Truly surreal … Namibia is the closest most people get to experiencing Mars.

The Namib desert is one of the oldest and driest on earth. Gravel plains give way to the red Sossusvlei and contrast clay pans of Deadvlei where scorched dead camel thorn trees are memorialized. We recommend climbing “Big Daddy”—standing 325 meters above the desert floor for spectacular 360-degree views, including the coast where the desert meets the Atlantic.

The endemic wildlife that calls Namibia home is a collection of species that have adapted to the inhospitable deserts, the ethereal Skeleton Coast, and the Etosha region with its unique silvery-white salt pan and Big 5 wildlife viewing. Stargazing the southern sky panorama in its entirety will make an imprint on your soul. The Milky Way shines bright as billions of stars sparkle in complete darkness.

This isolated otherworldly enigma is on par with outer space.