The Trip of a Lifetime for a Kirkland Photographer
The Journey of a Lifetime: Exploring South Africa and Namibia
There are trips — and then there are journeys that shift your perspective, awaken your senses, and leave a permanent imprint on your soul. My recent month-long adventure with my husband Marcel to South Africa and Namibia was exactly that — the trip of a lifetime. From the bustling energy of New York and the charm of Paris to the raw beauty of Cape Town, the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park, and the striking landscapes of Namibia, this was a journey that blended luxury, adventure, and discovery in the most unforgettable way.
From Seattle to the Heart of Adventure
The journey began in Seattle, where anticipation and excitement filled the air. A quick stop in New York added a layer of urban energy before heading to Paris — because what’s an epic journey without a touch of French elegance? From Paris, the real adventure began as we made our way to Cape Town, a city where natural beauty meets vibrant culture.
Cape Town was a sensory feast — the dramatic Table Mountain backdrop, the lively waterfront, and the rich blend of flavors and sounds. But beyond the city’s beauty, it was the warmth of the people and the depth of the history that truly made an impression. We stayed in Camps Bay and loved it so much we extended our stay a couple days on our return leg.
Into the Wild: Kruger National Park
From Cape Town, the journey turned toward the wild. Kruger National Park delivered the kind of once-in-a-lifetime safari experience that most people only dream about. Marcel and I were the only people at our Resort. Waking up early to meet our guide and tracker in search of the big 5. We experience the joy of seeing wild animals, free from cages, and doing what they were meant to. Witnessing a leopard gracefully perched on a tree branch, and watching elephant and giraffe herds. Seeing hippos peak just above the water and 3 rhinos close by, while across the river elephants play was a true highlight.
The luxury of the safari lodge paired with the thrill of seeing Africa’s Big Five in their natural habitat created a perfect balance of comfort and adventure. The food, hospitality and peacefulness of the lodge and accommodations with the genuine staff taking care of us was so welcoming. Truly unforgettable and exhilarating!
Namibia’s Stark Beauty
Just when I thought the trip couldn’t get more breathtaking, Namibia unfolded before me like a surreal painting. 14 of us (mostly photographers) came together for an amazing retreat, hosted by 3 well known photographers and retouchers. We road tripped through the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei, with their rich shades of crimson and gold, created a landscape so vast and quiet that it felt like time had paused. Walking through Deadvlei — where ancient, scorched camel thorn trees stand frozen in a bed of white clay — was hauntingly beautiful during early sunrise.
Namibia’s dramatic contrasts were mesmerizing. The desert's stillness, large sand dunes, the vast deep Fish River Canyon and large sandy ghost town of Kolmanskop. Though the landscape was something I’ve never experienced, it was the people that I met and spent time with that was the real gift.
The Journey Home
After weeks of adventure and discovery, the journey home followed the same path — from Cape Town to Paris, New York, and finally Seattle. But I didn’t return the same person. This trip wasn’t just about the destinations — it was about the moments in between. The quiet sunsets, the laughter around a fire under the African sky, and the feeling of standing in the middle of nature’s grandeur — those were the moments that left a mark.
Travel has a way of revealing parts of yourself you didn’t know were there. South Africa and Namibia didn’t just offer incredible sights — they offered perspective, connection, and a reminder of the beauty and power of the natural world.
For me, photography has always been about capturing the essence of a moment — and this journey gave me more than I could have ever imagined. The colors, the textures, the light — they were all different in Africa, deeper and more vibrant. I came back inspired, creatively recharged, and more connected to the world — and to myself.
To explore is to grow — and this was the trip that changed everything.
