For many people if not most, the country of Namibia (formerly South West Africa) remains a mystery. It does however possess a beauty all of its own from its massive shifting sand dunes, said to be the highest in the world – Sossusvlei is a must for photographers, to the Etosha National Park where wildlife is found in abundance. Add to that some wonderful German architecture on the coast in Swakopmund, and in Windhoek the capital and one has all the ingredients for a tour of contrast with a difference. You may even run into the magnificent desert oryx or the endangered desert elephant, two wonderful examples of adaptation to an apparently hostile climate.

Flanked by the Atlantic to one side and the Kalahari desert to the other, Namibia is a land of diverse landscapes and an incredible variety of wildlife.

Most of Namibia's 1.7 million people are confined to Windhoek, and the main seaside cities, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. However, Namibia's most famous inhabitants are the Bushmen. A nomadic tribe which has lived in the harsh climes of the Kalahari and has remained relatively untouched by western culture.

NAMIBIA
Climate - Rainy season is October to April - daytime temperatures are hot, and in summer nights are cool and very cold in winter.
Language - English, German and Afrikaans are widely spoken.
Currency - Namibian Dollar - 1ND = 100 cents
Visa - Australian passport holders do not require a Visa.
Local Time - GMT plus two hours.
Departure Tax - Included on tickets.
Driving - On the left hand side of the road and roads are good but a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is required for unsealed roads.