Nothing can quite prepare you for the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei. This immense bright orange landscape is best seen at sunrise, when the shadows accentuate the curves of these giant beasts and the desert comes alive with a surprising variety of flora and fauna.
Swakopmund is an unexpected German seaside town in the middle of the desert! It is also dubbed ‘the adventure capital of Namibia’ due to the wide variety of activities on offer here. From quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, desert tours, marine cruises or kayaking to spot seals and dolphins there is something for everyone. The brave can event try the adrenaline-filled sport of Dune Boarding, where you hurtle down sandy slopes on a snowboard!
Aside from the dramatic volcanic landscape and jagged mountains, wild, remote Damaraland has some very special features. In Twyfelfontein, you can see extraordinary depictions of animals and symbols made by ancient San hunters as they passed through here many thousands of years ago. If you are lucky you will spot desert adapted elephants roaming the dry river beds, alongside endangered black rhino.
The waterholes in Etosha National Park attract extraordinary numbers of thirsty wildlife who have crossed the vast desert pan. Unlike most safaris there’s no need to drive round and round, you can simply park up and let the animals come to you! Lions, leopard, elephant and rhino are often seen here. It is one of the world’s greatest (and easiest) wildlife viewing areas!