WALVIS BAY

NAMIBIA

INTRODUCTION

Namibia is the ultimate contrast to Istanbul. The vast sand dunes are vivid orange with black shadow lines that dissect them with almost geometric precision. The landscape looks more lunar than earthly and yet, somehow, there is still life.

The Namib desert is one of the oldest and driest on Earth with a surprising array of adapted wildlife. We will see giant Oryx antelope standing motionless on the summit of the dunes, their flanks open to the weak desert breeze, trying to cool their bodies.

Up close, the low salt pans look crystal white, with eerie black trees mummified by the lack of moisture. In this intensely barren landscape, the rains come every twenty years or so, creating a bloom of flowers across the entire landscape. The seeds have been waiting all this time for a single drop of rain.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Namibia is an extraordinary country of stark contrasts. There are no greater opposing forces than a vast dry desert colliding directly with a wild ocean and this is exactly what happens on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. It is incredible to crest a sand dune and catch your first breath of humid sea air, whilst gazing out over centuries-old ship wrecks and bays teaming with wildlife. This is Africa at its best!

ACCOMMODATION

We will be staying in two exquisite luxury safari camps located in the Reserve – Kwessi Dunes and Wolwedans. The camps are situated in wildly remote locations, surrounded by towering red sand dunes and vast, open views.

EXPERIENCES