Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. It is a pleasant, modern city, but as far as the wildlife and nature enthusiast is concerned it is usually just an overnight stop. Olive Grove MID This charming small guesthouse is in a peaceful suburb of Windhoek, yet within a few minutes drive of the city centre. There is an open- air lounge, spa, plunge pool and garden, and each of the ten rooms provide all the amenities you would expect from a larger hotel. Elegant Guesthouse MID This is a modern and well- appointed guesthouse in one of the nicest districts of Windhoek. There are only six rooms here. The Elegant also has a pleasant garden and a swimming pool. Casa Piccolo Guesthouse MID This small, tastefully furnished guest house is only fi ve minutes drive from the city centre. Accommodation here is in nine large, tastefully furnished rooms. It is simple and straightforward and has a small pool. Namibia 38 Namibia is a huge country, known for its towering sand dunes and wild, deserted coast. It lacks the huge abundance of animals found elsewhere but it holds some wonderful wildlife hotspots. Etosha and its gigantic white salt pan, and the lush greenery of the Caprivi Strip for starters. Other highlights include Fish River Canyon, the red rocky landscapes of Damaraland, the Himba people and the waterbird haven of Walvis Bay. For the ultimate wilderness, the Skeleton Coast offers some of the most remote and exclusive luxury camps in Africa, and a chance to see rare desert elephants. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 Windhoek

AFRICA | NAMIBIA 39 The Africat Foundation To the north of Windhoek is the AfriCat Foundation and it is a great place to stop if you don't want to spend any time in Windhoek. We advise a two-night stay here in order to give you the opportunity to visit the fascinating cheetah project, where you will not only learn about the welfare work, but also track cheetahs on foot and view leopards from game- viewing vehicles. The surrounding woodland is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 200 species including rare endemics such as the Monteiro's hornbill, Hartlaub's francolin and rockrunner being recorded. Okonjima Lodge HIGH Okonjima Lodge or the nearby Bush Camp offer luxurious African- style chalets. There is also a fabulous private villa with four bedrooms - including two super luxurious private suites where the king- size beds can be wheeled outside under the stars. Swakopmund Swakopmund is a charming seaside town and its cooler climate is a welcome relief from the desert inland. The town itself is a bizarre colonial relic, dating back to German occupation and is full of traditional pastry and cake shops. Local attractions include the ancient Welwitschia plants in the excellent desert park, huge colonies of Cape fur seals and Walvis Bay lagoon, a world- renowned bird sanctuary for some 160,000 birds, as well as a biannual feeding station for 200,000 migratory shore birds and terns. Boat trips in the bay look for birdlife, seals and the locally common Heaviside's dolphins. Erongo Wilderness Lodge MID The lodge is in Omaruru between Swakopmund and Windhoek amidst the enormous granite boulders of the Erongo Mountains. Ten Meru- style tents sit on wooden stilts with wooden decking and fabulous views out across the landscape. There is a pool and a fl oodlit water hole for game- viewing. Another good alternative if you don't want to stay in Windhoek. The Hansa Hotel HIGH This excellent hotel is considered by many to be the best hotel in Swakopmund. It has 58 rooms and dates from 1905. The emphasis here is still on the elegance and personal service of that era. It is located in the centre of town fi ve minutes from the beach. Cornerstone Guesthouse MID Cornerstone Guesthouse is a small, private bed and breakfast, an easy walk to the sea and the town centre. Occupying a quiet corner of Swakopmund's old town near the marine museum and the old brewery, it offers the charm and intimacy of a family- run bed and breakfast combined with the modern amenities of a luxury hotel. Fact! 70% of the world's chestnut- banded plovers rely on Walvis Bay Lagoon for survival and 80% of all fl amingos in southern Africa feed here. Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Windhoek Day 2 Windhoek, 1- night, Casa Piccolo Guesthouse. Relax after your fl ight Day 3 Waterberg, 2- nights, Okonjima Lodge. Cheetahs and leopards are the order of the day here! ( BD) Day 5 Eastern Etosha, 2- nights, Onguma Bush Camp. Sit by a waterhole and soak up the atmosphere ( BD) Day 7 Western Etosha, 2- nights, Etosha Safari Lodge. Game drives in the park ( BD) Day 9 Damaraland, 2- nights, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. See the ancient rock engravings ( BD) Day 11 Omaruru, 2- nights, Erongo Wilderness Lodge. Game- viewing and birdwatching ( BD) Day 13 Depart for the UK ( B) Day 14 Arrive home Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 2459 ( Jan - Mar), £ 2349 ( mid Mar - Jun), £ 2449 ( mid June - Nov) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights lodge accommodation, guided activities Please note, a four- wheel drive is necessary a certain times of the year. GAME TRAILS SELF- DRIVE This is our classic self- drive on what has become known as the ' northern circuit'. It offers fantastic game- viewing and photographic opportunities staying in good quality ( but not over the top!) accommodation. TAILOR- MADE