Namibia, is a land of wide horizons, seemingly endless stretches of golden desert dunes and other worldly rocky plains. Its vast open spaces are home to a wealth of birds and animals, some of them rare species, and exquisite plant life found nowhere else in the world! The combination of a vast country, largely untouched by man, and a relatively tiny population make Namibia a unique vacation destination.

Whilst on holiday in Namibia, one can explore the Namib Desert at Sossusvlei, where travelers will be treated to picture-postcard views of some of the tallest dunes in the world! In the harsh environment of the Namib Desert an array of fascinating wildlife survives, from fog-harvesting beetles, sand-diving lizards, to the two leafed welwitschia plant and cart-wheeling spiders! The apparent simplicity of these life forms belies the complex survival adaptations that have evolved over millions of years. Enjoy one of our guided tours which include time spent in Sossusvlei.
Along the coast line of the Namib, strong up-swellings bring rich nutrients to the cold waters, which sustain a variety of fish and other sea life, and on the shores other creatures rely on these rich nutrients, from ghost crabs, large seal colonies that thrive on the rich fishing and in turn the seals attract jackals and the occasional lion. For a more remote 'encounter' with the Namib Desert, safaris along the Skeleton Coast will provide an intimate and intoxicating brush with this natural world.

Climate

The cold Benguela current keeps the coast of the Namib Desert cool, damp and rain free for most of the year. Inland, all the rain falls between November and April, with more than 70% of the country's rainfall recorded between Dec and Mar. The national average rainfall however is 270mm a year, with most of the country classified as either arid or extremely arid.

Summer (September to March)
Daytime temperatures average approximately 29 degrees Celsius, but may reach levels of 35 degrees Celsius and up, in both the south and the north of the country. Nights are cool at an average of around 15 degrees. Summer is also the rainy season.

Winter (April to August)
Days are cool (approximately 20 degrees Celsius) and night time/minimum temperatures can drop to below freezing during mid-winter.


Attractions and National Parks

Namibia was the first country in the world to include the protection of the environment in its constitution and today approximately 15 % of Namibia is protected land.

Namib Naukluft Park
This is the largest conservation area in Namibia, measuring almost 50 000km2 and incorporating most of the 130-million-year old Namib Desert after which Namibia takes its name. Sun bronzed and untamed, it is a place of silence and of solitude. A climb to the top of one of the gigantic sand dunes surrounding Sossusvlei to watch the sunset slowly cast its shadows over the ancient sea of surrounding dunes is a haunting sight. Near Sossusvlei, the Sesriem Canyon has been gouged out of rock over the centuries by the Tsauchab River and is now mostly small pools of water on a gravel bed, attracting many birds and animals. To the far south of the park, near Luderitz, one can explore the deserted houses in the ghost town of Kolmanskop.

To the west at Swakopmund, one can marvel at the fantastic rock formations of the “Moon landscape” and visit Sandwich Harbor, where the sand dunes meet the sea.

Skeleton Coast
The southern section of the Skeleton coast Par, which is accessible to the general public, lies between the Ugab and Hoanib Rivers and lures anglers from far and wide to its superb fishing grounds.
This is, however, closely monitored by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Access to the protected northern area of this park, where the coastline is dotted with forgotten shipwrecks, is restricted to fly-in safaris.

Etosha National Park
This is one of the greatest and most special game parks in Africa, if not the world. This is because of the great variety of game and unique vegetation to be found here.

The park covers 22 270km2 of land ranging from dense bush to open plains. In the heart of the park is the vast Etosha Pan (“the place of dry water”). The pan is parched and shimmering silver-white for most of the year, only filing with water about a meter deep in very rainy periods – whereupon enormous numbers of water fowl flock to breed. Game in Etosha includes several rare and endangered species such as black rhino and black-faced impala.

Damaraland
The northern areas of Damaraland feature some of Namibia’s least explored and rugged remote areas.

Here, in one of the few remaining untouched wilderness areas of Africa, it is easy to see why the San (Bushman) people call Namibia “the land God made in anger”. The emphasis is on the spectacular scenery, dominated by massive flat-topped mountains and crystal blue skies; the uniquely adapted smaller desert creatures and plants; the peace and tranquility of being in such a remote area; and if you are extremely lucky, catching sight of the desert-dwelling elephant and black rhino that roam the area.

Southern Damaraland offers such unique curiosities as the mystery of the Petrified forest, the incredible collection of San rock engravings at Twyfelfontein; the massive Vingerklip (Finger Rock); the Burnt mountain of volcanic rock and the nearby formation of perpendicular basalt called the Organ Pipes.

Caprivi Strip
With rivers, forests, swamps and waterways, it is a total contrast to the arid grandeur of the rest of Namibia. With its abundant bird life, the area is gaining a reputation as a retreat for bird-watchers. It is also known for game viewing either in open 4x4 vehicles, by river craft or on foot. Among the better known reserves in the Caprivi are the Mahango Game Reserve, the Mudumu National Park and the Mamili National Park.

Highlights
Explore the oldest desert in the world, the Namib Desert, which covers an impressive area of 55 000 square kilometers in size.
Be awed by some of the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei.
View spring buck dance across the shimmering Etosha Pan (and other wildlife including lion and the rare desert black rhino).
Experience the desolate beauty of the Skeleton Coast.
Explore the quaint seaside town of Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia, where we offer a great range of fun adventure activities.
Enjoy photo opportunities at the 'ghost town' of Kolmanskop, where the desert has reclaimed the town.
Spend a day viewing the awesome Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world.
Enjoy desert vistas and warm Namibian hospitality on Namibia's famous Desert Express Train that travels between Windhoek and Swakopmund.
See rare desert elephants in Damaraland.
View ancient Bushman/San paintings at Twyfelfontein.
Experience traditional Herero and nomadic Himba culture, two totally unique cultures and utterly different from Western culture.

How to get there
Fly directly into Windhoek International Airport from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Frankfurt or Gatwick.
The below schedules for regional airlines into Namibia are offered as guidance only and are subject to change without prior notice.

Johannesburg to Windhoek (and vv)
South African Airways and Air Namibia fly directly from Johannesburg to Windhoek and back again twice daily.
British Airways fly directly from Johannesburg to Windhoek and back again daily. SA Express and Air Namibia fly directly from Cape Town to Windhoek and back again, twice daily.
Cape Town to Walvis Bay (and vv)

SA Express and Air Namibia fly directly from Cape Town to Walvis Bay and back again, daily except on Saturdays.
Maun, Botswana to Windhoek (and vv)
Air Namibia fly directly from Windhoek to Maun and back again every Wed, Fri and Sun.