
Most people celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary might choose a relaxing cruise or a luxurious beach getaway to mark the special occasion. But for South African couple Marius and Michelle Nortje, nothing could compare to a journey deep into the wilds of Kruger National Park, a place they both cherish dearly. Their love story, which has flourished over four decades, was about to take a unique and unforgettable turn during this particular anniversary trip. The couple, both passionate about wildlife and nature, had made numerous visits to Kruger over the years — sometimes once, sometimes as many as four times a year, making the park a second home of sorts. On this trip in December, what began as a routine safari drive quickly transformed into a moment neither Marius nor Michelle would ever forget — and a moment that would soon captivate people worldwide. While searching for lions along the tar road, they found nothing and decided to turn onto a quieter gravel path. It was there that Marius first spotted two giraffes emerging from the dense bush, followed by a third that immediately caught his…