In southern Namibia at Sesriem, the Tsauchab River has made a path into the dunes towards the coast, however, the river never reaches the sea as it’s blocked by mountains of sand. It spreads into pans, surrounded by curving dunes.
This area is known as Sossusvlei with towering dunes that are apricot at sunrise, crimson at sunset and all colours of the spectrum between. Near Sossusvlei are other ‘vleis’ (valleys or pans) - Dead Vlei with a silver floor and skeletal trees and Hidden Vlei with dusty acacias. It’s superb for photography and a place of spectacular beauty.
You may think deserts are lifeless, but walk amongst the dunes and you will soon realise this is not so. The tracks of tok tokkie beetles criss-cross the sand, shovel-snouted lizards dart into nara bushes and you may even see a wildcat in the distance.
Gemsbok travel across these mighty dunes while a larger number of springbok stay within the flat valley floors. Ostrich also manage to survive in this harsh environment, but it is the dunes themselves that provide the greatest impact.
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Damaraland has a wild and rugged landscape and is one of Namibia’s least populated areas. Southern Damaraland’s great attractions include the Gross Spitzkoppe and Brandberg Mountain, both home to ancient rock art and best seen at sunset.
Twyfelfontein has hundreds of engravings (mostly depicting animals) and is perfect for a few hour’s exploration. In Northern Damaraland there are thriving populations of wildlife including gemsbok, kudu, springbok, Hartmann’s zebra, the rare desert-adapted elephant and black rhino.
Damaraland has a special atmosphere of solitude to relax in, away from the pressures of everyday life. It is an excellent location in which to finish your Namibian safari, however, you may want to extend your safari to visit the amazing dunescapes of Sossusvlei.
Okonjima lies nestled in the unspoilt beauty of the Omboroko mountains, part of the well known Waterberg Plateau. It’s much more than a luxury lodge - Okonjima is also home to The AfriCat Foundation. Africat is known internationally and was recently featured in an award winning documentary filmed for the Discovery Channel. This is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of Namibia's much threatened cats, especially the cheetah and the leopard.
The spacious bird hide is walking distance from the lodge: over 300 species have been identified at Okonjima, including most of Namibia's endemics. You will be able to witness the Africat Foundation at work. This unique programme will enable you to learn more about Namibia's most beautiful cats. Okonjima is renowned for the excellent opportunities for viewing and photographing leopard and cheetah.
Etosha National Park is one of the highlights of Namibia and covers an area of more than 22,000 sq kms. In its centre lies a vast saltpan surrounded by grass and thorn savannah, mopane bushland in the west and dry forest in the north-east. The pan is almost always dry. However, in the Southern apart of Etosha there are water-holes scattered throughout the area which form the basis of life for countless wildlife.
In the dry season the wildlife gathers in their thousands around the water sources, leading to some phenomenal wildlife viewing. On Etosha’s grassveld it is easy to find grazers, including Burchell’s zebra, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest and black-faced impala. Kudu are found on the margins of the woodland, whilst giraffe nibble the acacias and eland come to drink.
Etosha’s big cats are thriving with large populations of lion, leopard and cheetah. Elephant occur in hundred-strong herds whilst black and white rhino are found, particularly in the west of the park. Etosha has over 340 bird species and it is common to see ostrich and secretary birds on the open plains.
Namibia Safari Locations
Namibia is a country of distinct wildlife and scenic venues, quite unique in its own right amongst all that Africa offers. The luxury Namibia safari holiday takes you to the highlights of this great land and provides a variety of experiences for you to delight in.
