Namibia

The Fish River is Namibia’s longest river and over time it has crafted what is now the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The enormity of the canyon draws tourists to witness this vast natural phenomenon. Attractions include hikes, horse riding, animal spotting (ostrich, monkey, zebra, buck) and at the lower end of the canyon are natural mineral hot springs.

En route from the Skeleton Coast and close to Etosha, this well-kept secret land is home to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with rock engravings and paintings. Damaraland also houses a unique blend of wildlife and an abundance of bird species. The desert dwelling elephants and free-roaming black rhino are the most popular attractions. A truly memorable destination for a safari.

The Namib-Naukluft Park stretching from central Namibia to the Namib desert is one of the largest conservation areas in the world. In fact, preserved dinosaur footprints are one of the park’s treasures. The wildlife spotting is superb, with lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhino, jackals and herds of gemsbok. Sosussvlei is a salt pan within the park and is famed for its magnificent orange-coloured dunes, the white pan (Deadvlei) and its knotted ancient trees. It's one of southern Africa's most cherished natural landmarks and is definitely on the list of top sites to visit.

The towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are 30 kilometres apart. Swakopmund is a resort town and Walvis Bay is Namibia’s main seaport. This is where ocean meets desert and this region is best known as Namibia’s adventure hub with quad biking, camel riding, dune surfing and desert tours. Other activities include skydiving, fishing and boat cruises, visits to the National Aquarium of Namibia, Dune 7 and the Walvis Bay Waterfront.

The regions of Kavango and Zambezi are commonly known as Namibia’s Wetlands Paradise, heaven on earth for bird-watchers and wetlands specialists. The activities on offer range from sunset river cruises, swamp safaris, boating and a trip in a dug-out canoe. Game viewing is possible on foot or in open 4 × 4 vehicles.

The Kalahari Desert is known for its vast stretches of sand and a scattering of shrubs and acacias. A good rain can bring life to beautiful flowers and grass in the spring. The desert covers most of eastern Namibia and is home to the San people. Attractions include hiking, safari tours and guided walking tours. Spot desert-adapted wildlife like the aardwolf, brown hyena and porcupine and predators including black-maned Kalahari lion and jackal. Photographs can only convey so much about a place, a visit to this magical landscape is a must.

The Spitzkoppe, west of Usakos, is a magnificent outcrop of granite rock - the most photographed mountain skyline of Namibia. Due to its recognisable form, the Spitzkoppe is often called the 'Matterhorn' of Namibia. The area is home to unique wildlife, birds and plants with over 40 rock-art sites with epic historical and cultural significance. Activities include historical guided tours, sunset cycling tours, self guided nocturnal safaris, mountain hikes.

Etosha National Park is Namibia’s top tourist destination and one of the favourite game parks in Africa. It is home to 114 large and small mammal species, over 400 bird species, reptiles and fish. It has been instrumental in black-rhino conservation, and the recovery of the black-faced impala. White rhino have recently been re-introduced. Etosha’s waterholes are wonderful game viewing spots. At the Okaukuejo waterhole, it is common to see black rhino, lion and elephant, especially at night. The perfect region for a memorable safari experience.

The Skeleton Coast Park stretches from the Ugab River to the Kunene River about 40 kilometre inland. The cold ocean winds and coastal fog create a name-appropriate setting for beaches scattered with shipwrecks, bones and debris. The Kunene River mouth is an important wetland and provides water and food for the desert-dwelling elephants, rhino and lion. Activities include safaris, hikes on the Ugab River trail, fishing, scenic flights, visiting the Cape Cross Seal Colony, Kunene River excursions and 4x4 adventures.