Penny Lancaster, wife of Sir Rod Stewart, suggests she may leave the UK behind for Tanzania, a destination that holds her heart and soul. The 54-year-old model and photographer shares an emotional connection to the East African nation with her husband of nearly two decades and their two sons.

Global Travels and Lasting Bond

Penny and Rod, 81, have explored the world together since they began dating in 1999. He proposed during a romantic trip to Paris in 2005, and they married in Portofino, Italy, two years later. Last year, the couple celebrated Rod’s 80th birthday on a luxurious yacht cruise through the Caribbean with family.

Tanzania Steals Her Heart

In a recent podcast interview, Penny jokes with sons Alastair, 19, and Aiden, 14, about settling there permanently. “Tanzania, that’s one place that really… my heart and soul is there,” she said. “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.’”

She highlights the country’s vibrant culture and stunning light, ideal for photography. Penny first visited with Rod before starting a family, recalling a romantic moment when he carved a heart and their initials into a tree—before even saying “I love you.” The couple dreamed of safaris across the Serengeti in classic outfits, a vision they later shared with their children.

The family stayed at the exclusive Mwiba Lodge in a 51,000-acre wildlife reserve. They marveled at Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti plains, learned about local tribes like the Mwiba, and visited schools. Penny’s eldest son felt deeply moved, beyond just the wildlife.

Unforgettable Family Safaris

Penny shared a thrilling safari photo encountering an elephant up close. In a recent article for The Times, she described the trips as “the best.” “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,” she wrote. “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.”

Upcoming TV Spotlight

Penny joins Alan Titchmarsh on ITV’s Love Your Weekend at 9:30 a.m., appearing alongside Olympian Max Whitlock.