Namibia 2024

We had the trip of a lifetime in Namibia. The kids were incredible travelers—patient, resilient, and mature beyond my expectations. They truly understood what a privilege this journey was and rose to the occasion. From logging countless hours in the air and on the road, to trying new foods, swimming in unheated pools, and sitting through long dinners—complaints were few and far between. Even Hazel’s clinically diagnosed “baby bladder” stepped up. Most importantly, the kids treated the people and the country with genuine kindness and respect.

We've traveled well with Steve and Paula in the past, and this trip was no exception. Everything went smoothly, with a notable lack of meltdowns. Having grandparents along motivated the kids to behave with a mindfulness that, let’s be honest, isn’t always there with just parents.

The journey began with a forty-hour trek, during which we saw the sun set three times. An eight-hour layover in London gave the kids their first taste of Europe. Ty and I were thrilled to show them a slice of the city that holds a special place in our hearts from our study abroad days. They saw Big Ben, Paddington Station, and rode the Tube before enjoying dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant. On the return trip, they saw Buckingham Palace, rode a double-decker bus, and had breakfast at a quintessential British café.

Every place we stayed was special: our huge villa at Arebbusch in Windhoek, the luxurious tents at Mushara, our oceanside suite in Swakopmund, and our stunning home overlooking the bay in Cape Town.

Spending time with Edwin and Emmy was deeply meaningful. We loved their open arms when we arrived at the airport, having a braai at their home, meeting them for dinners around Windhoek and learning more about their family and culture. As Americans, we have a lot to learn from the way they care for one another and share what they have.

The food scene pleasantly surprised us with its quality and value. We regularly enjoyed fresh, delicious meals—with drinks and dessert included—for just $35–$75 total for all seven of us. Not having to pay $16 for every glass of wine definitely made dining out more enjoyable for me. We let the kids indulge a bit more than usual, treating them to soda and ice cream at nearly every meal. The best bargain? Wes’s $3 lunch at Okapuka: a perfectly roasted half chicken served with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Our afternoon at the BNC, an after school education program, was a core memory. We met the kids and then broke into small groups to read together. Seeing each of our kids reading with the program students made my heart sing. And the best part was how much our kids cherished that experience. They absolutely loved spending time with the kids and were willing to cancel anything in our itinerary to be able to go back for an additional afternoon. 

At Mushara Bush Camp, we stayed in a bougie tent and enjoyed incredible meals, one of which landed on our 15th wedding anniversary. As we arrived, a mother giraffe and her baby stood just outside our van. On safari, we were lucky enough to see baby lions playing, a cheetah hunting, an elephant, and plenty of giraffes and antelope. Our guide was phenomenal—deeply connected to the animals and intuitive about their movements, repeatedly positioning us perfectly to witness nature at its best. Most notably during the cheetah hunt. 

One of the most magical moments came at a watering hole outside our hotel in Okaukuejo. The setting sun cast a golden glow as antelope and giraffes drank peacefully. Then, in the distance, a cloud of dust began to rise—revealing a herd of fifty elephants slowly making their way toward the water. We watched in awe as they approached, gathered, and interacted just feet from us, all beneath the fiery colors of the Namibian sunset. It was incredible.

On the way out of Etosha National Park, a herd of about 75 zebras blocked the road—truly a photographer’s dream. With Namibia being one of the least densely populated countries in the world, it felt like we had the entire park to ourselves.

The coast brought more adventure. Our hotel on stilts was charming, and the kids saw the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. The weather wasn’t perfect, but we still did everything we planned. Quad biking through the towering dunes was incredible. You can’t grasp their vastness and majesty until you're moving through them.

Another moment from this trip is sand sledding in the dunes. Two young men took us to the top of the dunes on four wheelers so we could sled down on waxed pieces of particle board. Sliding down was certainly fun in its own right but the guides wiping us around on the four wheelers is what made the morning so memorable. I have a video of Ty holding onto one of them for dear life as they zoom straight up the side of the dune. It was one of those laughing spells you remember for years—the kind that leaves your cheeks sore and your heart lighter. A memory I hold incredibly dear. 

After sledding, we tackled the climb to the top of Dune 7—one of the tallest sand dunes in the world. The heat and steep incline had me stopping frequently, to the point where the others weren’t sure I’d make it. Steve stayed at the bottom, filming and narrating Owen and Hazel’s ascent like it was an Olympic event. He called it a tie, though both Owen and Hazel maintain they were the true victors.

One evening, we shopped at a night market in Swakopmund. A vendor at the first stall lamented that tourists often say they’ll return but don’t. We promised we would. An hour and several purchases later, we found Wes back at her stall, keeping his word. He proceeded to revisit each vendor, explaining he was out of money but wanted to come back the next day.

We also loved offering generous tips and sharing leftover food with the people working at the hotels and those watching over our van while we shopped or dined. Their reactions were often full of surprise and heartfelt gratitude—some smiled ear to ear, others bowed or even danced to show their thanks. It was a small gesture that felt meaningful every time.

While browsing upscale shops, two local brothers approached us selling rocks. They told Owen about their families, tied his shoe, and shared that Namibians always care for each other. Touched, Owen insisted on buying from them at a high price—because he liked them and wanted them to be able to buy food for their children. 

The final leg of our journey took us to Cape Town. South Africa felt remarkably different from Namibia, and while the detour added a good bit of travel time, I’m so glad we got a small taste of it. The coastline was absolutely breathtaking, and the South African penguins were a highlight for Wessy. We didn’t make it all the way to the Cape of Good Hope due to the weather, but we did drive the length of Chapman’s Peak Drive on our way to the airport—which was stunningly beautiful.

Traveling with Steve and Paula—who’ve poured so much of their lives into Namibia—made this more than just a vacation. Beyond Steve’s expertly crafted itinerary, it was an experience deeply rooted in connection, shaped by their history, stories, and relationships. We asked them to travel with us so our kids could be part of something profoundly meaningful to them. I’m confident their love for Namibia has now taken root in the next generation.

The journey home was grueling—vomiting, exhaustion, and long hours in customs. When a Seattle customs officer asked if we had family in Namibia, Owen emphatically replied, “Yes!” We quickly clarified, wary of complicating our reentry, but his response perfectly captured our collective sentiment: it truly felt like we were leaving family behind.

I’m fully aware of the privilege this kind of adventure entails—not in a hashtag-blessed kind of way, but with a profound sense of gratitude for the financial means and family support that made it possible. The memories we made are deeply meaningful and will stay with us for a lifetime.