🌍 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – May 23, 2025
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WOW. Just WOW!

I honestly don’t even know where to begin—this Gorilla Trekking adventure was one for the books! I joined the trek on May 23, 2025, and it was hands down one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.

First of all, shout-out to Fundani Tours for making everything so smooth and stress-free—from the airport pickup to the permits, the guide, the local lunch, and even the mini dance session with the village kids (yes, that happened). I joined a lovely group of fellow adventurers from India, the USA, and my home country, Australia, and let me tell you—by the end of the day, we felt like one big, sweaty, ecstatic trekking family!

We trekked through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (yup, that’s really what it’s called—and it lives up to the name!). Our guide, Jacob, was super knowledgeable and full of fun facts, like how there are only about 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the world, and nearly half of them live right there in Uganda. Crazy, right?

We hiked for about 3 hours before finally spotting a family of gorillas just chilling in the mist. The silverback (the boss of the crew) gave us this lazy side-eye that screamed, “Tourists again?!” but it was magical. The younger gorillas were wrestling like kids, and one even came pretty close to us—my heart literally skipped a beat.

🌍 Exploring Cullinan • Pretoria • Johannesburg
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From Diamonds to Downtown Vibes 

I’m still recovering (in the best way) from my whirlwind adventure through Gauteng with the amazing team from Fundani Tours! I was lucky enough to be hosted on a special tour through Cullinan, Pretoria, and Joburg, and let me tell you—South Africa’s got layers.

Let’s start with Cullinan, the charming mining town that feels like it was plucked out of a vintage postcard. I’ve always heard of the world-famous Cullinan Diamond, but standing at the very site where it was discovered? Goosebumps! The streets are lined with quirky cafés, handmade craft stores, and historic buildings that whisper stories from 1905. Our guide even snuck in a surprise mine surface tour, and I got to try on a mining helmet (spoiler: not a cute look for me 😅).

Next up was Pretoria, the Jacaranda City. We visited the Union Buildings, took iconic photos on the Mandela statue’s steps, and I geeked out over the beautiful architecture and city views. The blend of politics, culture, and calm vibes is so underrated here—Pretoria is truly the classy cousin in the Gauteng family.

And then there’s Johannesburg—the heartbeat of the continent. Grit, gold, glam, and stories on every corner. From Constitution Hill to Vilakazi Street in Soweto, we walked the path of giants. We met street artists in Maboneng, danced to amapiano beats echoing through inner-city alleys, and shared shisanyama with locals who welcomed us like old friends.

What stood out the most was Fundani Tours’ authentic touch. This wasn’t some cookie-cutter, hop-on-hop-off experience. They curated everything with heart, heritage, and hella fun vibes. Their guides are not just knowledgeable—they’re storytellers, connectors, and cultural interpreters. I learned, laughed, danced, and cried (yes, Soweto got me in my feels).

This tour reminded me that tourism isn’t just about sights—it’s about people, purpose, and place. And Fundani Tours gets that right.

To anyone thinking about exploring Gauteng with soul—book with Fundani. Whether you’re a local looking to reconnect or a visitor diving into SA for the first time, they’ve got you.

Catch you on the next stop,
✈️❤️
Tumi Mokwena
Travel Blogger | Story Seeker | Proudly South African

A Sparkling South African Experience

Traveling with a big family is never easy—especially with curious kids and multiple opinions but from the moment we landed in Gauteng, Fundani Tours made us feel right at home. On 12 February 2025, we took the Cullinan Diamond Mine Tour, and it was beyond amazing—a truly unforgettable experience for all of us.

Coming from India, we were fascinated by the story of the world’s largest rough diamond, the legendary Cullinan Diamond, found right here in this quiet town in 1905. Our guide, Peterson, was both incredibly knowledgeable and full of charm—he had the kids hanging onto every word as he shared the history of mining, the formation of diamonds, and even how the Cullinan gem ended up in the British crown jewels. 👑✨

The mine surface tour was a hit! My youngest son was obsessed with the massive mining trucks (I think he now wants to be a miner when he grows up, and my wife adored the tiny jewelry shop where we saw real diamonds. The historic town itself is beautiful—charming little cafés, local crafters selling handmade art, and a peaceful, slow-paced energy that made us want to stay longer.

What I appreciated most was the attention to detail from Fundani Tours. Everything—from transportation to dietary preferences to photo stops—was handled with such care. It didn’t feel like a tour. It felt like we were traveling with old friends.

I must say, as a father and husband, seeing my family safe, happy, and genuinely excited to learn meant the world to me. We left Cullinan with a deep appreciation for South African heritage—and a few too many selfies 😄.

Thank you for the warmth, the stories, the laughter, and the unforgettable day. You gave my family more than just a tour—you gave us a memory that we will treasure forever.

With gratitude,
Mr. Mahomed & Family