One of the biggest draws for visiting or living in Namibia is its astounding natural beauty. Possibly best known for its two deserts — the Kalahari and the Namib, the world’s oldest — Namibia’s vast expanse offers something for everyone, including fertile wetlands, grassy plains and breathtaking mountains. It is also home to the Fish River Canyon (the largest canyon in Africa) and Dune 7, the seventh-biggest sand dune in the world. Another feature of note is the Skeleton Coast, whose thick sea fogs make it a favorite subject of wildlife documentary makers from around the world. Meanwhile, the Caprivi Strip, the thin strip of land at the far north of Namibia that juts out 450 km eastwards, is a safari-lover’s paradise.

As the first African country to enshrine environmental protection in its constitution, Namibia is a haven to some of Africa’s most iconic species, including elephants, lions, zebras, ostriches, flamingos, and hyenas. It also houses the world’s largest populations of endangered cheetahs, black rhinos, and cape fur seals.