Namibia, Africa

American travelers almost immediately notice Namibia's resemblance to the Southwestern United States; a dramatic geological history has endowed the country with massive sand dunes, canyons and plains. Despite its size, only 1.7 million people live in this landmass two times larger than California. Having gained independence from South Africa in 1990, Namibia is just starting to attract vacationers, but adventurous types shouldn't let that deter them from visiting.

Vacationing may be an inappropriate word to describe staying in Namibia, but those willing to endure some rough conditions will find their reward in the geography. The Fish River Canyon, only slightly smaller than the North American Grand Canyon, stretches one hundred breathtaking miles into the distance. To see geological evolution at work, don't miss Sossusvlei, a range of dunes cresting 750 feet above the ground and changing shape every second with the wind. Many insects, reptiles, and ostriches call this part of Namibia home. Indeed, Namibia supports a vast array of animals, including zebra, wildebeest, and springbok (a kind of oryx) at the Etosha National Park. Thousands of seals also congregate at Cape Cross in the West Coast National Recreation Area to breed, so if you find animals in their natural environment intriguing, Namibia will not disappoint.

Swakopmund, Namibia's resort town, offers a change of pace from the daunting amount of hiking and driving you'll probably be undertaking. Unlike the rest of Namibia, Swakopmund delivers cool breezes and misty conditions in winter, a balmy climate in summer. Palm trees line streets strewn with cafes where Africans and Europeans escape their own weather for a few relaxing days. A well-deserved respite from a spectacular yet harsh landscape, Swakopmund marks the perfect end to your Namibian adventure.