Field guide
Namibia: dunes, Etosha waterholes and the Skeleton Coast
The Namib Sand Sea became Namibia's first natural World Heritage Site in 2013. Etosha National Park covers more than 22,000 square kilometres, and its great pan alone exceeds 5,000.
The dunes
Sossusvlei and the red dunes are at their best at dawn and dusk, when the light carves the ridges. A flight by light aircraft makes the scale of the Namib clear in a way no road can.
The waterholes of Etosha
In the dry season, from roughly May to October, animals gather at the waterholes, and an evening spent quietly at one is the heart of Etosha. Patience brings elephants, zebra and, with luck, lions.
The Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast, where desert meets the cold Atlantic, is among the most remote landscapes in Africa. It is reached by air with experienced guides, and it is best taken slowly.
How long to stay
Ten days suits Namibia well: two or three at the dunes, three or four at Etosha and time on the coast or in the south. Distances are great, so flying between regions saves days and adds to the experience.
Who it suits
Namibia suits guests who love space, silence and wildlife, and who are happy with early starts. It is one of the least crowded countries in Africa, and one of the most photogenic.
Beginning the conversation
Tell us whether the dunes, the animals or the coast draw you most, and the months you can travel. We will advise on the season, since the dry months suit wildlife best.