Namibia, land of contrasts and wonders

From the famous and arid Kalahari Desert to the Victoria Falls in the northeastern tip, passing through the Namib Desert and the Skeleton Coast National Park, Namibia's contrasting landscapes unfold and are unlike any other. Each region offers a unique experience with breathtaking panoramas that captivate the imagination. The red sand dunes of the Namib, the vast savannas of the Kalahari, and the rocky and misty coasts of Skeleton Coast make for an exceptional natural setting. The geographical diversity and wild beauty of Namibia make it an essential destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

A trip to Namibia would not be complete without a safari in Etosha National Park, famous for hosting the "big five": the lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Another astonishing feature is the park's massive salt marsh, visible from space. About forty kilometers from the entrance to Sesriem Park lies the famous Dune 45, probably the most climbed dune in the park. Its proximity to the entrance makes it a popular spot to admire sunrise or sunset. The red sand dunes of this region are spectacular. Located at the southernmost point of Namibia, on the border with South Africa, Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. It is the most visited site after the Namib Desert dunes, those of Sossusvlei.

Although Namibia is generally associated with the desert, one should not forget the presence of a varied ecosystem. The famous "big five," in particular, can be seen in the country: lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo are now more often captured by cameras. The north of the country, which experiences heavy rainfall and is home to very wet biotopes, naturally accompanies a great wealth of wildlife and flora. Etosha National Park, with its famous waterholes, is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Whether alone or accompanied by excellent guides and armed with quality naturalist books found on-site, you can quickly identify endemic trees and plants, discover their traditional use by locals and their adaptations to arid conditions. Namibian wildlife is also exceptional both on land and in the ocean. Its coast receives whale migrations, hosts several colonies of Cape fur seals, and is frequented by dolphins, penguins, and sharks.

It is important to mention that Namibia is not at first glance an "ethnic" destination. In this sparsely populated country, encounters with local populations are relatively rare, unless the traveler seeks them out. It quickly becomes apparent that the tourism sector, although very organized, has developed recently and is still mainly run by the white population. However, more and more professionals from various ethnic groups of color, especially guides, are emerging. This does not mean that encounters are impossible, quite the opposite! The guides at tourist establishments allow for the discovery of different populations. On the road, Namibians are curious and welcoming, each encounter reinforcing this impression. To deepen the discovery of diverse ethnicities and cultures, it is recommended to call on tourism professionals, particularly to meet the San (Bushman) and Himba peoples. Hiring a guide-interpreter familiar with customs is the best way to access a new culture. The key is to choose the right person!