Skeleton Coast, you will find hundred-thousand strong seal colonies, skeletalshipwrecks and flocks of pelicans andflamingos. Some of the most spectacularscenery is found in the south. Climbing adune at Sossuslvei at sunrise, it is easy to seewhy Namibia is a photographer's dream.The dunes are enchanting, totally unspoilt,and best of all you have them to yourself.Whilst Namibia's scenery is some of the mostdramatic in Africa getting around thecountry could not be easier as there is anexcellent network of gravel roads. Set off atdawn and spot gemsbok and kudu from yourcar, stop for a snack under an acacia treeand arrive at your destination by lunchtime.With virtually no traffic and spectacularscenery this is a wonderful way to explore. Namibia is a country of vast blue skiesand endless horizons. It contains one ofthe world's oldest deserts, its highest dunesand its second largest canyon. In the north ofthe country, Etosha's silvery salt pan andsurrounding plains teem with game.Damaraland's desert-adapted elephant andblack rhino roam freely and can be trackedon foot or in open vehicles. Flying along the10Namibia

Audley in NamibiaNamibia is an easy country to explore withwell maintained roads, a variety ofcomfortable properties and good food. Agood way to get around is on a self-drive tripwith a reliable car, clear set of directions anda map. Traffic is light and you can always pullover to enjoy the view. We have drivenaround Namibia many times and know theroads and lodges well from first-handexperience. As distances are large, it is crucialto plan a trip carefully so that you spend onlya part of your time driving and the majorityof it enjoying what the country has to offer. Ifyou don't want to drive, you can fly by lightaircraft or be driven from lodge to lodge.Both are good options and suit differenttravellers and budgets. Namibia works well asa stand-alone destination, however it can becombined easily with Cape Town or theOkavango Delta in Botswana. If you wouldlike to end your trip on a tropical beach, werecommend Mozambique or Mauritius.AccommodationNamibia has probably the widest choice ofaccommodation in Southern Africa. In thetowns there are hotels, boutique propertiesand guesthouses. Out of town you will find remote tented camps, lodges andfarmhouses. One of our favourite properties,Wolwedans Dune Lodge, is built on top of a sand dune. On any itinerary we wouldrecommend that you stay in a mixture ofproperties to make your trip varied andinteresting. Staying at an owner-run guest-farm gives a fascinating insight into farming in Namibia whilst tented camps allow youto explore remote areas. If you are a keenwalker we can recommend trails where youstay in dome tents or camp beds under thestars. Simply let us know the sort ofaccommodation you like and we will makesuggestions to suit you.Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in Namibia, pleasesee pages 24-25.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Namibiaspecialists 01993 838 525?SossusvleiThe world's highest sand dunes and a place of spectacular beauty.NamibRand Nature ReserveOne of Africa's largest privatereserves encompassing plains,vegetated dunes and the Numib Mountains.Fish River CanyonThe world's second largestcanyon and a good place for hiking.LüderitzA colonial town in the south,close to the deserted diamond mining settlements ofKolmanskop and Elizabeth Bay.4321SwakopmundA quaint German colonial town where the desert meetsthe Atlantic.Pelican PointA sandy peninsula with a colonyof around 300 Cape fur seals,accessible by kayak.65The Skeleton CoastWith desolate beaches,mountains and canyons this areais home to seals, jackals, giraffeand desert-adapted elephant.DamaralandThe place to track desert-adapted elephant and rhino and home to some of Africa'sfinest rock art.Etosha National ParkNamibia's key wildlife area,centred around the shimmeringEtosha salt pan.Caprivi StripFringing the Okavango Delta,this region has rivers, waterways and swamps as well as prolific elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodile.87910Namibia1112345678910Lion in EtoshaPicnic at the Skeleton Coast