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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Walking through national parks as a young girl with my dad is a cherished memory. I felt fearless, but from an early age I was taught to respect nature, read the wilderness, and appreciate the wildlife.
Junior school was in Victoria Falls, over the border in Zimbabwe – a vibrant town where my passion for sports flourished alongside my love for wildlife. Elephants casually joining us for an afternoon drink while we trained was part of my everyday life.
For senior school and university I moved to South Africa, exploring the vibrant city of Cape Town and the allure of the Garden Route. After studying hospitality and tourism management, I returned to Namibia to work for a safari lodge in the Caprivi Strip, hosting guests, and then joined my family's safari company. My craving for new adventures then led me to join a skydiving company in Swakopmund, on Namibia’s Atlantic coast.
But the call of the wild persisted. Drawing on my wide experience, I established a safari company in Swakopmund, merging it with the family business. We showcased the whole of southern Africa to adventurous travellers, but our special love was the Caprivi Strip – a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
In 2020, with my partner and our two kids, I relocated to the UK to join a general tour operator. However, my deep passion for Africa made me want to give more to my travellers, and in 2023 I seized the chance to be part of Expert Africa’s team.
My extensive travels across Africa, especially in southern Africa, have been a privilege. I’m brimming with excitement to share my wealth of knowledge and expertise to create your perfect African holiday!
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
