Namibia and Cape Town: Wild dunes and wilder views

Bristling with excitement, you board the plane to Windhoek, lean back, snuggle up in your seat and dream of all the adventures that await you in the African wilderness as you jet through the night sky. When you open your eyes a few hours later, your dreams have become reality. Welcome to Namibia, the land of surreal beauty!

Three, two, one – let's go! As you arrive at the airport in Windhoek, you're greeted by the warm Namibian air. A thirst for adventure wells up within you, and your hire car is ready and waiting for a road trip. But today, you're exploring the city and relaxing in your accommodation, which is right nearby. You stroll through the streets past the main sights, stock up on provisions for the coming days and rejoice at the sound of your inner voice speaking that one clear and unmistakable thought you’ve been wanting to express for so long: 'The adventure has begun!'

You crank up your road trip playlist, step on the accelerator and, as you leave Windhoek behind you in a swirling cloud of dust, the endless expanse of the Namib Desert unfolds before you. The orange tones as far as the horizon are suddenly interrupted by a rugged mountain range. In front of you lies the Spreetshoogte Pass – one of the steepest mountain passes in Namibia and also the most beautiful! If you need a break along the way, make a stop in the small desert village of Solitaire, where you can top off your petrol and provisions in style between eye-catching, wrecked antique cars.

Shortly thereafter, you're speechless. You've arrived! In the middle of nowhere between Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei lies your glamping tent surrounded by fiery red dunes. You spend a cosy evening around the campfire or at the bar and listen to the rushing wind before letting the sounds of nature lull you to sleep – sweet dreams guaranteed!

You can already sense the dawn. Everything's still quiet, but in the distance, adventure's calling. Off you go to the gateway to the famous star dunes of Sossusvlei! You head out on the paved road to Namib-Naukluft National Park (entrance fee payable on site) and cruise further and further into the desert. At the car park, you have a choice: change to the shuttle (optional, payable on site) or use your four-wheel drive to battle through the sand yourself. Your destination? A desert hike to the glowing orange Big Daddy Dune! In glorious morning light with clear, cool air filling your lungs, you find yourself in front of one of the most unusual sights in the world: Deadvlei. The sight of it is almost unbelievable. In vivid contrast, the white clay pan stands out against the landscape, and centuries-old camel thorn trees tower into the sky. You're not sure if it's a dream or reality; the natural wonder is just so surreal!