Namibia

Living in the shadow of its better-known neighbor, South Africa, Namibia is a wonderful place to discover Africa. Home to the Namib Desert, you can enjoy dune–surfing (or spectating) or ride a dune buggy up these ever-changing sandy slopes that meet their end on the Skeleton Coast. Incidentally, it earned its macabre name due to the many rusting remains of shipwrecks that met their destiny on this stormy coastline. Walvis Bay is a natural deep–water harbor that was once a haven for whaling boats. Rich in plankton, it attracts Southern Right Whales between the months of June through to November. Head to the remarkable salt-laden Pink Lake Lagoon which is a haven for thousands of pink flamingos and white pelicans.  It’s a mesmerizing sight. Sit at a waterfront café in this  upscale enclave or dine on the hugest prawns and delicious exotic steaks at a lakeside restaurant. Play golf, take a sunset cruise or visit the Bird Sanctuary – it’s not at all what people imagine Africa to be! Inland, more treats await at the jaw-dropping Fish River Canyon and in Etosha National Park, which boasts the largest population of rhinos, along with elephants and big cats.