Seventeen days. Three countries. One unforgettable journey. For a group of six intrepid travelers, a dream African safari—organized by Colette Tour Groups—became a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blended wildlife encounters, natural wonders, and cultural immersion.

Matt and Heather Carroll, along with Heather’s sister and brother-in-law (Kristina Cortes and Jaime Cortes) and parents (David Ford and Janine Ford), went on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.  Starting in Botswana and winding through Zimbabwe and Zambia, the small-group tour offered something most travelers crave: intimacy and access. With just six in the group, every game drive, dinner, and dusty road felt personal. “We were lucky to have such a small crew,” Heather noted. “It really changed the experience compared to those big buses you sometimes see.”

The heart of any safari lies in its game drives, and this tour didn’t disappoint. From lion sightings to impalas sprinting through the grasslands, the wildlife delivered. However, one moment stood out: while staying at a tented camp in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, the group witnessed a pack of wild dogs take down an impala. “It was raw, shocking, and real,” said Heather. “We were maybe 100 feet away—it felt like a National Geographic moment.”

The tented camp itself, surrounded by nature and patrolled by armed guards at night, offered an immersive experience. Elephants strolled past the communal area, and the sounds of the bush echoed through the night. Each morning began with the rustle of wildlife just outside the canvas walls.

While the camp brought guests close to nature, the tour logistics ensured comfort and ease. Colette Tour Groups provided seamless transfers across borders, daily itineraries, and top-tier guides. The group traveled by jeep, bush plane, and even by riverboat across the Zambezi.  

“Using an experienced tour group like Colette is the way to go” Heather stated, “you’re paying for access, safety, and exceptional experiences you just can’t get on your own.”

The group also explored one of Africa’s most iconic landmarks—Victoria Falls. “It makes Niagara feel like a backyard fountain,” Heather laughed. A helicopter ride over the falls offered a jaw-dropping bird’s-eye view, and they hiked along multiple viewpoints for different angles of the roaring cascade.

From there, the group took part in a cheetah encounter, learning about conservation efforts and even walking beside one of the sleek predators. They also tried local cuisine—curry dishes were popular—and a few adventurous eaters even sampled mopane worms. “Not my favorite texture,” Heather confessed, “but it made for a great story.”

Armed primarily with phones and a few cameras, the travelers captured photos of lions with cubs, zebras, giraffes, and a rare leopard perched high in a tree.  Also along the way were elephants, tigers, buffalo, hippos, cheetahs, crocodiles, warthogs, monkeys, baboons, wild dogs, impalas, springbok, rhinos, wildebeests, lots of birds, and of course goats!  

Despite some long travel days and chilly mornings on open-air jeeps, the consensus was clear: the experience was extraordinary. The group agreed they would have preferred fewer river cruises and more time in the bush, but praised the balance of relaxation and activity. "It wasn’t strenuous,” Heather said. “Ten thousand steps a day, maybe, but nothing overly demanding.”

For those considering an African safari, the group had one key piece of advice: go small. Smaller groups mean better visibility, less waiting, and a more personal connection to the experience. And if you’re lucky, you’ll walk away not just with incredible photos, but with new friends and a deeper appreciation for the wild beauty of southern Africa.

Ultimately, the only real challenge now is deciding which memory to frame first.