Karen Sharpe

I had the privilege of growing up in the bush in northeast Namibia. I spent my early years on a farm close to the mighty Zambezi River and my parents’ enthusiasm for the wilderness meant weekends and holidays were filled with river rafting and wild camping adventures in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Walking through national parks as a young girl with my dad is a cherished memory. I felt fearless, but from an early age I was taught to respect nature, read the wilderness, and appreciate the wildlife.

Junior school was in Victoria Falls, over the border in Zimbabwe – a vibrant town where my passion for sports flourished alongside my love for wildlife. Elephants casually joining us for an afternoon drink while we trained was part of my everyday life.

For senior school and university I moved to South Africa, exploring the vibrant city of Cape Town and the allure of the Garden Route. After studying hospitality and tourism management, I returned to Namibia to work for a safari lodge in the Caprivi Strip, hosting guests, and then joined my family’s safari company. My craving for new adventures then led me to join a skydiving company in Swakopmund, on Namibia’s Atlantic coast.

But the call of the wild persisted. Drawing on my wide experience, I established a safari company in Swakopmund, merging it with the family business. We showcased the whole of southern Africa to adventurous travellers, but our special love was the Caprivi Strip – a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

In 2020, with my partner and our two kids, I relocated to the UK to join a general tour operator. However, my deep passion for Africa made me want to give more to my travellers, and in 2023 I seized the chance to be part of Expert Africa’s team.

My extensive travels across Africa, especially in southern Africa, have been a privilege. I’m brimming with excitement to share my wealth of knowledge and expertise to create your perfect African holiday!

Learn more about my recent travels on my Expert Africa profile page.