I have been traveling by myself for decades, taking the chance to be myself without the risk of disappointing travel companions I suppose.

There have been times when I have traveled with a group. In these situations I carefully conduct myself in an anonymous manner free to break away on my own terms. But there was that one trip, a few years back, when I happened upon a group of photographers who I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with. We all met on safari in Botswana by happenstance. Can this independent traveler tolerate spending 2 weeks in a 4x4 truck with complete strangers sharing meals, stories, and conversation for days on end in the African bush? Hella Yeah!

It was such an enjoyable experience that I contacted everyone to join me on a Namibian road trip which we just returned from this September.  

Several members of our original group opted out but two new photographers joined in their stead. We all bonded through our common interest in wildlife photography and environmental conservation.  Other connections formed organically as the days marched on. Jamie Thom, owner of Conservation Safari Company, expertly served as our travel guide organizing all of the little details that any group of photographers would require. He deftly kept an eye out to make sure all of us were engaged with the sightings we encountered, offering photography tips and creative ideas for us to explore along the journey.

Meet my crew

• 3 Californians who brought levity and artisanal rum to the group. Quick with the latest urban slang I had to stay on my toes to keep up with all of their hip cultural references.

• 2 South Africans. There isn’t a more charming man in the world than one from South Africa (excluding my husband of course). Friendly, attentive, and ready for levity our South African companions balanced out the loco Americans.

• 1 quirky brunette. I’m quick to laugh with a tendency to take solitary walks while others are sleeping.

Africa has been become my favorite continent to visit for so many reasons, the wild environments being the first. I find that I learn a little bit more about myself when I am abroad, in a totally different environment. This time my lessons were learned with friends.