I was born in Namibia and grew up in the bush. I always think: you may leave Africa but Africa never leaves you.
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One of my fondest memories is walking through national parks with my dad as a young girl. Those early experiences taught me to respect and read the wilderness, sparking a lifelong appreciation for wildlife.
I attended junior school in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, where my love for sports blossomed alongside my deep connection to nature. It wasn't unusual to have elephants wander by as we trained—just another part of daily life!
For senior school and university, I moved to South Africa, exploring Cape Town’s vibrant city life and the stunning Garden Route. After studying hospitality and tourism management, I returned to Namibia, where I worked at a safari lodge in the Caprivi Strip, welcoming guests, and later joined my family's safari business. The need for new adventures then led me to a skydiving company on Namibia’s Atlantic coast in Swakopmund.
Yet, the call of the wild remained strong. Combining my experiences, I established my own safari company in Swakopmund, later merging it with my family’s business to showcase the wonders of southern Africa. The Caprivi Strip, in particular, became our speciality—a hidden gem for adventurous travellers.
In 2020, I moved to the UK with my partner and our two children to work for a general tour operator. However, my deep love for Africa never wavered. In 2023, I was thrilled to join Expert Africa, where I can fully share my passion.
With a lifetime of travel experience across southern Africa, I'm genuinely excited to share my knowledge and help craft your dream African adventure!
Karen's most recent Africa trips
Namibia
It’s wonderful to revisit Namibia. This time I explore the fiery dunes in the south, self-driving on well-graded gravel roads, with frequent stops to admire the stunning views along the route from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei. As always, some particularly memorable highlights; including an exhilarating hot air balloon flight over the Sossusvlei dunes in the Namib-Naukluft, and a climb of the formidable ‘Big Daddy’ dune, almost 330 metres tall, overlooking the striking Deadvlei. I can’t wait to return!
Namibia
My adventure began in Namibia's most wildlife-rich area, Etosha National Park. It holds a special place in my heart with its varied and prolific wildlife, which continually entice me back.Surrounding the park are several private reserves, which also offer rewarding animal sightings. A standout moment from my trip occurred at Andersson’s at Ongava, where I witnessed a black rhino (known for their grumpy temperaments) chase two male lions around a waterhole.Continuing my journey, I ventured into the rugged and ever-changing landscape of Damaraland. The vivid sunsets are always breathtaking - a must-see spectacle. Spending time in this area allows you to truly appreciate its beauty, and to photograph incredible scenery and encounter desert-adapted wildlife.
- I visited
- Windhoek, Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Okonjima Nature Reserve
Karen's previous Africa research
| Country | Arrived | Length of stay | Areas visited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namibia | August 2023 | 2 nights | Caprivi Strip, Central Highlands |
| Kenya | June 2023 | 2 nights | Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Maasai Mara Conservancies |
| Namibia | March 2020 | 10 nights | Damaraland |
| Namibia | November 2018 | 4 nights | Etosha National Park |
| Namibia | July 2017 | 2 nights | Namib-Naukluft National Park |
| Namibia | December 2015 | 6 nights | Central Highlands |
| Namibia | January 2015 | 8 nights | Southern Namibia, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, Namib-Naukluft National Park |
| Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia | March 2010 | 7 nights | Central Highlands, Caprivi Strip, Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park |
Reviews from Karen's latest travellers
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