Namibia

Namibia boast some of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world. Overcoming these expansive arid areas, the country contains many “desert-adapted” wildlife, including elephants, lion, black rhino, oryx, springbok and giraffe.

The Namib-Naukluft and Skeleton Coast National Parks act as protectors of the country’s unique desert ecosystems. The former contains the world’s oldest desert, as well as colossal sand dunes like “Big Daddy” and the eerie Dead Vlei. The San call Skeleton Coast “the land God made in anger,” appropriate for a park characterized by wind-sculpted dunes, rugged canyons and jagged peaks. Condensation coming off the Atlantic Ocean allows a myriad of smaller lifeforms, as well as low concentrations of desert-adapted big game, to survive in both parks.

Heading inland, the quantity of wildlife increases – but the scenery is no less stunning. Due to a successful joint venture conservancy model, Damaraland’s wildlife has thrived. This region’s seemingly barren gravel plains and rock-strewn mountains actually support a wealth of wildlife that migrate along the ephemeral river systems. Further east is Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier game viewing destination. It’s not uncommon to see eight or more different animal species around one of the park’s many waterholes!

Activities in Namibia include day and night game drives in open vehicles, hot-air balloon rides, guided walks (including rhino tracking in Damaraland), boating, viewing rock paintings (most notably Twywelfontein), visiting the Himba tribe and local communities, and star-gazing (part of the Namib Desert is a Dark Sky Reserve).