Wings over Namibia

From the air, Africa's 'hardened crust' comes alive in a truly remarkable way, a moving canvas of sand dunes, deep canyons and rugged mountains that will define the meaning of epic scale and dispel any reservations you may have held.

Aboard a Cessna 210, our dedicated pilot guide (one of the four Schoeman brothers) skimmed across the 'roaring dunes' of the Namib, dipped his wings to follow ancient river courses inland towards Damaraland, and put down on uncharted beaches as far from civilisation as it was surely possible to be. Aerial game viewing was a novelty too, with black rhino, oryx, springbok and herds of desert elephant easy to identify on the grand but empty canvas below.

What else did I discover? That the 'roaring dunes' actually echo when you slide down them; the way every creature, however great or small, has adapted to the harsh reality of desert life and learnt to survive on the moisture created by the cold Atlantic air mixing with the heat of the desert; that the Skeleton Coast got its name - not from the infamous shipwrecks - but from the whale and seal bones scattered along its beaches. I have to admit that the experience has changed my entire perspective of Africa!

The Schoemans operate regular set departures throughout the year but can also organise bespoke safaris for private parties. Costs for an inclusive 4-day/3-night safari from Windhoek are £3,875 per person in 2011 and £4,175 in 2012.

Read more about holidays to Namibia.

Email or call our Africa Team on 020 7386 4646 for more information.