The ultimate Namibian flying safari

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.

You would be forgiven for thinking that not much survives in the foggy, mist-draped land of the Skeleton Coast, but head out on a 4x4 desert drive and let us prove you wrong. Guides are attuned to the movements of the wildlife and will lead you along the dry riverbeds in search of rare brown hyena, elephant, oryx, and, if you’re really lucky, desert-adapted lion. The extraordinary landscapes are really the star of the show, however, and drives are as much about exploring on foot, discovering magical desert oases, learning about the plant life, and delighting in the towering sand dunes. At the coast, add the mysterious shipwrecks and the honking seals of Africa’s largest Cape fur seal colony to your itinerary.

Then, there’s the magic of seeing the Skeleton Coast from the air. From a small, fixed wing plane, the sheer magnitude of the landscape comes alive and you’ll flit over gravel-strewn plains and the enigmatic coastline, cracked rivers and rolling dunes. Flight are hugely weather (and fog) dependent, but if there’s a chance to take to the skies, we recommend grabbing it with both hands.

The largest salt pan in Africa and a magnet for wildlife, it’s safe to say that Etosha is about one thing, and one thing only: safari. Game viewing is centred around the waterholes. In this dry environment, the water attracts animals from far and wide and spending a few hours at the edge in a 4x4, binos at the ready, is a sure-fire wildlife win. You’ll more than likely spot elephant, rhino (white, and perhaps black), warthogs, and giraffe, with lions not far behind. Waterhole-watching isn’t limited to the daylight hours either with spotlights illuminating the water allowing you to catch the elusive night species.

Game drives depart twice a day (morning and afternoon), and occasionally, night drives may pop up, but when the sun goes down, you’ll probably want to be stationed at a waterhole. If you’re used to driving through grassy savannah, it’s a treat to bounce across the silver salt in search of desert species including black-faced impala, Hartmann’s zebra and the Damara dik-dik. A highlight is, of course, seeing black rhino, and Etosha’s population is famed as one of the most stable in the world.