Imagine tracing the golden cliffs of Portugal’s coast, laughing from a sidecar in Marrakech, and locking eyes with a gorilla deep in the jungles of Rwanda. Picture drifting down the Nile at sunset, hearing lions roar in the dark, and dining atop a cliff in the Seychelles under a sky full of stars. For our clients Scott and Ann, this wasn’t a fantasy, it was their 38-day, once-in-a-lifetime journey through Portugal, Morocco, Egypt, Rwanda, South Africa, and the Seychelles. Each destination delivered something new: awe, exhilaration, serenity, surprise. Come along for a glimpse into their incredible adventure, crafted with care by Next Travel.
Portugal: The Coastal Welcome
Scott and Ann kicked off their journey in Portugal’s sun-kissed Algarve, settling into a sea-view hotel in Caneiros with a balcony large enough to host a party. The Atlantic was chilly but breathtaking, and their days quickly filled with roaming Ferragudo’s waterfront cafés and soaking in the vibrant energy of Portimão’s beachside scene.
Their private guide, Peter, led them on a stunning six-mile cliff hike where land met sea in dramatic fashion. At Benagil Beach, they rested before boarding a boat to see the same coastlines from the water, now with a salty breeze and towering rock arches overhead. Evenings were spent savoring fresh fish, piri-piri chicken, and stories by candlelight. “Portugal is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited,” Ann shared. And they were just getting started.
Morocco: Mystery in the Medina & Mountains
In Marrakech, the rhythm shifted. The air was warmer, the alleys narrower, the colors bolder. Inside the walls of the Medina, their riad—Demeures D’Orient—was a sanctuary. They were welcomed with mint tea, Moroccan pastries, and a traditional hammam experience that required a leap of modesty and delivered pure relaxation.
They ventured out on a vintage sidecar tour zipping through Marrakech’s new and old cities, explored bustling souks, held monkeys, and even got close to cobras. The next day, they hiked the Atlas Mountains to the village of Armed, where a local Berber woman hosted them for a tagine lunch with sweeping views and warm hospitality. Later, a day on Bennounas Farm brought camel rides, meditation, and cooking alongside a Moroccan chef during an unforgettable sandstorm.
Egypt: Ancient Wonders & Nile Nights
Landing in Cairo at 2 a.m., they hit the ground running just hours later with their enthusiastic Egyptologist guide, Medo. They wandered through ancient ruins, marveled at intricate hieroglyphs, and climbed into the tight, steep burial chamber of the Great Pyramid’s—a challenge worth every moment! In Giza, they posed with the Sphinx and rode camels across golden sands.
Their Nile cruise offered a peaceful contrast: lazy afternoons on the sundeck, drifting past riverside villages framed by palm trees. With Medo guiding them at every port, they enjoyed front-row access to Egypt’s treasures. From Karnak’s grandeur to the Valley of the Kings, they were completely spellbound.
Rwanda: Gorilla Trekking and a Grateful Heart
Despite a hiccup with lost luggage, Rwanda turned into one of the most meaningful parts of their journey. Nestled in a jungle lodge near Volcanoes National Park, they received heartfelt care. Locals lent them boots, washed their clothes, and welcomed them with a kindness that lingered.
Then came the unforgettable moment: gorilla trekking. Guided quietly through the forest to the Amahoro gorilla family, a young gorilla suddenly emerged. “It was peaceful, exciting, mystical, amazing, thrilling, unbelievable and a little spiritual,” Ann said. In that moment, they were not just tourists. They were witnesses to something rare and sacred.
South Africa: Big Game & Bigger Thrills
Safari dreams came alive in Thornybush and Lion Sands, where game drives brought elephants, rhinos, lions, and more within arm’s reach. Their luxurious tent boasted floor-to-ceiling windows, and strict instructions to keep the doors locked (monkeys are clever!).
Scott and Ann checked off the Big Five within their first two drives: rhinos, lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalo. Then came their overnight in a remote treehouse, a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating night alone in the open savannah, armed only with a spotlight and a walkie-talkie. “We actually made it through the whole night—most people don’t!” Ann shared.
At Lion Sands, they watched animals cross rivers into Kruger National Park, sipped coffee with monkeys nearby, and marveled at a cheetah sighting. “The guides said it’s now common to visit two reserves, and we’re so glad we did,” Ann reflected.
Cape Town: Coastal Chic & Penguins
Their South African chapter wrapped up in Cape Town, a cosmopolitan city tucked beneath Table Mountain. Days were filled with sidecar rides along Chapman’s Peak Drive, scenic hikes, and penguin-spotting at Boulders Beach. They dined at Nobu, explored local artisan markets, and even squeezed in pedicures and a casino night.
The Seychelles: A Tropical Finish
By the time they reached the Seychelles, Scott and Ann were ready for barefoot days and ocean swims. On Mahé and Praslin, they found pristine beaches, clifftop restaurants, and even a surprise birthday dinner for Scott set high above the crashing waves. Their accommodations combined jungle luxury with ocean breezes and their days passed in a blissful haze of warm water and cold drinks.
From rainforest hikes to sunset swims, the Seychelles provided the perfect finale. And just before flying home, they were whisked into a private VIP lounge at the airport for one last magical moment to end their journey.
Reflections from the Road
Over 38 days, Scott and Ann immersed themselves in six wildly different destinations, each more breathtaking than the last. They returned home with more than photos. They came back transformed, connected, and full of stories that will last a lifetime.
Whether your heart dreams of ancient pyramids, sun-drenched Mediterranean coasts, or wild African safaris, this story is proof: the world is vast, vibrant, and full of wonder.
Let Next Travel Help You Plan Your Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey
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