There really is magic in Africa!

We continued along the Garden Route, but not before reaching the highest bridge bungee jump in South Africa, which Yael decided she was doing no matter what! Even though she had already done a bungee jump in Zambia.

But as you've already gathered, Yael wouldn't give up...

A second of fear while we watched from afar. Holding our breath and... it went safely. Thus we hoped there wouldn't be any more extreme activities like that, and indeed there weren't (the girl was considerate).

Later on, we especially enjoyed Tsitsikamma Park, a wonderful reserve with huge cliffs, rivers, and bridges. Nature in all its glory. We also visited a small reserve on the way to Cape Town with cute and charming penguins (who knew there were penguins in hot Africa?)

There were places where we stayed for one night, and sometimes for two days. The accommodations were special and varied and did not disappoint. We visited fairs and markets showcasing glorious artworks, and we even got to watch performances by locals in the towns we passed along the way. It's also worth mentioning the culinary aspect – delicious and inexpensive! Especially for the meat eaters among us.

And even all-you-can-eat sushi!

We reached Cape Town, to which we dedicated a bit more time. The city is vibrant with life, exotic beaches, and boasts a unique mountain – Table Mountain. The mountain is magnificently beautiful, and we went up by cable car to view the city from its peak. Although the wait was long, the view was well worth it and uplifting! From every angle on the flat summit, the view was special. We also found rocks and vegetation unique to the place – no wonder it was the most visited place we encountered.

(Beaches and views - Yael and her father Matthew)

There is no doubt that this trip brought us unforgettable adventures and experiences, and it was very special to travel with our daughter Yael, who guided us during part of the trip and never ceased to be thrilled, even on a second and third look, by the places she experienced with us.

After the trip, we promised that we would try to come again and travel with the whole family in other parts of this magical, diverse, and fascinating continent that left us wanting more. There are always diverse options even without treks and extreme activities – simply traveling and soaking up nature.

And until then... here are a few of the stunning photos capturing magical moments from the trip with Yael that now cover our refrigerator door

Yael's addition

"In December 2014, I flew on an 'after the army' trip with a friend to the special continent of Africa. Afterwards, I continued on my own to volunteer for half a year with animals in the city of Durban, South Africa.

My friend Gal and I started together in Ethiopia and went south all the way to the southern part of the continent through Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, and Lesotho.

When I finished my volunteering in South Africa in December 2015, my lovely parents decided to be spontaneous and adventurous (which is usually not like them) and join me for a short trip of two and a half weeks along the beautiful Garden Route, with spectacular and varying landscapes all along this famous route.

The Garden Route is a coastal stretch along the Indian Ocean, and it is recommended to rent a car to travel it comfortably and not miss out on great spots along the way.

I was very happy when my parents finally decided to join me on the trip. After all, from the very first moment I suggested Africa as the destination for my big trip, big fears started surfacing. In the end, my parents gave in and understood that the continent is not as it is often portrayed, and that traveling there is much more pleasant than can be described. We all really enjoyed ourselves together, and right upon our return we were already thinking about the next time we would go together to Africa with the whole family.