Travel the African Wilderness: Inspired by the Africa Series

Welcome to the breathtaking world of Africa, as captured in the mesmerizing new nature series by the BBC Natural History Unit. In this extraordinary journey, David Attenborough invites you to witness the wonders of Africa, a land known as the world’s greatest wilderness. In the first episode, we embark on an incredible exploration of the Kalahari – a vast, dry, and ancient region that unveils its magnificence in unprecedented detail.

If, like me, you were captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Kalahari, these extraordinary locations should definitely find their way onto your travel bucket list.

Photo courtesy of Alan Murray

Okaukuejo Waterhole, Namibia

Hey there! I just want to say, I’m really glad the BBC didn’t spill the beans on the location of this super cool watering hole, where black rhinos hang out and have a grand old time. We definitely don’t want any poachers getting any ideas. But hey, I’ve got some great news for you – there are actually quite a few places you can go to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. And let me tell you, they are just the sweetest (well, to each other, at least). If you’re looking for the best spot to see the elusive and endangered black rhino, I highly recommend checking out Okaukuejo waterhole in Etosha National Park. It’s like the black rhino capital of Africa or something. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

When it comes to breathtaking natural wonders, one place that immediately comes to mind is the Spitzkoppe in Namibia. As I gaze upon the stunning helicopter shots of this magnificent site, I can’t help but imagine myself climbing those enormous granite boulders. The thought of it fills me with a sense of excitement and adventure. And guess what? If you happen to be in Southern Africa, you can turn this dream into a reality.

Spitzkoppe is located in the heart of Namibia, offering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts like you and me. From camping to hiking, and of course, rock-climbing, this place has it all. The vast landscapes and unique rock formations create a picturesque backdrop for any adventure. What’s even better is that the campsite only accommodates a maximum of 20 people at a time, ensuring an intimate and peaceful experience.

Now, let me take you on another awe-inspiring journey to the Dragon’s Breath Cave in Kalahari. Just the name alone sparks my curiosity and fills me with wonder. This cave is like something out of a fairytale. As you venture deeper into its depths, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of mystery and enchantment.

The Dragon’s Breath Cave is located in the Kalahari Desert, a place known for its extreme heat and barren landscapes. But don’t let that deter you, because inside this cave lies a hidden oasis. The cave is adorned with stunning rock formations and crystal-clear pools of water. It’s a paradise waiting to be discovered.

Imagine yourself exploring this otherworldly cave, marveling at the majestic stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years. The air is cool and refreshing, offering a welcome respite from the desert sun. It’s a place where you can truly connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

So, whether you’re drawn to the allure of Spitzkoppe or the enchantment of Dragon’s Breath Cave, these natural wonders are sure to leave you in awe. Take a moment to pause, breathe in the beauty, and let the world around you ignite your sense of adventure.

If you’re up for an adventure, I have just the thing for you – visiting the world’s largest underground lake! This place is no ordinary lake, though. It’s located deep below the earth’s surface, so you’ll need some high-tech gear like caving and diving equipment to explore it. But trust me, it’s totally worth it because this lake is home to some really rare fish called golden catfish. The catch is, they’re completely blind, so they won’t be able to see you.

However, I understand that not everyone wants to go through the hassle of hiring special equipment and going on a complicated expedition. So, here’s an alternative for you – Lake Otjikoto. It’s a lake that combines accessibility and mystery. We don’t even know how deep it is, but rumors say it’s more than 140 meters! And instead of golden catfish, you’ll find Tilapia guinasana swimming around. Oh, and another interesting thing about this lake is that there are some vintage German artillery at the bottom of it. It turns out they had to dump it there before surrendering at the end of World War I.

Welcome to Skeleton Coast, Namibia!

Wow, check out this amazing video of a golden-wheel spider zooming down a massive sand dune. It’s so incredible! Did you know that the Namib desert, where this stunt was performed, is actually the oldest desert in the entire world? Yeah, it’s been around for ages! And those gigantic dunes are like a magnet – drawing in all kinds of adventurous people who love to explore in their 4x4s or try out sandboarding.

But here’s the thing – as you venture towards the western edge of the desert, you’ll discover a completely different side of Namibia, known as the Skeleton Coast. And let me tell you, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. This place got its spooky name from the shipwrecks that dot the coastline, stretching all the way up to Angola. Just picture that – an entire coast littered with these haunting remnants of the past.

One spot in particular, called Kolmanskop, is a real hotspot for tourists. Back in the early 1900s, it was a bustling diamond rush town. People would flock there in search of those precious gems, which used to sparkle in the moonlight, right on top of the sand dunes. Can you imagine how magical that must have been? Unfortunately, though, Kolmanskop is now a ghost town. To visit it, you actually need a special permit! Talk about eerie, right?