VACATION DETAILS

Many ships have wrecked along this desolate coast in northern Namibia because of dense fogs, hence the region's eerie name—the Skeleton Coast. The park, which encompasses some 5 million acres/2 million hectares of undulating sand dunes and dry, gravel plains, now has a road to Terrace Bay, where you can find food and accommodations (the road goes on to Mowe Bay, 50 mi/80 km farther north). The northern portion of the park (Cape Frio, Rocky Point, Huarusib Canyon) may be visited only on escorted tours. Skeleton Coast Park begins 220 mi/355 km northwest of Windhoek.

A haven of rugged beauty, Damaraland is most often visited for its fascinating flora and fauna. Spectacular desert views abound, and desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, zebra and southern giraffe can be found on the vast planes. Safaris, game drives and nature walks are popular activities in the area. Burnt Mountain, Rock Art at Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest are popular tourist destinations when visiting Damaraland. Camps and luxury wilderness lodges are the accommodation of choice in the region, providing rustic comforts in the unspoilt wilderness.

The red sand dunes by which Sossusvlei is distinguished by sits in the largest conservation area in Africa. Sossusvlei which translates to "dead-end marsh" geographically prevents the Tsauchab River to flow to the Atlantic Ocean. This basin although dry, has a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted themselves to survive the harshest desert conditions. Visitors every year witness this spectacular phenomenon and photographers divulge the desert beauty of Namibia.