Reflections on a Lifetime of Friendships

Recently I had the honour of celebrating 210 years of friendship along with two best friends whom I have known my whole life. Our combined birthday celebration freshly reminded me of the countless adventures around the world that I’ve embarked on with them. These trips are not just about exploring new horizons together, but celebrating shared histories, creating lifelong memories, and strengthening the bonds of friendship.

There’s a unique magic in friendship travel, a sense of camaraderie that transcends the everyday and reaches deep into our collective hearts and souls. I fondly recall an early trip to Londolozi Game Lodge with friends from different parts of the world – Australia, London, USA – and their children. Despite the years of separation, we gelled immediately. Our escapades led us to the wilderness of South Africa, each moment rich with the discovery of the wild and the warmth of companionship. However, amidst the awe-inspiring view of lions rests an unlikely legend – the ‘woodlion’.

Celebrating my father’s 60th birthday with his friends at a game lodge was a revelation. And years later, when I celebrated my own 60th at Londolozi, the full-circle moment was poignant.

In 2023 I visited the Maasai Mara to join in the celebrations for my dear friend Neville’s 70th – it was a glorious four-day sojourn that further cemented our bond. The memories from these travels with friends have been indelibly inked into my heart and soul.

Organising these trips requires effort and attention to detail. It’s about ensuring that everyone’s needs and expectations are met, from itinerary planning to dietary requirements. It’s about creating an environment for spontaneous combustion amongst friends, where the experience transcends the locale.

Friendship travel isn’t about luxury or opulence; it’s about the company. It doesn’t matter whether you’re dining in the fanciest restaurant or sharing a simple meal under the stars; it’s the laughter, stories, and shared moments that make the difference. Another gift of friendship travel is close relationships.

Thanks to plenty of time in the saddle acquired through years of travel adventures together, one of my friends’ daughters happened to be staying at the same lodge as my family one year. (She was there for business; we were there for pleasure.) Thanks to our shared family history, Katie Brauer slotted right into the van Embden clan as if she were one of us!

Let’s celebrate friendship travel – filled with love, laughter, and lifelong memories. Create your own unforgettable friendship travel experiences. Africa offers truly unforgettable adventure opportunities.