NAMIBIA

Landscapes, dunes & deserts

Namibia is a large and mainly arid country dominated by deserts including the world’s oldest - the Namib Naukluft – incorporating the vast shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert spreading inland for 50 to 80 miles. To the west is 795 miles of some of the most desolate and striking coastline in the world; provocatively named the Skeleton Coast which takes its name from the stark shoreline strewn with bleached whalebones, skeletal remains and many shipwrecks; yet home to incredibly adapted flora and fauna that survives in this unforgiving place.

The Kunene Region is a vast swathe of harsh and inhospitable desert. It covers much of north-west Namibia and is divided into several huge private conservancies of rolling dunes and endless plains, ancient valleys and dry river beds in this wild yet beautiful landscape. These seemingly inhabitable surroundings are home to superbly adapted wildlife that has evolved over time to survive in this arid environment. Herds of nomadic elephant are found traversing the dried seasonal riverbeds as is Africa’s largest free roaming population of black rhino, as well as lion and cheetah.

AFRICA

MOZAMBIQUE ZAMBIA MALAWI NAMIBIA

SOUTH RWANDA BOTSWANA

AFRICA ZIMBABWE

The red and yellow sand mountains of the Namib Desert stretch all the way to the horizon and beyond. At dazzling depths the gorges of the Fish River Canyon cut into vast plains. Travelling through these landscapes you will truly look about in wonder. Only occasionally will you spot a farm far off the gravel road; villages and towns are even rarer and water is scarce. It is this very austerity which makes the south so fascinating where unique plants like the quiver tree and resurrection plant have adapted, as have springbok, gemsbok and ostrich.

When To Go

♦ Namibia is an excellent year round destination and even after the summer rains (between December – February) offers a different dimension with the chance of green deserts.

♦ Game viewing in Etosha is definitely best in the dry winter months from May – November when the wildlife concentrates around permanent water.

♦ In winter, days are dry, sunny and warm but the nights can turn chilly, especially in the desert.

♦ A good network of roads make Namibia an excellent self-drive destination and it is only in the wetter summer months when certain roads become inaccessible to 2WD vehicles.