About PARU

Suitcases shut, hearts open

That is what it is like when everyone in the family is a travel enthusiast.

Because for us, travel is not just "bags packed, sunscreen on and party". Travelling is about breaking away, experiencing unspoiled nature first-hand, meeting new people and immersing oneself in foreign cultures. This is why PARU is the first choice for bespoke and mindful travel experiences.

Die Paru-Familie lacht in die Kamera und steht vor einem Fluss.
Our story

Somebody is always off travelling somewhere

Family ties are not the only thing we have in common: we also share a passion for customised travel experiences, a deep-rooted love of nature and the firm conviction that mindful holidays are extremely enriching experiences.

Of course, we differ in many ways too. With respect to where we live, for instance, and in our backgrounds. We are: Olivia, a yoga teacher with an unquenchable thirst for travel; Chris, who, since leaving a successful corporate career, has the Riverdance Lodge in Namibia with his wife, Pascale; and Julia and Jonathan, who provide the necessary professional background thanks to their training and experience in the tourism sector.  

Just as family characterises the structure of our company, cordiality characterise our dealings with clients. Deep trust, warmth and a strong sense of community shape the trips we arrange. And we want to convey all of that to our clients: only when their experience enchants them, brings them closer together and remains unforgettable can we congratulate ourselves on a job well done.
PARU is a small group of travel-crazed individuals with big ambitions. And PARU is also a family: Pascale and Chris; daughters, Julia and Oliva, and their partners, Jonathan and Soufiane. Along with some good friends who assist us, primarily on the ground in our travel destinations.

Established
2024
Staff
6
The team

The PARU family

Chris Haefeli

Chris Haefeli

Founder
Chris lives in Namibia and Switzerland, loves adventures and new challenges - always with a “Hakuna Matata” smile!
Pascale Haefeli

Pascale Haefeli

Founder
My favourite experience:
RIVERDANCE Lodge
Pascale, mother of three daughters and an adventure lover, is crazy about yoga, elephants and wild Africa. Together with her husband, she runs a lodge in Namibia that radiates so much warmth that guests never want to leave.
Julia Palka

Julia Palka

Travel Design & Finance
Julia loves to be surprised by new experiences and to immerse herself in the world of tourism with full enthusiasm. Passion and projects close to her heart are her motivation!
Olivia Tizougarine

Olivia Tizougarine

Travel design & social media
My favourite experience:
Camping in Namibia's wild nature
Travel junkie, mom, yoga teacher and adventurer - always on the go, whether on the mat or with a backpack. Olivia creates your dream trip with plenty of passion!
Jonathan Palka

Jonathan Palka

Product & brand experience
Globetrotter, adventurer and philanthropist - with an irrepressible curiosity for new horizons and his drive for the next big thing, Jonathan infects everyone around him with his energy.
Wentzel Mall

Wentzel Mall

Guide & Destination Expert
Wentzel is a passionate guide in southern Africa who loves nature, photography, overlanding, and bird watching. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and invites you to discover the beauty of the bush and its rivers together.
Our promise to you

Your journey, our calling

We will remain closely involved and ensure that your trip is stress-free and pleasant, feels natural and free of constraints. From the first "hello" to your return, we will stand by you. But don't worry: you will be able to enjoy your bungalow and the fabulous view all by yourself, or just with your travelling companion(s).

You will experience what life is really like in the region you are visiting, with all the cultural trimmings. This is thanks to the locals from our network, who we think of as part of the PARU family because for us, family does not have to be based on blood relationships but can also stem from a kind of intellectual kinship. Thus, in addition to our own experience and knowledge about the local conditions, we rely on our local experts – people we know and treasure and in whom we trust. They know their regions well and can communicate the life and culture there in an authentic fashion.

Travel with PARU

No stress, big Yes!

Slow travel

We will plan your holiday as a relaxing immersion in the vibe of Africa – no time pressures, no large-scale tourism. Sometimes you just need to take it slow and savour the pleasure of the experience.

Mindfulness

We steer well clear of the kinds of trips that fade away into insignificance. Seeing the world while also respecting it – that is our that motto.

Made in Switzerland

We will bring level-headed Swiss reliability to the planning of your travel. And we know the way from the heart of Europe to southern Africa, having followed it ourselves.