A short and sweet dash through the highlights of Namibia

There’s no doubt that the pumpkin-hued dunes of Sossusvlei are utterly captivating and a dream to experience. That means the real question is: how to enjoy them? Climbing and walking activities depart either at sunrise or sunset to avoid the baking heat. Climbs range from the epic Dune 45 (the tallest) to moderate hikes and strolls along smaller dunes, and the best part is always the descent! 4x4 drives are also an option, covering larger areas and visiting a variety of dunes. They usually involve nature lessons in the incredible flora of the desert and wildlife-watching – oryx, zebra, meerkat and mongoose are all present, if rare.

For many, seeing the dunes from the sky is the ultimate in bucket-list travel, and hot air balloons and scenic flights are a fantastic option. Usually provided by third-party operators, there’s not much choice in departure location and a (very) early start may be required, but oh boy, is it worth it. Other experiences include trips to the iconic Deadvlei, e-biking, quad biking and an iconic star sleep-out.

Namibia’s self-titled ‘adventure’ capital, Swakopmund certainly has its fair share of heart-thumping, adrenalin-pumping activities for those so inclined. But it’s also a picturesque coastal town with a distinct German flavour (think apple pies and Art Nouveau architecture) and there’s much to offer for a sedate few days by the sea.

Falling into the former category are dune-related activities on the outskirts of town. From quad biking to sand boarding to fat biking, the sand dunes are king and helmets are key, and the sheer number of operators will leave you spoilt for choice. Sky diving trips also depart from here, and you’ll fall out of the sky over the spectacular Swakop River mouth.

Otherwise, there are walking tours to enjoy, catamaran cruises to indulge in, and shops and restaurants to peruse, all of which lend themselves to a peaceful morning or afternoon. If you’re spending longer in the area, try a day trip to Sandwich Harbour and marvel at the enormous dunes and vast wetlands, or enjoy a birds-eye view of the coast on a scenic fixed-wing flight.

This vast expanse of desert is one of Africa’s last unofficial wildernesses and the landscape is so colossal and so completely, eerily different to anything else, it’s hard to imagine until you’ve visited. A unique feature are the rocky outcrops, which are often home to exceptional San paintings. Twyfelfontein has some of the best and most well-preserved, but the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, also has beautiful examples. Why choose, both are certainly worth a trip.

When you’re not ogling the scenery, keep your eyes peeled for desert-adapted wildlife. Gemsbok and oryx are common, as are zebra and elephant, but black rhino are the stars of the show and with Save the Rhino Trust based in the area, sightings are excellent. Game drives are key for wildlife-spotting (you’ll cover larger distances) but walking safaris are also a must to discover the finer details of the desert and even track these rare rhino and elephant on foot. In some areas, horseback safaris are possible, as are trips to see the fascinating Petrified Forest, a 260-million-year-old phenomena.