Penny Lancaster Hints at UK Exit for Tanzania with Rod Stewart
Penny Lancaster, the wife of rock legend Sir Rod Stewart, has sparked speculation about a potential move away from the UK, revealing that the East African nation of Tanzania holds her "heart and soul." The former model and television personality, 54, made the candid admission during an appearance on the LNER Routes podcast, detailing a profound connection to the country forged through romantic safaris with her husband, 81.
A Deeply Rooted Connection to Tanzania
Lancaster’s fondness for Tanzania is not a fleeting holiday romance. She confessed to her sons, Alastair (19) and Aiden (14), that she "is going to end up there." "Tanzania, that's one place that really... my heart and soul is there," she explained. "I said to the boys when we got to take them there the second time round, 'If you ever want to know where mum is going to end up, this is the place.'"
This heartfelt declaration stems from experiences that have deeply impacted her. The allure of Tanzania, for Lancaster, is multifaceted. "It's the culture, and the light, as a photographer it's stunning," she shared. Her first trip to the country with Rod Stewart, prior to having children, was steeped in romance. She recalled a poignant moment where Stewart carved "I love you" into a tree before he had even spoken the words to her directly. "Before he said I love you he wrote it in a tree. So it was all very romantic. It was like those movies, kind of whisked away in your safari outfits across the Serengeti," she reminisced.
Revisiting Romantic Roots with Family
The couple’s commitment to sharing these special places with their children was evident when they returned to Tanzania with Alastair and Aiden. "We said when we do have children, we must take them back and we did," Lancaster said. These family trips allowed them to immerse themselves in the local culture, learning about the tribes and schools. "My eldest would love to go back. Not just for the animals but just, it really touched him too," she added, highlighting the profound impact the experience had on her sons.
Luxury and Immersion: The Mwiba Lodge Experience
During their East African adventures, the Stewart family is understood to have stayed at the lavish Mwiba Lodge. This exclusive retreat is situated within a vast 51,000-acre wildlife reserve, offering unparalleled access to the region's natural wonders. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro and the vast Serengeti plains, the family actively engaged with the local community, learning about the Mwiba tribe.
Lancaster, who has a keen eye for photography, documented some of her experiences, including a memorable encounter with an elephant during a safari. In an article for The Times, she lauded her Tanzanian adventures as "the best," detailing early mornings spent watching animals at sunrise and the joy of seeing the landscape through her sons' eyes. "We stayed at the Mwiba Lodge and visited the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, flew over Mount Kilimanjaro, and got up early each morning to watch the animals at sunrise. It was wonderful. Rod and I had been on safari before we had kids, so the best bit was seeing it through our sons' eyes. They were blown away," she stated.
A Future Beyond British Shores?
While a definitive move is not confirmed, Lancaster's strong sentiments suggest that Tanzania holds a special place in her future plans. Her candid remarks on the podcast, coupled with the deeply personal memories associated with the country, paint a picture of a potential life shift for the couple. The blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and romantic history makes Tanzania a compelling destination for Penny Lancaster, hinting that their globetrotting adventures might one day lead them to a permanent African home.
Fans can catch Penny Lancaster discussing her life and experiences, including her love for travel, on Alan Titchmarsh's Love Your Weekend, airing on ITV One. She will join Olympic champion Max Whitlock as a guest on the popular programme.
