Carol Harnett travelled to Namibia in November 2004 as a guest of the Namibian Tourist Board who are keen to promote Namibia as an up and coming destination, perhaps as an alternative to South Africa or Kenya....

It took an hour to fly in a 6-seater Cessna from Windhoek to Wolwedans Dune Lodge, with spectacular scenery of the dunes and mountains on the way. Driving would take up to 7 hours. This is the only way to travel to the Soussesvlei area.

This camp is in the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve and is the perfect base to discover this unique and diverse desert habitat. Three walls are canvas, and the accommodation has showers only, but the beds were comfortable. The pan-African cuisine was good and they have a nice swimming pool, although the water is cold. The staff were very helpful but as it's very windy and the temperature drops at night, remember to ask how to secure the canvas flaps! A 2 - night stay is recommended.
(www.wolwedans.com ).

We were taken on a fantastic drive into the desert – gemsbok (Eland) everywhere, ostriches, a bat-eared fox and plenty of sand! The next day we flew over the Soussousvlei area, then over three old diamond mines and onto where the dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean to see the seals all along the coast. Another spectacular flight and an absolute must, lasting 2 hours.

In Windhoek I stayed at the Kalahari Sands Hotel & Casino. Conveniently located in the centre of Windhoek 's business centre and close to a shopping mall, this hotel boasts a rooftop pool, gym and sauna. I would recommend the Gathemann's Restaurant, within walking distance of the hotel.

Other recommended accommodation in Windhoek includes the wonderful 5* Olive Grove Guest House; The Hotel Thule, offering great views and a lovely pool area; and if you're travelling with children, the Windhoek Country Club, with a large pool and gardens, golf, and free shuttle into town.

Namibia 's capital has a very heavy German influence here, dating from 1890 when they first arrived, then settled once the railway arrived in 1902. As you stroll through the centre, pavement cafés and picturesque old German architecture conspire to give an airy, European feel, whilst street-vendors remind you that this is Africa . Whilst in Windhoek , you must eat in Joe's Beerhouse - a local institution, but go for dinner not lunch for the outdoor dining experience.

In Swakopmund, a 4-hour drive from Windhoek , I stayed in the Hansa Hotel, a nice, centrally located hotel. Close to all the tourist amenities being only a five-minute stroll away from the beach and close to the famous dunes of the Namib Desert . Swakop is great for shopping and seafood restaurants.

I also inspected the Rossmund Country Club just outside Swakop, which is in a very peaceful location with the dunes in the background, and they offer a shuttle bus into town, a swimming pool and restaurant. Perfect for those who want to play golf and stay in the best accommodation in the area.

Just before we departed to fly home, I was able to have a look at the Desert Express at the station in Windhoek. This is a great little train which is due to expand its service and go to Etosha next year, which would save the long, hot and dusty drive.