Last August, we embarked on an exciting journey, planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip for a group of friends from Los Angeles. What started as a small gathering of eight quickly ballooned to a vibrant party of 42, all eager to celebrate their dear friend Tina’s milestone birthday. This would be their first adventure to the African continent, and we were thrilled to curate an unforgettable experience.
With a nine-hour time difference between us, our planning involved many late-night calls. Each family booked separately, making it challenging to accommodate everyone in the same lodge. After much deliberation, we managed to find a lodge that could host the entire group for the grand celebration before they ventured off to different lodges for their personalized experiences.
After an overnight stay in Johannesburg, the group flew to Hoedspruit, where they gathered at The Orpen Lodge for a lively celebration. The festivities kicked off with a mesmerizing performance by a Marimba band, showcasing the rich cultural dances of the local tribes. Guests indulged in a traditional South African dinner under the stars and danced around the fire in the boma.