You can learn a lot about deserts in Namibia, and visiting both the Namib and Kalahari you'll realise how different they are. For example, the deep red dunes of the Kalahari are covered in trees, bushes, grasses, and, at the start of the year, carpets of flowers. This vegetation supports a wide range of larger mammals, from springbok, oryx and giraffe to aardwolf, bat-eared fox and the delightful meerkats.

A few of the best places to stay in Namibia's Southern Kalahari include the delightful Eningu Clayhouse Lodge near Windhoek. Further south, near Mariental, you'll find that Anib Lodge is an old favourite, whilst Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is a rapidly-rising star that's proving to be a real favourite amongst our clients.

Meanwhile, by way of contrast, there are several interesting spots to stay beside the Southern Namib – on the west side of the country. Here the drive between Lüderitz and the Namib-Naukluft Park is best done over two days, and there are good places to stop in the middle. Our favourites are the small Sinclair Guest Farm and the engaging experience at Dabis Guest Farm, the quirky Hotel Helmeringhausen and the French-run La Vallee Tranquille.