My friends often ask me, “Why do you take groups on tour? There is so much work involved, and you must take care of the people as well, and deal with their issues!”

My children ask me, “Why do you have to plan another tour to South Africa? By now, you must have a blueprint and a formula!”

Well, let me answer the questions. I love traveling, seeing new places, and revisiting others. When I see a plane overhead, I long to be on board. The thought of planning a tour excites me. I love the research that goes into it, and I am amazed at how much I learn about a country and a place while getting all my facts straight. Even my home country! Things change all the time, and one must keep up. Yes, people can sometimes be challenging, but a little understanding and a sense of humor usually go a long way.

Another tour to South Africa? Yes, but with a different group of people. They have other interests, and I tailor-make each trip to suit my clients’ desires. Sedate, more wine-loving, and cuisine types won’t want the active, adventure tour. I look at the budget and, e.g., arrange an affordable safari or a road trip. And to be quite honest, I like to do things I haven’t done before either! So, there we have it.

That brings me to the next adventure. Etosha National Park in Namibia. I took a group on a road trip from Windhoek to the impressive Namib Desert sand dunes, then through Walvis Bay and Swakopmund a few years ago. We did not get as far as the Etosha National Park, though. I visited the park as an eighteen-year-old and have always wanted to return.

The park is so unique. The road runs along the large saltpan that one can see from outer space. Etosha means Great white place. Because of the open areas, the animals are more visible. Elephants and lions have adapted to the desert conditions. Some of the parks’ camps feature waterholes where visitors can watch the wild by spotlight at night – a truly fantastic experience.

Our itinerary (23 – 31 JULY) looks like this:

Two nights in Windhoek. We celebrate being in Namibia by going to the iconic Joe’s Beerhouse for a local meal and lots of fun! We explore the various places of interest, including the fascinating Independence Museum.

Next, we visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund near Otjiwarongo (a place where fat cattle graze), where we will see the ‘Save the Cheetah’ project operate. We will see the cheetahs feed and run at top speed. The Executive Director, Dr. Laurie Marker, visited Ashley Hall a few years ago. I bought her book, and since then, I have always wanted to see her outstanding work in action.

Then, we have four nights in the Etosha National Park at three camps with exotic names like Okaukuejo (Elephants’ bath), Halali, and Namutoni before returning to Windhoek.

If you are interested in joining us, don’t hesitate to contact me at elsa@travelswithelsa.com.

I am also planning a safari, touring the Garden Route in South Africa in early July, and, of course, the Migration of the Wildebeest in the Serengeti at the beginning of August.

Here is to lots of exciting travel ahead!