IT MIGHT be the most arid country in Southern Africa, but Michael Cowton discovers that Namibia’s natural assets, including an abundance of wildlife, hauntingly beautiful landscapes and rich diversity of geological features, draw eco tourists time and again
The long and dusty gravel road to NamibRand Nature Reserve in the southwest Namib Desert
It is surprising how different the road signs are here!
Boardwalk to the lodges at Wolwedans, the largest concession owned by the Wolwedans Collection and run by NamibRand Safaris (Pty) Ltd
I got used to sharing my lodge with daily visitors
Spectacular view from the lounge area at Wolwedans
My guide Lucas Utano Mdangu, who was born and raised in the Kavango region in the northeast of Namibia, close to Caprivi
It is surprising what Utano could bring to the table on a dusk safari
Back on the road to Okonjima, an eight-hour drive via the capital Windhoek
Senior guide Dean Mafika with the author at Okonjima, home to the AfriCat Foundation
The AfriCat Foundation is dedicated to the long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, including cheetah
Bush Camp, Okonjima, plays host to wildlife as well as guests
The birdlife outside my lodge was quite spectacular
A stork, but no baby to speak of
Today’s guests at Okonjima arrive with the knowledge that they have not just come to another ‘Big Five’ game reserve
Another magical sunset in Namibia. It doesn’t get any better than this
All images © Michael Cowton
