This nomad has landed

This nomad has officially landed after being on the road for 14 consecutive months. It was not planned; life just kind of happened. You can read more about the beginning from my blog post, “Africa Calling.” Living out of a suitcase was very convenient as I led over 11 safaris last year, not including the 3,600 KM I drove during the Generosity Campaign, but at times, especially near the end, I felt extreme fatigue. After flying over 100,000 miles in the air and probably driving nearly ½ that on African roads, I have officially landed back in Southern California for 2017. I will still be back in Africa for 3-4 months between Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Kenya, but I will be based back in the US; my family needs me here.

Reflecting on 2016, it took me to Ethiopia three times, Tanzania, multiple journeys through Kenya, including my 13^th consecutive season in the Maasai Mara during the migration, down to South Africa, onwards to Botswana, which was incredible, and on to Mana Pools, Zimbabwe. Somewhere in between, I launched the generosity campaign, which took me 3,600 KM over rough terrain through Northern Kenya, all the way to the border of Ethiopia, bringing over $6,000 in food to tribes living in drought conditions. Thank you to everyone who helped make the generosity campaign possible. The year ended while I was on safari in Kenya, as I was given the privilege of leading a private family safari for a special client.

Reflecting over the past 13 years of extensive travel through Africa and all the amazing experiences, it almost does not feel real. Who knew that one trip to Africa could have such a grand effect on changing one’s path? It seems unbelievable that a little craziness and courage brought me into one of the most extraordinary decades of my life; good, bad, chaotic, exciting, fearful, yet adventurous. Following a life of passion and creativity is like pushing out on a surfboard, riding the ways, crashing and burning, and going back in for another ride, taking you into the unknown, but filled with possibilities.

We all get on the crazy train and once aboard, it becomes hard to jump off. Your adrenaline keeps pushing you forward, following your dreams. This year, I want to jump off for a bit and instead of feeling out of breath, I want to breathe deeply. I will take advantage of my time back in the US to rekindle friendships and reconnect with many of you whom I have met over the years. I want to spend time thinking about all the experiences I have had throughout Africa, using them to create some exciting opportunities and new adventures (my 2018 safaris will be out soon).

I encourage all of you to pursue and embrace an exciting adventure in 2017, and be open to all the possibilities of how it can enhance your life. Taking a leap of faith is always scary and risky, because of the unknown, but an adventure, by definition is, “an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity- the exploration of unknown territory.” I hope you all breathe deeply, dream about what will come, and fully live life in 2017.