Faber Family in Namibia

In mid-April, coinciding with Spring Break at school, Pierre and Margaret took their two sons William (17) and Edward (13) on safari to Namibia. Having already been on safari in South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya, the boys were ready to explore another facet of Africa's wilderness and natural beauty, and Namibia was the unanimous choice.

Wildlife is not a focus in Namibia, the highlights center on the dramatic desert scenery, otherworldly landscape, and just being at some of the most remote and desolate places on earth. With the limited time afforded by Spring Break - one full week, with weekends on either side (and a couple of days off school) – time efficiency was essential, and the family settled on Namibia's three most unique destinations: the red dunes of Sossusvlei (Little Kulala Lodge), the remarkable Skeleton Coast / Damaraland (Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp), and the Kunene River (Serra Cafema). When unusual, late-season rainfall caused flooding of the Kunene River, a quick change was made to Etosha Park as the third and final destination (Safarihoek Lodge).

While Pierre and Margaret were a little concerned about how the boys would react to the relative dearth of wildlife, these concerns turned out to be wholly unfounded, and the safari was another unmitigated success. Having already enjoyed many unforgettable wildlife encounters in Africa, William and Edward have a sophisticated understanding of the safari experience, and were able to appreciate the exceptional beauty and unfettered wilderness of Namibia.

Highlights included an ascent of Big Daddy (probably the tallest sand dune on earth), quad-biking through the Namib Desert, tracking desert lions and collecting beautiful pebbles along the Skeleton Coast, and spelunking on the Etosha Heights Private Reserve. The plane ride home was filled with discussion on "where next" and, while no decisions were reached, there can be no better indication of a safari's success!