Things to see and do in Namibia

The Caprivi Strip is to be one of Africa's top 10 birdwatching destinations, due to its tropical rainfall and broad-leafed woodland. As many as 339 species of bird live in the area, including some near-endemic species. It’s also home to the endangered Wild African dog, as well as hippo, crocodiles, lion, giraffe, spottednecked otters, waterbuck, and antelopes.

Bordered by the Kwando, Linyanti, Chobe and Zambezi rivers, this region of riverine forest, swamps and flood plains has several safari lodges offering whitewater rafting, canoeing trips, fishing, hiking and game viewing, particularly in the Mudumu and Mamili National Parks.

This is one of the last great wildness treks, an impressive three-day endurance test strictly for the fit and hardy. Hikers need to join an organised trip with an experienced guide, and be self-sufficient throughout the trek. Due to the risk of flooding and the high summer temperatures the hiking trail is only open from 1 May to 31 August. Whilst in the area, you can also visit the Quiver Tree (Kokerboom) Forest to see these bizarrely elegant giant aloes, once used by the San people to make quivers for their arrows and now protected.

Once packed with hopeful diamond hunters, Kolmanskop and Elizabeth Bay are long abandoned towns half-buried in sand. With a special permit from Luderitz, you can explore the windswept relics of these pioneer towns before they are completely swallowed by the Namib Desert, never to be seen again. See www.ghosttowntours.com.

The Namib Naukluft is part of the Namib Desert, believed to be the world's oldest desert. Here, oryx, hyena and gemsbok stroll over the burnt orange dunes tufted with grasses that stretch into the horizon. The eastern region is mountainous and surprisingly lush with waterfalls, small streams and grazing herds.

The Brandberg and Twyfelfontein area has fascinating rock engravings and paintings thought to be 6000 years old, of which the White Lady of the Brandberg is the best known. The fantastical Petrified Forest, a collection of around 50 fossilised trees over 260 million years old is also nearby, as well as Burnt Mountain, Namibia’s highest mountain.

Leave early to climb giant Dune 61 before sunrise for a truly once-in-a-lifetime view. As the sun climbs, the colossal dunes seem to shift shape and colour. It’s mindbendingly beautiful. Visit the nearby Dead Vlei to see a bizarre landscape more Dr.Seuss than Mother Africa. Stay at stunning Sossusvlei Desert Camp (www.desertcamp.com) for easy access to the dunes.

Waterberg Plateau Park is a mountain reserve with striking red sandstone cliffs and natural springs as well as rare animal species, including Namibia’s only colony of Cape vultures. The park is home to black and white rhino, sable antelope and blue wildebeest. Self guided bush walks are well signposted and four to eight day loops are available.