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After 30 years independence, Namibia has emerged as a forerunner in the tourism industry, firmly making its mark as the number 1 tourist destination in many select travel guides. Hailed as a land of spectacular scenic beauty, famous for its abundance in wildlife, this land of contrasts will enthral a diversity of visitors. The wide open spaces and endless savannahs, rugged coastline flanked by the world’s oldest desert as well as lush wetland habitats, make Namibia an ideal travel location. Looking for complete tranquillity and a place to relax, unwind and re-charge your batteries? Namibia is balm for the soul! Not forgetting the adrenaline junkies though; there are plenty of thrilling activities on offer; dune boarding, quad biking, kayaking, skydiving – Anyone?

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Visit the country’s flagship National Park in order to explore the abundance of iconic wildlife and diverse landscapes, in a unique environment. Witness the wide, white, vast expanse of the salt pan transform into an endless lake during the rainy season, attracting thousands of flamingos as well as a diverse variety of wetland water birds and raptors. If you would like to see the famous white or ‘ghost elephants’, Etosha is the place to be!

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In essence, Sossusvlei is a large salt and clay pan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by some of the worlds highest dunes, characterised by the rich red color. Deadvlei, another white clay pan is located close by, characterised by the dead, dark camelthorn tree stumps which contrast beautifully against the white, cracked clay surface of the pan. A paradise for landscape photographers, Sossusvlei and Deadvlei offer a surrealistic and unforgettable experience. Sesriem Canyon is a natural gorge carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab river and is the gateway to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

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Where the desert meets the ocean. This desolate and yet compelling wilderness, with its unique colour, changing moods and untouched dune landscape boasts the largest number of shipwrecks in the world. The exclusive lodges in this national park ensure every visitor a warm and luxurious welcome in this harsh, but stunning environment. The Cape fur seal is abundant along the coastline, and a number of wild animals can be observed, including the brown hyena, giraffe, oryx, jackal and iconic desert-adapted lions and elephant.

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This ecologically diverse, flat-topped sandstone plateau offers freshwater springs, creating a serene environment and offering a number of hiking walks and hiking trails. It is the breeding place of the Cape vulture and attracts over 200 different species of birds and raptors. The diminutive Damara dik-dik antelope, Black and White rhino, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Cheetah and other small mammals can be found in these eastern central highlands.

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Erongo mountains – a diverse geographical, volcanic wonderland in central-western Namibia! Massive granite boulders and rock formations dominate the landscape, with the added attraction of caves and ancient rock painting sites which can be found in a variety of different locations. The Erongo is also host to a large variety of different plant, mammal, reptile and bird species, some of them endemic or near endemic such as the Rosy-faced lovebird, White-tailed shrike, Hartmann’s zebra and Angolan dwarf python.

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The largest national park on the continent is situated on the western side of Namibia and incorporates 4 regions; namely the Namib, Naukluft, Sesriem/ Sossusvlei and Sandwich Harbour. It offers excellent hiking opportunities and unforgettable panoramas, with a large variety of accommodation available. A surprisingly large number of flora and fauna have adapted to the dry conditions; euphorbia, acacia, commiphora and aloe plants to name but a few, a variety of animals like the Hartmann’s zebra, oryx, leopard, ostrich and smaller mammals also occur, as well as a large number of bird species.

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Located in the south of Namibia, it is the second largest canyon in the world and carves a deep fissure in an otherwise arid landscape, making it one of the most picturesque and dramatic features in the area. It can explored in the form of popular hiking trails which have to be booked well in advance, as well as by horse or mule.

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Nearly twice the size of the United Kingdom, this enormous transfrontier conservation area consists of the Kavango and Zambezi river basins and borders on five countries, namely Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is home to one of the largest protected ecosystems in the world and features a diversity of landscapes in the form of rolling grasslands, woodlands, shimmering wetlands and rustling forests. Particular highlights are the lush Okavango Delta with its spectacular wildlife and a lush array of flora, as well as the Victoria Falls, a World Heritage site.

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The coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are flanked by the Namib Desert and Atalantic Ocean. Rich in Germanic history, Swakopmund boasts quaint Bavarian style buildings, palm lined streets, an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafés and shops. The famous jetty and lighthouse are iconic landmarks, and the lunar landscape which lies further inland, a popular tourist destination. Camel rides, sand boarding, dune biking or parachuting anyone?

Walvis Bay may be quieter, but it feels much more spacious than Swakopmund. The scenic lagoon and surrounding area is a popular destination for bird watchers, with the salt pans also an attractive landmark for photographers. Out in the bay itself why not try your hand at fishing, kayaking to Pelican Point or kite surfing?

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Explore Namibia by plane, bicycle, hot air balloon, boat, train, car, horses & mules or on foot. Experience the tribal culture of the Himba, San Bushmen, Herero, Damara or Ovambo tribes and learn about their history and traditions. A number of exciting hiking trails and eco walks are on offer throughout the country, either a gentle stroll or walk through breath taking scenic splendour or something more challenging for the fitness and outdoor enthusias. Climb the highest dune in the world’s oldest desert, go sandboarding or quad biking. Go on game drives, explore Namibia’s wetlands in a Mokoro or simply sleep under the stars…