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Most of us have a bucket list of places we dream of visiting. For me, though, I’ve never really had a list of must-see destinations. The world is simply too big, with so many places I want to experience — and, admittedly, a few I have no real interest in at all.

At the end of 2024, I was given the opportunity to apply for a familiarisation trip (or “famil”) to Africa. A famil is where travel agents visit a destination together to experience and learn about the product offered by a specific travel company. I was lucky enough to secure a spot on a Bench Africa trip through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, scheduled for June 2025.

In the months leading up to departure, I didn’t really have many expectations. Africa isn’t a destination I had sold extensively, so my knowledge was limited — and without that, it was hard to imagine what the experience would truly be like.

That changed quickly.

As I sat on the South African Airways flight from Perth to Johannesburg, excitement started to build. I found myself having quiet internal debates: Would I get tired of seeing animals over ten days? Would I enjoy the food? Would I feel safe? And, ultimately, would this be a destination I could confidently recommend to my clients?

Our journey was a 10-day, 8-night adventure from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, travelling through Botswana along the way. After arriving in Johannesburg on a red-eye flight, we freshened up at our hotel and enjoyed a delicious breakfast before heading to Soweto for an unforgettable half-day tuk tuk tour with Lebo’s Soweto.

We started with a traditional lunch of potjiekos — a rich stew cooked in cast-iron pots over an open fire — and a classic South African braai. From there, we jumped into our tuk tuks and explored the backstreets of Soweto, learning about its history, meeting locals and sampling more neighbourhood delicacies. It was the perfect introduction to Africa and an experience I would highly recommend to any traveller.

The following morning, we flew to Maun in Botswana, spending the night at Cresta Maun Lodge before our safari adventure began. The next day started early with a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta — an unforgettable experience in itself — followed by a two-night safari journey from Maun to Khwai in open-air safari vehicles.

The drive to Khwai took around eight hours, but it was anything but long. We stopped frequently to admire elephants, giraffes, zebras and hippos along the way. We stayed in a permanent tented camp with a central lodge where we shared meals and spent evenings around the campfire. The tents were comfortable and well equipped, and while the mornings and evenings were chilly, thoughtful touches like hot water bottles waiting in our beds — and even for early morning game drives — made the experience feel extra special.

Over the next few days, we enjoyed both morning and sunset game drives through the Khwai Conservation Area, seeing an incredible variety of wildlife. One standout moment was arriving as the second vehicle at a lion sighting: a pride consisting of one male, three lionesses and six cubs. The adults were resting after feasting on a wildebeest, and we sat quietly for nearly 30 minutes, completely mesmerised by the scene unfolding before us.

From Khwai, we continued to Nata and stayed at the impressive Elephant Sands Resort. This was another highlight of the trip. The chalets surround a large watering hole, with the open lodge positioned right beside it. Throughout the day and night, elephants wander in to drink, bathe and play — all while you sit nearby with a drink in hand. It was truly magical.

Next, we travelled to Kasane and into Chobe National Park for more safaris, more wildlife and even more unforgettable moments. One evening, we enjoyed a Chobe River cruise — a fantastic way to see elephants from a different perspective, especially with so many babies in the herd.

On day eight, we made our way to Victoria Falls. Driving along a main road and casually spotting giraffes and zebras grazing on the roadside was surreal. That evening, we boarded a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, soaking up the golden light while watching hippos, elephants and birdlife drift past.

The following day was packed with highlights. We explored Victoria Falls — known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders” — on a guided walk, followed by a historical tour of the bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia, and then a breathtaking helicopter flight over the falls. While all of this was incredible, one of my personal highlights came later that evening at the open-air theatre, watching the show SIMUNYE. Honestly, it was so spectacular it deserves a place on Broadway.

Our final full day was free, and a few of us decided to embrace one last adventure: a jet boat ride beneath the falls. What we didn’t fully appreciate at first was the 350 steep steps required to reach the boat. The ride itself was exhilarating — the sheer power of the falls above you is something you feel in your chest — but the climb back up was intense and definitely one for fit travellers only.

That evening, we wrapped up the trip at The Boma – Dinner and Drum Show. While the buffet offered a wide variety of local dishes and meats, I personally found it a little too busy and touristy. Next time, I’d opt for a quieter restaurant — and happily see SIMUNYE again.

Looking back, despite starting this journey with very few expectations, the experience completely blew me away. I never once tired of seeing the animals, I felt incredibly safe throughout the trip, and I genuinely loved the food. I was also impressed by the quality of the accommodation — even properties classified as three-star exceeded expectations, with a few lovely four-star stays along the way.

Africa is now a destination I wholeheartedly recommend. It offers something for every type of traveller and every budget — and it has well and truly earned a place in my heart.