Namibia

What a geological wonderland! Beautiful landscapes are revealed around every corner or over every rise. The western part of Namibia typically comprises a desert landscape, while the east is more Kalahari bush or scrub. The desert appears to be the bones of the earth, without the usual skin of soil and plants. There is not a single perennial river in Namibia - only the rivers that make up its borders to the south and north. And yet, surprising creatures survive in these desert landscapes. Desert adapted elephants and rhinos. Dune dwelling lions. Giraffes lumbering through rocky knolls. Seeing these animals survive in this environment is remarkable and a special treat for seasoned safari enthusiasts.

We typically focus on a few areas in Namibia: the amazing Skeleton Coast in Kaokoveld where it is possible to see desert elephants and lions, thousands of Cape fur seals and sometimes brown hyenas. Damaraland with ancient rock outcrops and mountains featuring San rock engravings over 10,000 years old, petrified forests and more. Etosha National Park with a couple of superb adjoining private reserves where both black and white rhinos can be seen and finally the Sossusvlei area where you can see the world's largest sand dunes and some of the smaller creatures that manage to survive in the harsh landscape.

Namibia is one country where self-driving is a great way to get around and see many of the special places on your own.