The many photos of Sossusvlei are certainly iconic and gorgeous, but there is no comparison to standing on top of Dune 45, breathing hard after slogging up the soft sand and having a panoramic and uninterrupted view of the vast desert beyond. Just spectacular. Admittedly the descent was far easier and quicker, as we took the direct route running down the side of the dune rather than walking back down along the dune ridge.

Nothing can prepare you for the magic of animal sightings, of which we had many. African penguins on Boulders Beach in Cape Town, the incredible seal colony at Cape Cross in Namibia, and the wildlife wonders in the vast park of Etosha. The smells and the sounds complete the experience that a photo cannot possibly convey. 

I have barely skimmed the surface of the whole trip, these are just a few of the highlights for me.

---

There is so much more than the animals and the beautiful scenery that make our southern African Safari holidays so special. The guides absolutely worked their socks off and had a wealth of knowledge to share with tireless enthusiasm; the camaraderie of a small group bonding together as a team, helping out with camp chores and looking out for each other; the local people always with a ready smile... Each time I visit a part of Africa I fall deeper in love, and cannot wait to return again (and again) to further explore this fascinating place and visit areas which I have not yet been.

Who knew seals make such an array of noises? Or that the elephant trumpeting while giving itself a dust bath, in the pinky orangey glow of the evening sunset while zebras and giraffe roam around the water hole, would give you an involuntary shiver and take your breath away? 

The collective bated breath of every single person in the safari truck as black rhinos casually walk right past us; the gasp of awe as we watched a lioness with a fresh zebra kill, guarding her meal against some hyenas lurking nearby - these moments live vividly in my memory.

Remember, try not to get too caught up in trying to get that perfect photograph, but be in the moment to just watch these magnificent creatures and cherish the experience. All wildlife encounters are special and no two are the same so take the time to observe them in their natural environment and just take it in.

Inspired by Michelle's adventure?

Take a look at Michelle's holiday Namibia Highlights Safari Adventure Holiday and also our Cape Town to Victoria Falls - Classic Safari Adventure  which is an extended version and also visits Botswana for a Bushman experience, the Okavango for a mokora canoe trip and walking safaris.

Read  KE's guide to Southern Africa Safari Hiolidays  to find out which holiday is the right one for you.

VIEW ALL AFRICAN SAFARI HOLIDAYS >>