Khorixas, Namibia: On my birthday, I had hoped to see a giraffe, zebra or elephant. Instead, I was paid a visit from the birthday bananasaurus, a special singing banana that Thomas debuted in 2013. This little guy traveled all the way from Turks & Caicos where he made his last appearance to the Damaraland, Namibia. After a tune and birthday breakfast, we decided to take a one-night break from camping to celebrate in a lodge.

The cute bungalow where we stayed between Khorixas and Outjo, Namibia, served kudu steaks & a nice South African wine for dinner. We watched the sundown, sat by the fire and were serenaded by the native Damara employees who closed out the night with lively song & dance.