I arrived in Namibia in 1995, with a backpack and khaki fever - I had fallen in love with my safari guide three years before and, since then, life in London had never been the same.

Thirteen years later I'm still here, having found a husband, a home, a safari company and a huge challenge. I had no idea that working in Namibia would give me so much pleasure - the response from clients after their adventure makes it all worthwhile.

Magical moments

I know exactly what they mean when they describe their magical moments at Etosha's floodlit waterholes, how silently the elephants move as a herd or how they felt when they saw a lion for the very first time.

A client recently wrote to me saying: 'Etosha National Park made me feel like I was living in a wildlife documentary, as we spent time among mesmerising desert scenery and listened to Namibians singing with voices of angels.' If I can make this sort of experience possible for the people that travel with us - then I'm happy.

Money matters

Over several years, Namibians that started as unskilled camp assistants have learnt the many skills they need to become a guide. They now have the confidence and capability to lead their own trips and are some of my best guides.

I'd really like Kuoni clients to know how far their money actually reaches into the lives and families of the Namibian people.

Itinerary

Wild Dog experiences

• Experience the scale and majesty of Namibia up close with either of the 'Wild Dog' camping experiences.

• Camp under the stars in Okonjima, watch a myriad of game including rhinos, elephants and lions at the waterhole of famous Okaukuejo Rest Camp, meet the local Himba tribesmen and learn about their way of life. Discover the Petrified Forest and an ancient Bushman spiritual site deep in the Brandberg Mountain , and visit the famous White Lady rock painting in the Northern Adventure.

• Extend your stay with the Namibian Explorer and visit the seal colony at Cape

• Cross, see flamingos and pelicans in the lagoon of Walvis Bay, and gaze at the sunset and rising colours of the dunes in the Namib desert .

• For something slightly different, try the Southern Swing adventure and camp in the sunniest town in the world, visit the Giants Playground of balancing dolomite rocks and camp in the Fish River Canyon - the second largest in the world.

Wild Dog experiences - prices from £1346 per person

View more information on Namibia holidays, Namibia safaris or Namibia hotels.

My Africa

Read other inspirational Africa features in our 'My Africa series': Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania