Crystal Hefner and boyfriend James Ward are celebrating their first anniversary together with a luxurious getaway to Africa, and the former Playboy model is sharing the special photos exclusively with Us Weekly.
We’re celebrating in a way that reflects who we are as a couple — with adventure, heart and purpose,” Hefner, 38, tells Us of the April 2 milestone. “We planned a month-long trip to Africa.
“Honestly, it feels like time flew and stood still at the same time,” she adds. “I can believe we’ve come this far because we’ve been so intentional, but it’s still wild to look back at how much we’ve built and been through in just one year.”
Crystal, the widow of famed publisher Hugh Hefner, shares that she connected with Lush Africa Safaris to “organize the most life-changing experience.” The couple’s trip to Africa included stops in Rwanda, Uganda, Botswana and Zimbabwe. In addition to sightseeing, Crystal and Ward also have been “giving back” via charity work on their extended journey abroad.
“We donated to help build housing for a school orphanage in Uganda and had the privilege of seeing chimpanzees and gorillas up close in their natural habitat,” she says. “Now, we’re continuing the journey to Botswana to stay at some of my favorite camps with Machaba.”
Crystal and Ward started dating last April and as their connection has grown stronger, she gushes about how this romance is “freeing” compared to her five-year marriage to the Playboy founder.
This time around Crystal admits doesn’t “need to always be ‘on’” in a relationship.
“I’m not trying to be perfect or polished. I’m more myself than I’ve ever been,” she reveals. “I’ve done the work to heal, and now I’m in a relationship where I can show up with all my layers, and that’s welcomed, not judged. It’s incredibly freeing.”
And while Hefner and Ward – who call themselves “best friends who can’t stop flirting” — have talked about marriage, they’re taking their time.
“We’ve definitely had those conversations — and we’re on the same page. We’re not in a rush, but we’re also not afraid of forever,” Crystal says. “We both value building a strong foundation, and I think that’s what makes the idea of the future together feel so exciting and grounded.”
For now, they’re celebrating getting this far: “We laugh constantly, hype each other up, and make space for both deep talks and spontaneous fun,” she says. “We really like each other, and that’s the magic. Love with [James] feels like an adventure wrapped in inside jokes, shared dreams, and the kind of connection that makes life feel lighter and brighter.”
Keep scrolling for an inside look at Crystal and Ward’s African adventure:
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