Victoria – Namibia
I am thrilled to be returning to the wondrous and ethereal landscapes of Namibia this year. Instead of beginning in Windhoek, the capital where we will end our journey, we are starting on the coast at Swakopmund, a seaside town, whose wide avenues and colonial architecture reminds guests of its German influence. This is Nambia’s adventure center! I’m also delighted to be visiting new (to me) properties on the wild Skeleton Coast, and maybe try my hand at sand boarding, and the Hoanib Valley, where I am looking forward to a visit with the local Himba community. This area is also home to desert adapted wildlife (elephant, giraffe, antelope such as oryx, and even lion and cheetah) – it’s fascinating to me how the wildlife has altered their habits and adjusted to raw, harsh desert climate. Another spot I’m looking forward to seeing is Twyfelfontein, home to some of the world’s oldest San rock art paintings. Our last stop (before Windhoek) is all about the wildlife – no trip to Africa for me would be complete without a classic safari experience, and Etosha and the surrounding reserves are a stunning way to end my trip!
See Victoria’s Itinerary
Anouk – Malawi
I could not possibly be more excited, and also a little nervous to be honest, about returning to Malawi after more than 25 years away. Excited, because I already know the first breath of warm air will carry the smells, sounds, and colors of my childhood straight back into my bones. Nervous, because going “home” after a quarter of a century feels a bit like opening a time capsule… and hoping it still recognizes you. It’s a strange thing to feel a deep longing for a country one does not really belong to anymore.
What I do know has changed is the safari experience. Thanks to African Parks and some fiercely dedicated conservationists, Malawi’s wildlife story has been rewritten. In the 70s and 80s, when I lived there, our family safaris were either exercises in extreme patience (spotting absolutely nothing) or adrenaline-fueled encounters with understandably irritable wildlife who had endured far too much poaching. “Aggression was the order of the day” might be putting it politely.
Now, I cannot wait to experience Majete and Liwonde, two parks that have become conservation success stories. And of course, Lake Malawi will call me back, including a nostalgic return to “Club Mak“, which in my memory was the absolute height of glamour. I’m curious to see whether it still feels that way or if my young adult self simply had excellent taste.
Further north, I’m thrilled to visit Blue Zebra, run by a former school friend, and Pumulani on the southern lakeshore — new to me, but glowing with reputation.
I’ll bookend the journey in Blantyre and Lilongwe, revisiting schools, restaurants, dear friends, and the places that shaped me — and I promise to bring back stories worth sharing.
See Anouk’s Itinerary
Susan
See Susan’s Itinerary