Mysterious and enigmatic, Namibia possesses a unique beauty. From the harshly inhospitable Skeleton Coast with its shipwrecks to the vast salt pans of Etosha National Park, Namibia is one of the most amazing countries in Africa. There are massive, shifting sand dunes, said to be the highest in the world. And nothing beats the Namibia Desert sun at Sossusvlei. This area is a must for photographers. Not only are the dramatic shapes of the sands wonderfully photogenic but here you can get a picture of the magnificent desert oryx.

Photo Credit: Alain Martineau

Botanists and zoologists are often keen to observe the adaptation of both animal and plant species to the apparently hostile environment. Namibia offers a rare chance to see fascinating animals such as the oryx, known as ”master of the desert”, and the endangered desert elephant, both of which are very specialised. The Huab Valley also has rare specimens of Welwitschia mirabilis, a strange tree that has been overcome by the desert climate and is a supreme example of evolutionary adaptation.

In Etosha National Park you will see more wildlife. All of the ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) may be found here. Springbok, wildebeest, eland and zebra range the park and congregate at the water holes in far larger numbers during the dry months of June to December. There are good numbers of lion and leopard and black rhino. Ongava Game Reserve, next to the Park, even has white rhino.

Photo Credit: dconvertini

Swakopmund is a quiet seaside town with considerable charm. An extremely comfortable base from which to explore the desert and the coast, this is a wonderful place to have a ride on a quad bike, to a board at speeds of up to eighty kilometres per hour or Cross seal colony. There is one of the four desert golf courses in the world here as well.

The desert is a wonderful place for those seeking solitude and the time in which to reflect, yet Namibia also offers so much more. Fascinating animals, a strange and interesting plant world, the heart-pounding thrill of adrenaline and some of the most strangely haunting landscapes in the world. Namibia has a unique beauty. From the inhospitable Skeleton Coast with shipwrecks to the vast salt marshes of Etosha National Park, Namibia is one of the most amazing countries in Africa.

The massive moving sand dunes, said to be the highest in the world, form an ever-changing play of light and shade under the hot sun of the Namib Desert at Sossusvlei. This area is a must for photographers. Not only are the spectacular forms of red sands marvellously photogenic, but you will also be able to obtain magnificent images of the desert oryx.

Photo Credit: Renaud CHODKOWSKI 

The desert is a wonderful place for those seeking solitude and time to think. But, Namibia is not just desert. It offers so much more. Fascinating animals, a strange and interesting plant world, thrilling sports, thrills, adrenaline and beating heart as well as some of the most curious and captivating landscapes in the world.

By Sébastien Charrieras