I have been lucky enough to have travelled and experienced many African countries and all the natural beauty that have to offer, but I have never before encountered the diversity that is offered within Namibia. I was constantly mesmerized by the stunning landscapes, endless blue skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and the desert wildlife. The best way that I can describe Namibia is ‘a country that gets into your soul.
Namibia contains one of the world's oldest deserts and has some of the highest dunes in the world. From the rugged landscapes of Damaraland to the breathtaking dunes and scenery of the Sossusvlei and the famous Etosha National Park, it is a region of contrasting landscapes. To explore the country you can choose a fly-in safari through Namibia were you can absorb the vast scale and dramatic scenery from the air; or you can hire a car and drive yourself to the various destinations of interest. The roads are in a great condition but a 4X4 is recommended to fully explore all terrain.
In the Damaraland you will find the desert adapted black rhino and elephant; the latter being very different from the African bush elephant. The guides in the region are very knowledgeable and will explain in detail how the rhino and elephants have adapted to desert life.
The dunes in Sossusvlei are some of the largest in the world. Climbing the largest dune Big Daddy is an amazing experience. It will take you a few hours to summit depending on your fitness level but once you reach the top and see the breathtaking scenery below, your efforts will be richly rewarded. Another great way to soak in the Namib Desert is by a hot air balloon Safari. A truly unforgettable experience that in my opinion is an absolute ‘must-do! Departing just before sunrise you will drift slowly over the dunes for approximately an hour finishing with a champagne breakfast on landing.
A visit to Namibia is not complete without seeing the famous Etosha National Park, one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Africa. The most distinctive feature lies in the central heart of the park - the vast Etosha silvery pan. Large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterholes in the dry season and make for exciting game viewing and easy sightings.
There are many other areas to visit in Namibia such as the remote Skeleton Coast where you will find the beaches littered with whale bones, shipwrecks ruins, flocks of pelicans, flamingos and the Cape Cross Seals. Namibia also offers a unique cultural experience with the Himba villages located in the far North West of the country well worth a visit to get a real insight into Namibian traditions.
I only managed to scrape the surface on the array of areas and activities that can be found in this amazing country and cannot wait until I can go back again to further explore Namibia and once again experience its natural beauty.