Simba & Sip January 2024

26/03/2024

The call of South Africa beckons me,
With its vast plains and endless sea.
The safari's roar and the vineyards' delight,
Every moment here is a pure delight.

From the mountains to the coast,
This land has captured my heart the most.
I'll answer its call, I'll take that leap,
For South Africa, forever I'll keep.

🦁🚌🥂

11/03/2024

A C T V I T Y OF THE D A Y 🐧

During our journey through South Africa, we visited a magical place called Boulders Beach. And let us tell you, it was like walking into a real-life penguin paradise! These adorable creatures were waddling around, playing in the water, and just being their charming selves.

We couldn't resist getting up close and personal with them, so we took a stroll along the boardwalk that leads to their nesting area. And there they were, hundreds of African penguins basking in the sun and enjoying their peaceful home. It was truly a sight to behold.

But what made this experience even more special was learning about the conservation efforts in place to protect these endangered birds. We felt lucky to witness them thriving in their natural habitat and be part of their journey towards a brighter future.

So if you ever find yourself in South Africa, don't miss out on the chance to meet these adorable creatures at Boulders Beach. Trust us, it's an encounter you won't forget anytime soon! ❤️

05/03/2024

Edit ➡️ Laugh ➡️ Cry ➡️ Repeat

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind as we adjust back to reality and try to find our footing in 'normal' life again! Balancing photo editing from our trip, managing family life, and running a business has been quite the juggling act. And amidst it all, the memories of our recent adventures keep pulling us back in 🤗

Schalk is hard at work putting together an incredible video showcasing some of the trip's highlights. Meanwhile, I'm eager to share with you all individual moments and memories, but I need your input!

What would you like to see or experience from our trip? Are there specific aspects you're curious about or moments you'd love to relive? Your feedback will help us tailor our content to your interests and maybe even inspire you to join us on one of our adventures!

Drop your comments below and let's kickstart this journey together 🤗

For direct inquiries, feel free to reach out to me. Let's chat adventures! 🦁🥂🚌
[email protected]

Have a lekker (Afrikaans for Great) day!
Cxx

"

26/02/2024

Simba & Sip By Numbers: A Journey to Remember 🦁🚌🥂

🌍 Embark on a visual journey with us through the numbers that made our Simba & Sip trip unforgettable! From the wild open plains to sipping sundowners, every moment was filled with adventure and laughter.

🚐 1 Minibus
🛂 1 Border Crossing
🚂 1 Train Trip
🇿🇦 2 South Africans
🎉 2 Birthday Celebrations
🏞️ 3 World Heritage Sites
🐾 4 National Parks Explored
🇦🇺 4 Australians
🌍 8 Provinces
🐍 8 Reptiles Identified
🏠 11 Accommodation Venues
🧳 12 Suitcases
🔍 13 Additional Guided Experiences
📅 25 Days together
🐘 44 Mammals
🦅 164 Birds
🛣️ 4380KM Travelled
💬 4380 Discussions
🤝 0 Arguments

🌟 Too many memories to count, but each one etched in our hearts forever. From endless belly laughs to moments of awe, this journey was nothing short of magical.

👫 6 Friends
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 1 Family
🌈 1 TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Thank you for being a part of our adventure! Here's to the memories we'll cherish for infinity. 🥂

25/02/2024

We are home, reflecting on a life-changing 26 days in South Africa 🇿🇦
Stunning wildlife from all angles 🦒 🦁 🦓 , jaw-dropping landscapes mountains ⛰️ , inspiring locals and many thought-provoking experiences ❤️.
Most of all we had the insights and passion of Scalk, Master Safari Guide Trainer, and Candice, Tour and Party Coordinator.
They intend to run only 2-3 Tours like this each year, tailored to guests’ interests.
Our group chose not to go to South Africa independently due to the safety concerns and our desire to understand more at a deeper level.
You too can experience this. It’s very affordable on the ground and has easy flight connections.
Four guests is a great number and every season has a plus.
Contact ulovane.co.za or any of us!
DO IT!

At Ulovane, we transcend traditional education, embodying passion, expertise, and a profound commitment to connecting individuals with the wonders of the natural world.

25/02/2024

After 26 Days It lives in us!

21/02/2024

Cape Town • Ceres Train Trip • Home

Hitting Cape Town, was a bit of a shock to the system! After 22 Days in the bush, small towns, little guest houses, in our little bubble. POP went the bubble and we hit the ground running. Wide-eyed we stepped into the Radisson Red hotel at the V & A Waterfront and it was people rushing everywhere. We managed to keep it together and found a rooftop bar for Sundowners! What a view, what a vibe! This was to be our meeting spot before the dinner for the next few days.

Thank goodness we were heading out of the madness the next day on the Ceres Train trip to Elgin for Sam’s Birthday! What an incredible experience! I had not been on a train trip since I was about 7 years old - many memories came flashing back - it was beautiful. We found our comfy spot and Mimosa’s and Gins were the order of the morning! It was a phenomenal trip, shuffling through some of the richest areas in Cape Town to some of the poorest. It was eye-opening and calm, it was again, another once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We reached our destination in no time! PEOPLE everywhere again, but a lovely selection of food and shops and a one-man band who kept us together in the madness. After a couple of hours, we were ALL ABOARD and ready to get back! A very chilled afternoon saw us all taking some time out and on our comfy sofa’s had a lovely nap!

Dinner was an absolute blast with Sam receiving the biggest candle she could ever imagine and the whole restaurant celebrating her 29th Birthday!!

Before we knew it, it was our final day! Really, how did we get here, what what, where are we, what is my name, where do we live, where were we on day 14, which road did we take on day 7, where did we spot our first bird (what was our first bird), how did you feel when we first drove into Kruger, were we even in St Lucia!? After a 5 hour (I think) catching up, sharing, debriefing, tears, and laughs it was time for our favorite spot on the rooftop! But first, our final rush to finish the drinks that we had been traveling with for the last week or so. Only to be surprised by our friends, who wrote and performed a song for us about their experiences. Well, that was me, finished! Russ on the ukulele, the ladies, and Bram on the shimmy and shakers, so special, so real. The tears just came!

And just when we thought the last day couldn’t get any better, we were welcomed onto our rooftop bar to a beautiful sunset and music of course! An interactive DJ (with an electric guitar) came up to our table thinking Schalk was a member of a band, only to be swiftly pointed to Russ!

Picture this: DJ passes electric guitar to Russ, who instantly picks up the beat, starts jamming, ends up in a solo and the whole rooftop bar goes WILD! I do not think I will ever forget that moment!!!! WHAT A LEGEND!

A last dinner, a last hug good night, more tears. Only to wake up and say goodbye, more tears, last hugs, and promises to see each other JUST NOW.

AND WE WILL KENYA 2026 is on the CARDS!
Plans for us to visit Australia are on the cards and we will, somehow make it happen!

It is a blur…..looking back at our time together…. it’s a WILD and Wonderful Blur

I am back in the office, we all made it home safe and sound, back to our children, pets, and homes. Are we the same as when we left, I AM DEFINITELY NOT! I do not think any of us will be the same again. The experiences shared, lessons learned, and life as we know it has changed for the better. We are richer in everything, love, hope, memories, and experiences. We started this trip as friends, and we have ended as family. I guess 25 days in a minibus together will do that to you.

THANKFUL, GRATFUL, BLESSED!

HUGE thank you to everyone who followed our journey! This is NOT the end, only the beginning!! The beginning of new opportunities, a new family, a new chapter!

Keep following our page for more flashbacks and videos of our times together!!

HUGE HUGS & LOVE from the Crew ###

19/02/2024

Stellenbosh to Cape Town ➡️

Wine Farms • ArT • Beautiful places • Fabulous Food • Wine Wine Wine •

What an absolute treat this little Student town was! After stopping off at the Beautiful Wine Farm Plaisir de Merle in Paarl. We headed off a little tipsy and a lot in love with our wine & gin farm, to our fabulous accommodation at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House. Of course we arrived on Valentine’s Day and could not seem to get a romantic table for 6 anywhere (funny that 😜, we didn’t know people still celebrate 🤣) We were about to call Uber eats, when a call came through, we managed to get a table at a fancy little spot called Wijnhuis ❤️

We enjoyed a lovely romantic dinner and had a great time walking home, scouting the places for the next day's shopping spree and wine tasting 🙌🏼

Nope, we did not stop birding and were on about 150-something count by the time we hit Stellies!! Our goal for the entire 3 weeks was 150, but with 6 overachievers on board, there was no way we were about to stop 🦅

We continued to explore, enjoyed a fabulous wine and champagne tasting at the Wine Glass, and even enjoyed a rainy night in with Uber Eats 🤣🤣 which was totally worth the two-hour wait!

Stellenbosch was a lovely quaint little town, where lots of shopping was done and wine and champers were drunk 🥂

After two days it was time to begin the last leg of our trip to Cape Town! Our packing skills by now are 10/10 with packing time less than 10 minutes for all our 12 bags (plus extras). Music playlist and Google Maps, were set, and we were off.

Definitely with a lot of apprehension and a bit of something else, couldn’t quite put my finger on it. But I think we were all feeling a little sad that this would be our last day in the car together!

Needless to say, we made sure we made the absolute best of our last road trip. We had a great time checking out the famous Penguins of Boulders beach, shopping (of course 😜) in the little boho town of Kalk Bay, and finally a delish lunch at the famous Brass Bell restaurant, which was pretty much on the ocean!! A couple of new birds tick tick and we headed off to Cape Town!

Thank you for joining our journey 🤍 Final Update, images and so much more coming soon.

Huge hugs and love from the crew 🚌🦁🥂

14/02/2024

Happy Valentine’s Day all you beautiful people 🤍🥂

“Adventure and love: the best companions on our journey.”

13/02/2024

“The most beautiful
things in life are not things.
They're people and places and memories and pictures.
They're feelings and moments and smiles and laughter.”
- Unknown

Mt Zebra • Mossel Bay • Boggoms Bay

The last few days have just been amazing! Exploring the Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay was mind blowing. We experienced the awe of standing at the Point of Human Origins. With Christopher as our guide we visited the world renowned archaeological site with early evidence for modern human behaviour. The stairs almost killed me 🤣 but it was well worth it! The views were breathtaking, with dolphins frolicking right in front of us to Bryde’s Whales blowing steam in the background. Life and where it all began could not have been more beautiful and perfect in that moment ✨

And let’s not forget the incredible mosaic tunnel, that tells the story of South Africa and the diversity and beauty that she has to offer. Every mosaic on that wall told the story of our trip! It was crazy, where we started and where we had got to! It was all right there in beautiful mosaic form. I will post a video of both the mosaic tunnel and cave soon!! 🤩

The last two days have been some of reflection and down time. Tomorrow we head to Stellenbosch in the beautiful Western Cape and then onto the hussel and bussel of Cape Town. We are bloody excited!! 🍷🍾🍤

5 days left of this glorious adventure, can we turn back the clock please!!! Everyday has been an adventure, a laugh, a lesson. It has been and is ABSOLUTELY WILD AND WONDERFUL!

Thanks for following us and sharing our journey!

Love and Hugs from the Crew 🦁🥂🚌🫶🏼

11/02/2024

Drakensberg mountains • Main Cave hike • Golden Gate National Park to Mountain Zebra National Park • All in just 5 days 🚌

This has been a once in a lifetime trip, we will never recreate the moments and memories, the laughs, the mishaps, the adventures!
As I sit and reflect on the last 17! Days, I know that none of us will be the same after this trip. Every day has been an adventure, everyday has been hilarious. Not everything is perfect, but everything is exactly as it should be. We are happy, safe and content. We are living our best lives, the only way we know how - Wildly and Wonderfully! 🦁

8 days to go, bird list count 148. New experiences, plenty. New wildlife sightings, lost count. Times we got lost in the road, only about 5 ok maybe 6😜 (could be more). Memories made oh so many. Belly laughs, at least 4 a day! Quiet times, enough. Simba and Sip have become a team, a force, a band…. A family 🫶🏼

Thank you for following us! I think our pictures say it all 🤍

Huge hugs and love from the crew 🦁🥂🚌

07/02/2024

And into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir

St Lucia you were an absolute treat!! Humid and hot, but absolutely glorious. 🌴🐚

The forests oh the forests, so good for the soul! The birds, especially the captivating lesser Jacana & Purple crested Turaco, added to our growing bird list, now at 125! The ocean, warm, soft and salty! The most incredible colours of dark blue and aquamarine, make you feel like you could be wrapped in their salty hugs for hours 🩵

Visiting a local community and nursery school was a highlight. It was a precious opportunity to immerse ourselves in Zulu culture, spend time with the little ones on their first day of school, and give back. (I'll share Sam & Cassie's post for more details.) 🌻

Hippos 🦛 wild and wonderful to see the various pods of families and young bulls on our boat cruise. Their calls filled the air, communicating to each other in their deep snorts and grunts, proberly something along the lines of ‘What do these humans want now’ 😜 A magic sunset ended the day, happy hearts!

All in all a beautiful time forest bathing, exploring, enjoying and most of all, appreciating how blessed we are to be on this trip, together with like minded individuals 🦁🥂🚌

Follow us as we head off to our next chapter of this wonderful journey Heading to the mountains for the next few days 🚌

Love and hugs from the crew ###

03/02/2024

Day… I am not sure! Month, someone help 🤣

This is part of what is known as “Kruger fever”! It is a beautiful thing 🌿🐘You loose all concept of the time of day, what sighting you had where and when! Pass the biltong, where are the chippies, but we just ate! Pour me another gin, but it’s 9am, well it’s 12pm somewhere 🍸🫢

This is the magic of Kruger, Mother Nature scoops you up in her arms and you just feel safe, content and in awe of everything that moves🌿 She is powerful and raw, she is honest and open - she is in everyone of us, we just need to surrender and be in the moment! That is the magic of nature, that is what draws us to Mother Nature, the peace, the calm, the living for the now ✨
So I may not know what day it is or what’s on the menu for the next meal, but I do know today will be our last full day 😔

However we will make the absolute best of it 🤗 so keep a look out on our stories for updates from the crew🦁

And finally after a couple of technical issues we managed to get someone of Schalk’s images for you!Sit back, relax and let us show you some of this Kruger Magic ✨ oh and it must be 12pm somewhere so pour a gin and let’s get to it 📸😜🍸

Love and hugs from the Crew 🦁🥂🚌🌿

01/02/2024

Day 3 of Kruger and we cannot get enough 🌿🦁 the incredible diversity of birds has us all on the edge of our seats, binoculars glued to our faces. A sound, a glimpse of colour and movement in the trees and on the ground and another tick gets added to our bird list.

Elephants, elephants everywhere! At our first overnight accommodation in Satara, we were welcomed by two majestic elephant bulls at our very own waterhole! Even an African wild cat and spotted hyena made an appearance 🤩

Night two at the waterhole and two Male Lions, came past for a drink, mimicking each others movements with precision, mind blowing to watch. No cameras, a small fence between us, this is Africa baby! An important part of this trip is about being in the moment, no cameras, no talking, just enjoying 🤍

Giraffes, zebras, impalas, wildebeest, all with the sweetest babies! Massive herds of buffalo, entertain us with their family swims in the full dams. Baby hippos, frolicking with Mom, to shy to come out the water. It is all surreal, it is all wonderful! You need to see it to believe it.

The Simba and Sip crew are in full comical force, from belly ache laughs, to tears of laughter, we are having a ball!

Our Bird list is growing at a fast pace and our mammals list is looking amazing! Lions, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo - the big 5 are ticked! Now for the serious stuff like cheetah, porcupine, aardvark, pangolin (no pressure Schalk😉).

Today we took a beat, everyone needs to catch up with their families and friends. For some a little bit of work, journaling, resting and Spanish lessons! Today we rest and reflect 🌿

As I sit and write this update on our verandah at Lower Sabie rest camp. The captivating woodlands kingfisher are having a huge chat in the trees above me, the hippos are calling to each other in the beautiful Sabie river and the bats are very chatty in the roof🦇🥴The crocs are on the banks looking for warmth and perhaps a little snack. The weather is perfect, with a little rain and a little sunshine.Life is good, nature is a blessing, I could think of nowhere else we should all rather be right now!

Here are some glimpses from the last few days – more to come soon & that’s a promise 😉

Thank you for joining our journey. Sending love and hugs from the crew! 🚌🥂🦁

30/01/2024

Checking! We are loving life in Kruger National Park 🌿

No WIFI here only ELEPHANTS 🐘🩶 Will update you all soon!

Love and Hugs from the Crew 🦁🥂

28/01/2024

Wow what a start we have had to our Roadtrip!

The last few days included a Magical stay at Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel! Where we experienced top class service, beautiful gardens, phenomenal staff and delish meals! ⛲️

Highlights of our first day trip. Bram picked up a guitar for our adventures at a music shop, we visited the enchanting Union Buildings with a moving Nelson Mandela statue, and explored the magical gardens! 🌸 Our visit to the Voortrekker Monument was informative and unforgettable ℹ️

Our next stop on Saturday the 27th (Candice’s Birthday) took us to the breathtaking Walter Sisulu National Park and the mind blowing Cradle of human kind! We ended off the day with a fabulous and very entertaining Greensleeves Restaurant, where fun and merriment were the order of the night 🏰🥂

Tomorrow we leave for the Kruger National Park and the hype is real! The birding frenzy has begun and we cannot wait to be warmly welcomed by the Wild of Kruger!!🦁🚌

Love and hugs from the Crew ###

23/01/2024

Welcome to all our followers!
Share with us where you are following us from ….

22/01/2024

So excited!

18/01/2024

*M E E T THE C R E W*

Welcome to the Simba and Sip Crew – We are a spirited group of adventurers bound by our love for travel, food, culture, nature, and wildlife. Meet the spirited 6, a vibrant ensemble that believes they are the perfect fit for this epic road trip across the enchanting landscapes of South Africa.

Eight years ago, the universe brought together Schalk & Candice with the dynamic duo, Russell and Bram, from Savannah Guides. Fate worked its magic during their 4-Week Nature Enthusiast Experience at Ulovane, weaving a tale that turned a working relationship into a fabulous friendship!

Russell and Bram, the Nature Guides hailing from the breath-taking Cairns, Queensland, found their way to South Africa driven by a shared passion for nature, and wildlife, and a desire to enhance their guiding expertise. A heartfelt thank you goes to Shane, a cherished Ulovane Alumni, for playing a part in this friendship.

Candice & Sam's story began with an email, and from the first exchange, it was clear - two peas in a pod! Cassey has yet to meet Candice & Schalk, but the universe has a way of crafting lifelong friendships, and we're sure this one will be no exception.

Social media has been our trusty time traveler, keeping the bonds strong across the miles. A year ago, Sam & Russell rekindled the connection, sparking the idea of an epic adventure. Schalk and Candice, known for their love of road trips, embraced the idea with open arms. Thanks to the incredible Di and Frik at Out and ABout Travel, flights were booked, and accommodation was curated with love and care. Did we mention their son is also an Ulovane Alumni? It's a family affair, and we couldn't be more excited!

As the planning and organizing unfold, the anticipation builds for a journey that promises not only breathtaking landscapes but also the weaving of friendships that will stand the test of time. Here's to the magic of connections, shared adventures, and the beautiful journey that awaits!

Schalk is the maestro of our journey, orchestrating the very best guided experience for all of us. With a wealth of knowledge and an infectious passion, he's not just a guide; he's a storyteller, a nature enthusiast, and a connoisseur of South Africa's wonders. Schalk's role goes beyond leading – it's about creating moments of awe and discovery.

His passion is palpable, and his patience is boundless. Schalk takes the time to unveil the mysteries of our surroundings, ensuring that every detail comes to life. His dedication to excellence means that no question is left unanswered, and every curiosity is satisfied.

In Schalk's capable hands, this journey transforms into a masterclass of exploration. He's not just guiding; he's curating an experience where learning is as enjoyable as the adventure itself. With Schalk at the helm, we're not just travelers; we're participants in a grand narrative of South Africa's beauty and history. Prepare to be enlightened, entertained, and exceptionally well looked after under Schalk's guidance. Get ready for a journey beyond the ordinary!

Candice is our ultimate wizard of entertainment! With her infectious fun-loving spirit, caring nature, and exceptional organizational skills, Candice is set to make this journey an unforgettable experience.

A social butterfly at heart, Candice brings the party wherever she goes. Her love for creating joyous moments ensures that our adventure is not just about the destinations but the lively experiences along the way. As the self-appointed Group Manager, Candice takes on the responsibility of everyone's well-being. From ensuring a hearty meal to keeping the drinks flowing, she's the guardian angel of our comfort and happiness.

Fun is her forte, and organization is her superpower. Candice is here to guarantee that every detail, big or small, is sorted for an all-around fantastic time. Get ready for a trip where laughter, good times, and a well-fed and watered crew are guaranteed!

Are you ready to delve into the heart of South Africa, unraveling its beauty, culture, and untamed treasures? WE ARE - 1 WEEK TO GO! 🦁🥂🚌

12/01/2024

Welcome Simba & Sip! 🦁🥂🚌

Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and join our vibrant community of nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and wine lovers. From heart-warming tales to wild adventures, we're here to share our love of wildlife, our zest for life, and our passion for exploring new places! Cheers to connecting, learning, and embracing the magic of South Africa together!

11/01/2024

Watch this space......Exciting things are coming ➡️🚌🥂🦁