Namib Desert, Sossusvlei Sea of Sand in Namibia

Big Daddy Dune in Namib Desert ©Solange Hando

Stretching along the coast of Namibia, the Namib desert is said to be 55 million years old and claims some of the highest dunes in the world

What's this? ©Solange Hando

My shadow in the early morning, at the entrance to the Naukluft National Park listed by UNESCO. This was my first view of the desert heading towards Sossusvlei and the Sea of Sand.

Morning Light in the Namib Dune Corridor ©Solange Hando

This is an oryx, the national animal, soon after sunrise. Superb colours across the dunes, changing all along the way,  from pink and apricot to orange or flaming red.

Greenery in the Desert ©Solange Hando

Moisture and even fog from the Atlantic can bring a semblance of life to the desert, such as wild sage or mirabilis popping up up here and there. You might also come across desert elephants and white ants found nowhere else on earth.

Deadvlei below Big Daddy Dune ©Solange Hando

Beyond the end of the road, a safari ride takes you to the start of a short trail which leads to this white clay pan, a dried up oasis bristling with dead camel thorn trees. Lovely contrasting colours.

Namib Desert from the air ©Solange Hando

This was my final view of the desert from a light aircraft, heading towards the Skeleton Coast.

Loved it and would highly recommend it, flight starts in Swakopmund.

Namibia Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon in Namibia ©Solange Hando

At an altitude of 900-1100 metres, this is the second largest canyon in the world, 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and 550 metres deep. It is part of Transfrontier Park shared with South Africa.

Steps down into the Canyon ©Solange Hando

Hiking down in the canyon must be booked in advance, guide compulsory, 86 km, 4-5 challenging days over pools and rocks and only two emergency exits. But a gentle up and down trail along the ridge is accessible to most visitors, with wonderful views and no commercialisation.

Eerie shadow over the abyss ©Solange Hando

Best time to see the canyon is early morning before the crowds arrive and strange shadows creep across the land. Notice the river, a mere trickle of water but expect floods in late summer.

Another dramatic view ©Solange Hando

Allow plenty of time to explore and you may spot the wild life, zebra, kudu, baboon, springbok and more.  There are hot springs at the lower end of the canyon in the Ai-Ais oasis.

Flowers in Fish River Canyon ©Solange Hando

Delightful for botanists too as wild lobelia, fire lilies, yellow devil's thorn and other flowers cling tenaciously to the very edge of the canyon.