5 things you should know about Etosha (other than looking for the animals):

1. The gates open at sunrise and close as sunset – there is generally a mad rush to get to the gates for sunset so make sure you don’t get caught in  someone else’s dust otherwise you will miss the magnificent sunset

2. If the sign says stay in your car, they mean STAY IN YOUR CAR!

3. The only accommodation within the Etosha National Park is run by the Namibia Wildlife Resorts.  Visit the old German Fort of Namutoni – great views and a super waterhole with a resident group of very entertaining striped mongeese

4. You should not miss out on Sproukieswoud (Fairy Forest), the amazing Moringa Trees – known to feed people as well as animals.  In Etosha these are growing uniquely in soil and not on rock

5. The main road in Etosha runs from East to West or visa versa.  It can easily take a day to drive just along this road (there and back) so don’t get caught out by thinking it is not that far!

5 Things you should know about driving in Namibia:

1. Always have at least 5 liters of water in the car with you.  It is very hot, and dusty and there are not a lot of water stops

2. Know how to change a tyre and make sure your car comes with a spare one!

3. Fill your car up regularly – don’t chance it to “make it to the next town”

4. Have plenty of music and plenty of battery life in your iPod.

5. Estimate the time you think it will take you and then add on another hour or two (don’t always rely on the map) – road conditions are generally good but driving on dirt roads makes for a longer trip

5 of the amazing things to see in Damaraland:

1. Views Views and  more Views
 
2. The Organ Pipes – a series of dolerite pipes that resemble organs pipes - though these ones were created 100 million years ago.  Caught at the right time, the colours are amazing and this is a geologist’s dream stop.
 
3. The mighty Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia (2,573m).  Its name meaning “Fire Mountain” which comes from the glowing colour it can get around sunset.  It also houses the famous “White Lady” rock painting of the San (Bushman) tribes – a spiritual site.
 
4. The imposing silhouette of Spitzkoppe – the Atlantic wind blowing sand particles and significant temperature changes between day and night have sculptured the ochre granite of these mountains into polished curves, arches, columns and countless extraordinary shapes.  The light generated by the setting sun is magical – rock and sky merging together in a blaze of gold, crimson and deep purple…..

5. Twyfelfontein – 2 thousand rock carvings created over 2 thousand years – in 2007 this was approved as Namibia’s first World Heritage Site

5 amazing things about Sossusvlei:

1. The colours and scenery here is some of the most contrasting and remote that you will find anywhere in the world

2. The combination of Sand Dunes, Grasslands, Mountains, Desert & Game – which all make for a photographers paradise

3. The highest Dune is Big Daddy at 300m

4. The closest dune to the road is Dune 45, which is what makes it the most popular one

5. The most amazing way to witness this phenomenal place – is from the heights of a hot air balloon