Ever Woken Up to Find a Monkey in Your Bed? My Unforgettable Adventure to South Africa

In the previous edition of my travelog, I took you on a vibrant journey through Exploring Peru – A View From Around the World. This time, we venture into the breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and untamed wilderness of South Africa Uncovered: A Wild Adventure Beyond Imagination. So, be prepared for an unforgettable adventure filled with giraffes, penguins, and yes — even a mischievous monkey!

Ever Woken Up to Find a Monkey in Your Bed?

It might sound like an absurd question, but it actually happened to me. No joke! During my travels across the globe and in my years of working in the group travel services arena, I’m often asked about my favorite destination — a seemingly simple question with no easy answer. However, if someone were to ask me where I’d go if I could only take one more trip in my lifetime, the answer comes easily: South Africa. Why? Because my first trip there was unlike anything I had ever imagined — an unforgettable adventure woven into the heart of nature, history, and culture. And yes, a monkey played a memorable (albeit mischievous) role.

Let me take you through the journey.

The Adventure Begins in Cape Town

My adventure started in breathtaking Cape Town, where I spent three days immersing myself in everything the city has to offer. Cape Town is a vibrant blend of natural beauty, culture, and history. I explored the Cape Winelands, visiting renowned vineyards while soaking up panoramic views. On Table Mountain, the views of the city and sea were simply magnificent, and the African penguins at Boulders Beach practically stole the show.

I also toured Robben Island, where I learned about Nelson Mandela’s incredible legacy, and visited the magical Cape of Good Hope, symbolic of where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. Cape Town had set the bar high, but my journey wasn’t done yet.

Into the Heart of Kruger National Park

From Cape Town, my small group and I flew to Johannesburg and then hopped on a private “bush plane” for a quick flight to Skukuza Airstrip, located in Kruger National Park. There, we were greeted by our Lodge Ranger, who would be our personal guide for an epic two-night safari.

The drive from the airstrip to the lodge was an adventure in itself. Traveling in an open-air safari vehicle, we marveled at zebras, elephants, kudus, and more. Cameras in hand, we couldn’t stop clicking—everywhere we looked was like a real-life wildlife documentary. We soon arrived at Sabi Sabi Lodge, a luxurious safari camp where the accommodations rivaled the best hotel suites I’ve stayed in. Modern, elegant, and perfectly integrated into the surroundings, the lodge was an oasis in the middle of raw wilderness.

At the lodge, the safari routine was clear: three excursions a day. A sunrise game drive, a midday walking safari, and a nighttime drive known as the “sundowner”.

A Giraffe’s Welcome

On my very first sundowner, our ranger pulled the vehicle to a stop near a clearing. “Quiet,” he whispered. All of a sudden, two massive giraffes emerged from the trees. One of them lowered its towering neck to inspect us, as if in greeting. It’s a moment I’ll never forget—an exhilarating reminder of how raw and majestic nature can be.

Later that evening, as we tracked lions and other nocturnal animals, we gained a new appreciation for the heartbeat of the African bush. Back at camp, we recounted our stories around a fire-cooked dinner in the boma, a communal outdoor dining area. Safari life was proving to be everything I had dreamed it would be.

Cue the Monkey

After that magical first day at Kruger, I returned to my cabin, ready to turn in for the night. The ranger advised me to keep my window firmly shut—good advice, given the abundance of wildlife. But the temptation of a starry summer night and a light breeze was too much to resist. I opened my window just slightly and nestled into the soft bed to the sounds of the jungle.

The next morning brought one of the most absurd, unforgettable moments of my life: I woke up to find a vervet monkey in my bed! My initial reaction was one of shock, but after a moment of sheer panic, I realized he was probably just as startled as I was. I tried reasoning with him (as if monkeys understand English!), but he wouldn’t budge. Eventually, when desperation set in, I threw up the covers and shouted loud enough to startle him. Mercifully, he jumped out the open window and disappeared into the wild.

Safe to say, I didn’t report this to my ranger—no sense in being labeled a “rule breaker”.

The Big Five and Starry Nights

The following days were no less extraordinary. We tracked the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, Cape buffalo, and rhinos—along with countless other fascinating species. Every sighting felt like a gift, and the African skies at night, with the Southern Cross twinkling bright, were nothing short of magical. Beyond the wildlife, the camaraderie among our small group made the experience even more special. These were friendships forged in awe and wonder.

The Grandeur of Victoria Falls

From Kruger, we traveled to Zimbabwe to witness one of nature’s greatest wonders: Victoria Falls. Staying at the iconic Royal Livingstone Hotel, we enjoyed luxurious accommodations and experiences that combined elegance with adventure.

We cruised the Zambezi River, watching elephants cross between Zambia and Zimbabwe with just their trunks visible above water. We took a day trip to Chobe National Park, where we encountered massive elephant herds up close, and embarked on a walking tour to the famous falls themselves for epic photo opportunities.

The trip’s grand finale was aboard the Royal Livingstone Express, a vintage steam train. As we dined on gourmet cuisine and watched the sun set over the Zambezi River, I couldn’t help but reflect on what a privilege the entire journey had been.

The Journey of a Lifetime

South Africa, with its incredible mix of nature, history, and culture, is truly a trip of a lifetime. I’ve been fortunate to visit four times, and each trip has left me with unique stories and treasured memories. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or still pondering your first adventure, South Africa has a way of leaving you in awe.

For companies looking to reward top performers with incentive travel, destinations like South Africa and Zimbabwe offer the perfect mix of luxury and unforgettable experiences. At Gapp Group, we pride ourselves on creating seamless, extraordinary adventures for corporate groups. Our experienced team is here to help you plan journeys that amaze even the most well-traveled globetrotters.

Contact Us and let’s make your next adventure extraordinary.

Until then: safe travels, wherever they take you!