Africa/Indian Ocean
Namib Desert: One-minute wonder
All you need to know about the world's most remarkable places in 60 seconds. This week: the Namib Desert in Namibia.
The Namib Desert is one of the world's oldest deserts, celebrated for its vast, towering dunes Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Tim Jepson
10:55AM BST 24 Apr 2009
The Namib Desert, which flanks the Atlantic in southern Namibia (as well as Angol and South Africa).
Why is it special?
It is one of the world's oldest deserts, after the Atacama, having experienced arid or semi-arid conditions for over 55 million years. Contrary to expectations, regular upland fogs provide moisture and allow a host of specialised flora and fauna to prosper.
Only limited areas, of course, are easily accessible – but the solitude and remoteness is part of the appeal. Most visitors combine a trip with a visit to the better-known Skeleton Coast to the north. The main highlight is Sossusvlei, 200 miles south-west of Windhoek, highly celebrated for its vast, towering dunes, which, at over 1,000 ft, are some of the world's highest. When there, hike, drive, fly or take a hot-air ballon over the desert.
June to September, winter in Namibia, is the best time to visit, as temperatures, even in the desert, are manageable. Fly to Windhoek, and drive or fly to Sesriem for Sossusvlei, with a choice of campsites and lodges. Or drive around 100 miles east of Windhoek to the Namib Desert Park, where there are campsites, or stay in lodges in the mountains (such as around Gamsberg Pass) between Windhoek and the park.
What about a package?
The long-established Aardvark Safaris (01980 849160; www.aardvarksafaris.co.uk) can tailor-make trips to the desert and beyond.
One-minute wonder: Piano Grande
Iguazú Falls, Argentina: One-minute wonder
One minute wonder: Wilson's Promontory National Park
One-minute wonder
Contact the Namibian Tourism Board (www.namibiatourism.com.na) and Namibia Wildlife Resorts (www.nwr.com.na) for information and bookings for accommodation across Namibia, including the desert region.
Telegraph Travel Hand-picked: Exclusive holiday offers
In Africa and Indian Ocean
Download the free Telegraph Travel Guides app
The world's best hotels
Follow Telegraph Travel
Travel editor's choice
2015 was the safest year in aviation history
10 reasons to be cheerful about 2016
The world's cheesiest hotel photographs
The best escorted tours
Which weird laws of the world do you know?
Hand-picked Deals
Snow and Ski
Cottage Deals