From Africa to The Algarve

From Africa to the Algarve: A Journey Between Two Worlds

Caroline Bergman in the Algarve, Portugal

I was born in Africa and spent most of my life there. It is a place that shapes you deeply—through its scale, its contrasts, and its untamed beauty. Although I now live in the mountains of the Algarve, a part of me never left.

People leave Africa for many reasons, most often economic. But what’s striking is that almost everyone carries a deep sense of longing for what they’ve left behind—the sunsets, the vast open spaces, the wildlife, and the feeling of being close to something truly wild.

My journey into guiding began early. At 22, I was already leading groups into Kruger National Park. It was demanding work, but incredibly rewarding. Living in Johannesburg made those trips even more meaningful—they were an escape into a completely different world. As a freelance guide, I had the flexibility to choose my tours, and I naturally gravitated toward those that immersed me in nature.

The Panorama Route and Kruger Park became my specialties. The escarpment of the Klein Drakensberg Mountains never failed to impress, but what stayed with me most was the reaction of guests. Watching someone experience their first wildlife sighting—whether it was an elephant, a lion, or even a giraffe—was always unforgettable.

Kruger itself is a story of foresight. Although officially established in 1926, its origins trace back to earlier conservation efforts led by Paul Kruger. Recognizing that uncontrolled hunting would devastate wildlife populations, he helped initiate the protection of what would become one of the most iconic national parks in the world.

Even today, large areas remain off-limits to visitors, preserving vast ecosystems where animals roam freely. This is what makes every sighting so meaningful—you are witnessing something that is not staged or guaranteed, but entirely natural.

Now, living in Portugal, I am surrounded by a different kind of beauty—rolling hills, quiet countryside, and a slower pace of life. I value it deeply. Yet Africa offers something unique, something visceral. The sight of a leopard resting in a tree or a herd of elephants gathering at dusk is not just memorable—it stays with you.

It is this connection, this sense of wonder, that continues to draw me back—and that I hope to share with others.

If you would like to explore Africa with me, email me at caroline@sandfire.co.za.