I didn’t know what to expect when we set out for South Africa. To be honest, I was quite nervous and very skeptical of the romantic aspect that had been advertised; this was our honeymoon after all. I’ve never been that far from home and although I had been to northern Africa and the Middle East, this was a whole new world… the animal kingdom. My most recent experience with animals had been a trip to the Natural History Museum and zoos growing up. I didn’t realize how much I was missing when I let this be my only relationship to wildlife. What I had yet to learn was that safari and ultimately Africa would change my life.
The conversation about safari started a few months before our wedding. We didn’t know where to go and on one fateful night over dinner with friends, I asked what their best trips had been. One couple answered with all their passion and excitement “SAFARI“. I wanted to do something extraordinary, I wanted to go someplace far so that when we tell our kids, they will be inspired to discover the world too. We flew into Johannesburg and connected onto what was at the time the smallest plane I had ever experienced (until this harrowing flight), landing on a tiny strip in the middle of the African bush at Londolozi Game Reserve. I was more nervous than excited (you might be too after the three shots and two medications you have to have before arriving) until I walked into the lodge, was handed a glass of champagne and looked out at the view in awe. I couldn’t guess what the next day, our first drive into the wild, would hold, but I knew at that moment I was living in a dream…
Enchanting photographs! My favorite is the one of you with your scarf billowing out behind you… your stature and grace in that photo is stunning! You look like you were made for safari, Jamie!
So excited that you’re sharing your honeymoon in Africa with us… I’ve been looking forward to these since seeing the snapshots on Instagram last year!
Thank you! I’m so glad to have all the moments to share, I feel so very lucky.
Only you could capture the beauty of a safari, Jamie! These are stunning & breathtaking photos. They make me want to go on safari now.
I am so inspired by your post!! I can’t wait to see what’s to come. A safari is my absolute dream vacation! (Although is there a way to avoid the bugs?)
We went in July and because it’s their winter there we no bugs at all! It was wonderful!
i LOVE your photos – so beautiful
reckless abandon blog
Its like looking inside a dream, well done Jamie as always.
Beautiful photos. Thanks for bringing me back to my own Londolozi experience. Did you by any chance stay at the Varty camp as well? I recognize the bar area!
Can’t wait to see more!
We did stay at Varty Camp. Wasn’t it AMAZING?….
Stunning! What camera did you use for these photos? Was it shot on film? These photo make my heart warm with happiness!
It says at the end of the post.
Thank you! I eventually found it but couldn’t see it at first for some reason.
I love these photos so much. Can’t wait to see the next part 🙂 And now I want to go on a safari (coming from somebody who never had that thought before) as well!
I am surprised you had never thought of it…I follow your blog and you seem to like adventure…You should go…everyone should actually…There is nothing more amazing than a safari…exceeds all expectations….I am African so i know….
Wow, I would love to try somethin’ like that, must be so exciting to travel around that places!
Vittoria from 5 IN THE MORNING
http://vittoriafiveinthemorning.blogspot.it/2013/08/dreamin-malibu.html
Jaime,
Thank you for sharing this journey that you and Kevin experienced. It seems majical. I have missed your post – but i know you have been enjoying your summer.
Your fellow Texan,
Candace
We have to stop and take a breather sometimes. Reset, rest, be present before we take off into the world again 🙂 It was a nice summer in Texas but I’m also glad to be back here sharing with all of you.
Great post!
This is so beautiful!
Absolutely magnificent. This truly looks like a honeymoon of a lifetime…
whata magical experience to have with your new husband at the time! I am itching to get down there… I too have traveled throughout the Middle East (specializing in the region), and though exotic, it’s not as raw as what South Africa may be!
amazing! what do you do in the middle east? Any tips on where to go? highlights to see?
HA! Well, I’m a political risk analyst for oil development in the Middle East and Central Asia. (basically, yes, all my hobbies and blog have nothing to do with my job.) Well, currently I’m finishing up my MA in Middle East and Central Asian Security Studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
I would definitely recommend Jordan particularly Petra and camping in the desert in Wadi Rum. The most majestic desert experience I have ever had. If you enjoyed Dubai, Jordan is just incredible. Hands down, Syria was my favorite place in the world… but I was there before the protests and from what I’ve seen and heard, nothing is really left. Also, Egypt! I backpacked up the Nile with a bedouin family while I was in college. It was amazing and I would really recommend Luxor, Cairo and Alexandria! If you need anymore tips, don’t hesitate to ask!
Your photos are just incredible! I should have gone to work half an hour ago and I’m still sitting herre at my desk, staring out onto the Thames wishing I was back in Africa. Thank you for sharing an incredible blog!
Awww, what a wonderful comment. Thank you so very much.
looks incredible – south africa is somewhere I desperately want to visit
Thankfifi
Hi Jamie, your pictures made me fall in love with my country all over again. There’s plenty of South Africa still left to see, please do visit again. Greetings from the East Coast of SA 🙂
I want to explore so much more. I’m also dying to go to Cape Town! Thanks for the comment. Xx
Can I just say, thank you, thank you, thank you for still using film! 35 mm was the perfect medium to use when trying to capture the emotion and beauty of Africa. So inspiring!
You have this special way of bringing the viewer with you in all you capture. Wonderful place and photographs !
Amazing, it looks stunning.
I honestly adore your life/career. I’m a photographer as well, only just now trying to turn a passion into a career. These photos from your African adventure look so 1950s to me. The one of you standing with your scarf flowing behind you looks so much like the late great Katherine Hepburn in The African Queen. You’re so lovely! 🙂
-Cary Skelton