Namibia

Offering something a bit different from the typical safari, Namibia boasts spectacular desert landscapes as it’s biggest draw. Though not primarily a big game viewing country, Namibia does provide opportunities to experience some unique desert adapted animals including elephants, lions, rhino and giraffe.

Sossusvlei

If you've seen photos of the Namib Desert then there is a good chance they were taken in the Sossusvlei area. This stunning area of huge orange sand dunes and dazzling white pans is a photographers dream and it is one of the most commonly visited desert areas in the country. The main focus here is the desert though there are some antelope and other smaller creatures to be found too.

Damaraland

Contrasting with the dune areas of the Namib Desert. Damaraland is characterised by flat topped rocky hills and red gravel plains. Fascinating geology aside more desert adapted animals can be found here including elephants and rhinos, though only in small numbers.

Skeleton Coast/Hoanib

Characterised by varied desert landscapes, and a treacherous foggy coastline littered with numerous shipwrecks, the Skeleton Coast area is definitely worth a visit. Some areas are good for deserted adapted animals including elephants and lions, and the coastline is home to vast pods of seals.

Swakopmund

A quirky Germanic seaside town dating from colonial times, Swakopmund is the adventure capital of Namibia. Activities include boat excursions, kayaking, sand boarding, desert off road driving, quad biking and sky diving.

Etosha

Though not on the same level as many other safari areas in other countries, Etosha is Namibia's primary big game viewing area. The national park itself can get busy with self-drivers and it can feel a bit tame with it's tar roads and petrol stations, but the adjacent private parks offer a better big game viewing experience.

Kaokoveld

In the far North West of Namibia, the Kaokoveld is dominated by the spectacular scenery and the Kunene River, which marks the border with neighbouring Angola. Uniquely and unlike the many mostly dry river beds of Namibia, the Kunene River flows all year, so offers the opportunity to go on boat trips through the desert. The Kaokoveld is also home to visually striking Himba people who still live a nomadic life in the desert. Here there is a unique opportunity to visit the Himba in their simple temporary homes and learn about their fascinating lifestyle.

Fish River Canyon

Little known and rarely visited due to being in the far south away from the more commonly visited areas of the country, Fish River Canyon incredibly is the second biggest canyon in the world. Walking in the jaw-dropping gorge is the main activity here. The nearby abandoned mining town of Kolmanskop, which is being swallowed up by the desert, is worth a detour for something completely different.