Walvis Bay, Namibia

As the fish was tossed high into the air, Bubbles tracks its angle of trajectory and leaps off the stern. He emerges moments later, leaping out of the water in a perfectly smooth ballistic dance until he reaches his beloved snack. Precious few moments are gained to allow the last of us to board the catamaran, unscathed by an enthusiastic Cape Seal.

We explore the lagoon all morning in the company of dolphins, seals, pelicans, and millions of jellyfish. Fog lifts and we are treated to a gorgeous day spotting wildlife and learning about the German takeover of Walvis Bay during the First World War. While aboard Wian serves Champagne as we are kept company by a few hitchhiking pelicans who make themselves at home inside.

Our journey continues as we climb into a Land Cruiser for an afternoon dune run toward Sandwich Harbor. Alas, the tide comes in too swiftly, we don’t quite make it. We get out and enjoy the dramatic scene of towering sand spilling into the sea. We venture on to a picnic lunch paired with water dug straight out of the sand. We spot Oryx grazing on butter-nuts growing out of the subterranean river. While we make our way back, Armand pulls over for a few photos with the flamingos and each other.Read more