Seeing her mother travelling the world, Maveisha Blake-Rolle has always dreamt of walking in her footsteps, discovering new faces and immersing herself in new places. So it came as no surprise when her globe-trotting adventures took her to South Africa.
“My lifelong aspiration has always been to visit the Motherland. I initially thought Ghana would be my first stop. However, after doing some research, I became intrigued by the rich culture and diversity of South Africa. Its captivating history and [a] love of wildlife drew me in even more,” she told Saturday Living.
This adventure seeker is no stranger to travel. When she was 17 years old, she travelled back and forth to The Bahamas before officially making the country her second home 16 years ago.
“As a Jamaican living in The Bahamas, my experience has been truly amazing; I’m married with three children, and I’ve had the opportunity to invest and further my education. While the culture may vary, at our core, we are all fundamentally connected,” she said.
With plans to celebrate her birthday and wedding anniversary in South Africa, the packed itinerary started with Blake-Rolle and her husband, Laurenzo, taking a direct flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg, where they would stay for three nights.
After a good night’s sleep, the couple hit the ground running the next morning with a tour of Soweto, a township of the city of Johannesburg.“We also visited the residence where Nelson Mandela and his family once lived,” she said.
The next day saw a lovely visit to the Fourways market, a farmers’ market filled with local artisans displaying their crafts, as well as mouthwatering local dishes and vibrant live entertainment. The duo recalled feeling right at home as they interacted with the people.
The Rolles were even able to take a free day to explore Mandela Square and its nearby attractions.“Afterward, we flew from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe, then took a taxi to Livingstone, Zambia, where we spent three days,” she shared.
The sunset cruise on the Zambezi River on the first evening there was a sight to behold. And it was there that they encountered wildlife, seeing hippos, elephants, and crocodiles.
“The following day, we went on a game drive in Chobe National Park, Botswana, in search of the Big Five. It was an exhilarating experience,” Blake-Rolle shared. They also managed to fit in the famous Lion Walk in Zambia.
Once the special occasions were celebrated via a local guide of the nightlife, the two flew to Cape Town from Victoria Falls, spending two days doing a city tour and visiting the area called V&A Waterfront.
According to Blake-Rolle, Jamaica is among the beloved nations for South Africans, Zimbabweans and Zambians.
“The people there hold a profound admiration for our culture and view us as part of their community. While I was crossing the border from Zambia to Zimbabwe, the immigration officer noticed my passport and exclaimed, “Jamaica!”. I was both astonished and intrigued to see how a small island could make such a remarkable impact worldwide. People frequently say, ‘Jamaica, good people’, reflecting their affection for our music, culture, and citizens,” she added.
She also noted that Jamaica and Zambia share similarities in infrastructure, hospitality and culinary gems. “Jamaica and Zambia [share] elements of infrastructure and a few common culinary delights, showcasing distinct African influences alongside the warm hospitality of the locals. Nonetheless, Jamaica’s unique atmosphere is unmatched; the only comparable location is Johannesburg. Still, it isn’t the same.”
What is a trip without its challenges? The couple struggled to keep up with late nightlife followed by early morning excursions. Balance was key, and it was also important to prioritise those experiences, “We began setting alarms and preparing our daypacks the night before, ensuring we were ready to seize the day without feeling rushed. It also helped to take short naps during transit or whenever we had downtime, keeping us refreshed and ready for our next adventure.”
Hydration played a big role in keeping the energy elevated and recharging where necessary. So, too, was having a hearty breakfast before embarking on an exciting day.
“Travelling allows us to connect with individuals from various walks of life, offering valuable insights. We often develop a curiosity about different lifestyles and come to appreciate the things we might have taken for granted. It’s a humbling experience that reminds us how fortunate we are to embark on these journeys,” she said.
Among their travel essentials are an adapter plug, essential for charging phones; mosquito repellent; a camera or device with plenty of storage for capturing memorable moments; and an eSIM. Blake-Rolle used Airalo. Appropriate attire to match the season is also very important. “We travelled in July/August, which coincided with winter there.”
With high hopes of journeying to Ghana one day, the duo would also be thrilled to visit Kenya, specifically the Serengeti, Japan, Tanzania and Switzerland.
Blake-Rolle’s advice or tips for couples who want to travel around the world together is to engage your partner in the planning and decision-making stages, “Aim at crafting a memorable evening exclusively for the two of you. By that, I mean an experience you rarely have at home. It’s common to face disagreements or feel frustrated during a getaway, which can dampen the enjoyment. Keep in mind that it’s best to let go of the little details and, instead, focus on cherishing the moment and savouring each other’s company!”
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