Love on Safari

Kira Slater is a web designer in Chicago who prefers safety and predictability, unlike her adventurous friend Vicky. Her life is stable with her accountant boyfriend, Brad, until she receives news that her Great-Uncle Irving has passed away and left her a significant inheritance in South Africa. Expecting perhaps a collection of antique safari whistles, Kira travels to the Ukuthula wildlife reserve for the reading of the will. Upon arrival, she is met by Tom Anderson, a rugged head ranger, and his stepsister Ally. At the will reading, Kira is stunned to discover she has inherited full ownership of the entire reserve. A corporate developer named Artie Warrington immediately offers to buy the land to turn it into a tacky, high-volume resort. Tom, who is passionate about conservation and fears the 'Warrington brand' will destroy the ecosystem, takes Kira on a 'charm offensive' to show her the beauty of the reserve. During a trip to Rock Lodge, their vehicle breaks down, forcing them to spend hours together and bond over their shared love for the animals, specifically an elephant named Kimba that Kira met as a child. Back in Chicago, Brad becomes concerned and flies to South Africa to surprise Kira for her birthday. Brad hates the heat and the lack of 'civilization,' and he immediately begins negotiating the sale of the reserve behind Kira's back, believing he is helping her. Tensions rise when Tom receives a job offer in New York, and Kira feels pressured to sign Warrington's contract. On her birthday, Brad proposes to Kira in front of the staff, but Kira realizes that Brad does not respect her autonomy or her new-found passion for the reserve. She breaks up with him, realizing she has rediscovered her adventurous spirit. In a final effort to save Ukuthula, Kira uses her web design skills to make a video of the animals go viral, resulting in a surge of reservations. She rejects Warrington's offer and instead creates a partnership with the local Zulu village, gifting them 50% ownership to ensure the land is protected by the community. Tom decides to stay at Ukuthula instead of taking the New York job, and he and Kira confess their feelings for each other, sealing their new partnership with a kiss.