Partners-in-Adventure: Doris and Mpilo’s story
4 February 2025
4 February 2025
We love it when couples #flyAirNature and soar to new heights together but what made these two such exceptional guests is that Doris popped the question just as Mpilo was mid-leap off a platform and about to fly over a waterfall. This is their story:
Mpilo and Doris on the 4×4 drive to the top of the mountain
It was Daisy’s explosive zest for life and the colourful world she inhabited initially intrigued Mpilo: “Her sense of adventure is what ultimately drew us together which resulted in us meeting up in the Philippines in January 2020 (before the you-know-what separated us.) Daisy thought it would be fun for us to meet up in the Philippines and this is where I really fell in love.”
Doris, ever the comedian, jokingly shared what first attracted her: “Well it helped that he was extremely talented which is always appealing! As we met doing a play this was one of my first impressions… Then getting to know him over those weeks I was drawn towards his wisdom, his sense of humour, his kindness and the way he talked about his family. I liked him so much I pretended to like Capoeira and his nasty spiralina green ‘pancakes’. That was my flirting technique. It needed work.”
But this tactic (paired with his martial arts and colourful cooking) was clearly effective: fast forward a few years and they are zipping through the Hottentots Holland Mountains together when Doris reveals her true daring and pops the BIG question.
She explains: “Proposing to that soul mate of mine at Cape Canopy is by far the most exhilarating thing I’ve done in my life. I have never been more scared in my life! The cliff edges were nothing in comparison. If you watch the video closely you can see by the way I’m clinging onto the railings and the stress on my face.”
On the other side of the mighty sound bubble, Mpilo was caught off guard. We asked him how he felt:
“Completely surprised,” he said. “I was not expecting to be proposed to. Especially on a zip line. We’d also just spent 9 months apart because of Covid and Doris had only been in South Africa for 2 months before she proposed. When she asked me to marry her – it took my breath away. There wasn’t much running through my mind other than YES and…did that just happen!!”
You can watch the video of there engagement: click here.
Now that’s what you call BRAVE.
And in case you’re wondering how Daisy decided he was the one and that she wanted to propose in the middle of an extreme activity, she explains:
“Getting to South Africa was a mission in lockdown. Longggg story short, I was put in a holding cell and denied entry the first time. So finally getting to reach South Africa and the farm in Clanwilliam where Mpilo’s family was living was just BLISS. I spent those months falling in love with his family… every evening we dined as three generations: Mpilo and I, my now beautiful parents in law and icons Rubes and Mama CC, and his legendary grandparents (Fred and Edna AKA Fredna)
I remember going for a sunset walk on my own one evening and had a sudden epiphany: I needed to marry this person and I wanted to declare my love to him in the wildest way I could. Getting down on one knee wasn’t going to cut it… so I researched the most outrageous adventures South Africa has to offer… And of COURSE that’s how I stumbled across Cape Canopy Tour!!”
We took the opportunity to ask Mpilo a few more questions about life, love and other adventures:
1. You got to return to the ‘scene of the crime’ and zipline together as a married couple – what was different about the experience this time?
“Lol. The difference this time was that I was the one trying to cheer up Doris as we approached the zipline. The last time, I was the grumpy old man who was upset about being awake so early while ‘on holiday’
This time – well – let’s just say it wasn’t an easy morning. A marital dispute… which was sorted out by another zip-lining experience and the reminder that something very special happened the last time we zip-lined.”
Watch their return adventure
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2. Laughter, fun and community seem like integral parts of your life together – why are these qualities/values so important to you?
“A sense of fun, laughter and community make us who we are and influence our approach to life. We both come from such vibrant, wise, multi-cultural and wholesome communities. Our community keeps us grounded, they support us and remind us to celebrate the health and well-being of those we love.
We’ve always laughed together. It’s one of the most satisfying experiences – to laugh with someone you love. At the end of the day – if we can’t laugh and have fun with the people we love, what’s the point?”
3. Both you and Daisy are clearly committed to shaking up tired stereotypes and established norms: what is your advice for young people looking to make their own unique mark on the world?
“When it comes to creating the foundations for a lifelong partnership with someone my advice would be to make up your own rules together. Don’t let stereotypes and other people’s thoughts, ideals and experiences shape your relationship. It’s your relationship. Explore what works for you and be open to constant change.
My advice for young people looking to make their own unique mark on the world would be to be open to the constant change, find ways to adapt and do what scares you. It is in uncomfortable positions where we learn about ourselves and discover how much capacity we have to achieve more than we can imagine.
Stay humble and stay hungry.”
4. Where/what is your favourite ‘hidden gem’ in South Africa and why would you recommend others visit/experience it?
“Oooo. I’m going to have to say Knysna because I was delightfully surprised by how incredible and idyllic Knysna is. The hidden gem is called ‘Noetzie’. A forest on a coast-line with what feels like an exclusive beach. Paradise supreme. If you’re a nature lover, beach lover and looking for some quiet time – Noetzi is the place to be. Just…wow.”
5. What other exciting adventures do you have lined up for the next 3 years of your married adventure?
“I imagine I’ll be married to another 4 men in 3 years time. Context: Daisy Doris is a drag king. Right now – Daisy has a few alter egos: Steve Porters, Hans Off, Mike Hunt, Karen Moonstone (the list goes on)… I’ve come to terms with the fact that I live with all of these people including my wife. So I expect there to be more in 3 years.
Other adventures will most certainly include snowboarding. Daisy is a boss at snowboarding. I haven’t had the opportunity to find my snowboarding flow but I’m looking forward to it!”
We wish brave and beautiful, stereo-type transcending couple a fabulous neverending adventure through the twists and turns of this rollercoaster blockbuster called ‘Life’.
A mid-flight proposal – he said YES!