Anna has been wanting to go to Africa for years. It took a little convincing, but now Brian is on board! We have an amazing two weeks planned. First, we will explore Cape Town, hike Table Mountain, and reminisce our Napa engagement at a vineyard in South African wine country. Second, we will safari in Kruger National Park searching out the big 5. And third, we will splash and snorkel on the island of Benguerra, off the coast of Mozambique.

One of the coolest things about this trip, other than the fact that it is our honeymoon, is that we did very little planning. We knew we wanted activity, exploration, and relaxation. For a trip this big, we had a travel company organize everything. Not only was this the best decision we made since saying I do, but we are also in for surprises every day!

Late March 2023

In typical fashion, Anna started her packing weeks before the trip. Brian laid out a few clothes on the guest bed a few days before takeoff. A week before, the vibes in the house changed from Ed Sheeran to African Beatzzz. We were feeling good man (said like naan).

March 30th, 2023

Night before the big day. Big shout to Anna. Happy Birthday! 21, for the 10th time! We had a prestigious WUSTL guest, Rachel Ing, help us celebrate. Also, big thanks to Caroline, Patrick, and Teddy Bear for the Cumbl Cookie delivery! The cookies were eaten before photos could be taken. The bags were packed, lists were checked, and our African dream vacation beckoned.

March 31st-April 1st, 2023

Wake up. Work out! Hearty oatmeal bowls for breakfast. Very excited on Lyft ride to DIA. First leg, Denver to Newark. Just under 4 hour flight, easy, child’s play. Second leg, Newark to Cape Town. Add 10 hours to the first flight. Not easy. Pro tip – definitely pack snacks and ideally full meals, otherwise you may starve. But you will get to keep a snazzy pair of super hero shades. Brian spent the flight watching 20 episodes of Lord of the Rings, Anna spent the flight sleeping and wondering if the duct tape on the wing would hold the plane together for the whole flight.

Flying over Cape Town felt like we were going to Jurassic Park; may have been sleep deprivation causing delirium. Our driver had a very nice Jaguar, but the steering wheel seemed misplaced. Brian almost got into the passenger side and started driving.

We arrived at the Ellerman House just in time for sunset, welcome drinks and canapés. Our bartender gave us a tour of our new home, common themes being alcohol, art, back to alcohol, back to art. Being connoisseurs of both neither, we promptly found the all you can eat pantry (meaning Brian found the pantry while Anna made a game plan for the next day). With pantry snacks in our pockets, we made our way to dinner.

Planning an early morning wake up to explore Table Mountain, botanical gardens, and start our hunt for South Africa’s best and most elusive açaí bowl.

more to come in the morning – we need sleep