More Connection Is What We Need Now

Our own lodges and hotels span some of Southern Africa’s most breathtaking locations – from wildernesses abundant in wildlife, found nowhere else on earth, to capitals described as ‘a world in one city’. Just recently our country was named in Condé Nast Traveller’s top 20 international destinations… Perhaps soon is the time to see South Africa!

COVID has forced us to stop and take stock of our lives – the people and things we value, what we spend our money on, where and how we spend our time – and gain a new appreciation for the things, which up until recently, have always been within our reach.

As life slowly opens up, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with those aspects of our lives that we find we want to keep, and taking a trip seems a very good place to start. For the fortunate among us, lockdown has meant that we’ve saved money and leave allowing us to travel again. While some guilt around this might niggle, there is a significant beneficial flip side:

By travelling, we help our tourism industries and those connected to them get going again, we support people’s livelihoods, and we make contributions to communities and conservation through our revenue (or direct involvement), while reconnecting with our lives. And as we’ve learned, it’s the simple things that should be treasured like luxuries.

For loved ones who’ve been relying on Zoom calls, our lodges and hotels are places to finally get in touch in person. There’s more than enough space for grandparents, siblings and close friends to join, creating safe travel bubbles across the suites, safaris, private tours and dining.

For those of us who’ve been running on autopilot, just trying to get through it, it’s just as important to come back to yourself. A spa day or nature walk should put you back on track…

Our guided Cape hikes and walking safaris have taken on a new appeal as tired of our own four walls, we crave wide-open space – not only for its freedom, but also calming effect. A growing scientific field called ‘ecotherapy’ is showing a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Not to mention the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.

And there’s nothing like being out in the world to give us perspective and connect us to something bigger than ourselves. We are more aware than ever of our impact on the environment and how interconnected and dependent we are on each other. An outlook that is seeing more people getting involved in community and conservation initiatives like our own.

If COVID locked us down, maybe it’ll be the thing to set us free – to reconnect with what is only truly important. And travel – more than just a holiday – will help by bringing us together and giving us the time and space to truly begin to live again through sharing enriching experiences.

Words by: Jade Crocket

Images by: Dook Photography and Ingrid Nemorin