Africa

Namibia

The Skeleton Coast, Namib Desert, and the Etosha Salt Pan

A land of ancient sand dunes, desolate coasts, and stark, time-carved mountains, where green rivers wind through deep valleys and endless horizons invite discovery.

The sand in the Ugab River is deep, and our vehicles work hard to push through it. The engine’s growl echoes off towering black rock mountains that hem in the river’s winding course. Tall acacias line the banks — this is prime Desert Elephant country. We’ve been following their tracks and dung, though it’s old, weeks old. Our chances of seeing these elusive, iconic creatures seem slim.

Then, as we round one of the river’s many bends — there they are. Massive grey forms, almost invisible in a grove of trees. We switch off our engines in reverent silence, not wanting to disturb them. The herd saunters past, their deep rumbles vibrating through the still air — a moment of raw, wild magic.

Areas in Namibia to Plan Your Adventure With Us

From the towering dunes of the Namib Desert to black mountains etched with green ribbons of riverbeds that wind their way to the Atlantic and the haunting Skeleton Coast — this is Namibia. Explore the regions below to begin crafting your bespoke journey with Impala.

Namibia

WATERBERG PLATEAU

This region of stark mountains and open plains is a geological wonder. See the dramatic formations at Klipfinger and the ancient Petrified Forest. Nearby lies the Hoba Meteorite, the largest known meteorite on Earth — weighing over 60 tons and crashing here some 80,000 years ago. Nature’s power is on full display at every turn.

To begin your adventure with Impala, simply fill out our contact form — we’ll be in touch as soon as possible to plan your bespoke journey through the wild landscapes of Namibia.

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Namibia

SKELETON COAST

Dry, harsh, and hauntingly beautiful, the Skeleton Coast is like nowhere else on Earth. Journey through the extinct Messum Crater, to Brandberg, and on to the mining town of Uis, where you’ll find some of the best coffee in Namibia. Near Cape Cross Lodge, visit a roaring seal colony 150,000 strong. From there, follow the dunes and beach tracks to the remote Shipwreck Lodge, a luxurious outpost in the wild.

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Namibia

DAMARALAND

Damaraland is crisscrossed by dry rivers — the Ugab, Huab, Hoanib, Hoarusib, and Uniab — all cutting east to west through rugged mountains. It’s perfect for adventure seekers, with challenging tracks and dramatic scenery. Desert Elephants roam here, and each bend in the river offers the thrilling possibility of an encounter. Visit the ancient San rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Namibia

KAOKOLAND

A dramatic land of red deserts and black mountains, Kaokoland is one of the most remote regions in Namibia. You’ll need at least 1,000 km of driving range to reach its highlights: the Marienfluss, Namib Desert, and the spectacular Epupa Falls on the Kunene River. Just beyond the falls lies a stunning lodge with views across the river into Angola.

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Namibia

ETOSHA

The Etosha Salt Pan is so vast, you can see the curvature of the Earth stretching out across its dazzling white surface. Fed by the Otavi Mountains, its waterholes attract an incredible array of wildlife. We stay on the remote western side of the park at Dolomite Lodge, where the nights are often filled with the eerie whoops of hyenas echoing nearby.

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