Nowadays, it may seem that the whole world has already been discovered and every destination has been trodden by tourists. This is far from the truth, as it is still possible to find less popular but fascinating places to see. Where should you go for an unforgettable holiday? Which country will delight even the most experienced traveler?
Namibia
Namibia (https://planetescape.pl/kraj/namibia/) is a country located in southwestern Africa, bordering Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south. Its western border is formed by the Atlantic Ocean. Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with a population of fewer than 3 million people. Namibia’s landscape is remarkably diverse. To the west stretches the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world, famous for the characteristic red dunes of Sossusvlei. The central part of the country is occupied by the Namibian Plateau, while steppes and the dry areas of the Kalahari stretch to the east.
One of Namibia’s best-known geographical landmarks is Etosha National Park, a vast lagoon that attracts numerous animals during the rainy season, creating a unique ecosystem. This extraordinary country can be explored by self-drive—that is, independently, using a rented car and following an itinerary at your own pace. The country is usually traversed in a combi-style 4x4 vehicle equipped with all the camping gear, from a tent mounted on the roof of the car and sleeping bags to all the necessary kitchen accessories and a refrigerator. Having this setup from the very beginning provides a thrill of adventure, which is why Namibia is recommended for adventure trips and even family holidays. Namibia’s tourist season mainly runs from May to October, during the dry season. This is the best time to explore the country, especially if you are planning a safari and want to see wildlife. During this period, rainfall is minimal and the vegetation is dry, making animals easier to spot in national parks such as Etosha, where they gather around watering holes. In addition, temperatures are more moderate at this time, with cool mornings and evenings and hot days.
Namibia is home to an abundance of wildlife, from the so-called African Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard—to giraffes, zebras, antelopes, including oryxes unique to the region, hyenas, flamingos, and pelicans. Namibia is also extraordinary in terms of its population, as many ethnic groups live here, including the Himba, Herero, Damara, Nama, Tswana, and Bantu. Tourists are particularly intrigued by the Himba people, who live in northwestern Namibia and are known for their unique way of life and culture, including characteristic rituals in which they use natural pigments such as ochre to paint their bodies and faces.
São Tomé
São Tomé is a small island off the west coast of Africa and is the capital and largest island of the country of São Tomé and Príncipe. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 250 km west of the coast of Gabon. The island is volcanic in origin, giving its landscape remarkable diversity, from lush rainforests to steep volcanic mountains. São Tomé is known for its unique microclimate, making it a dream destination for lovers of tropical jungles. The Islands of Saint Thomas are nevertheless home to fairytale beaches with white sand and turquoise water, including Jale Beach, one of the most beautiful on the island. The tourist season in São Tomé mainly falls between December and February, when the dry season prevails. This is the best time to visit, as rainfall is lowest during this period and the weather is warm and sunny—ideal for exploring the island, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying water sports such as diving and snorkeling. It is worth mentioning that São Tomé has many nature reserves, mountain trails, and hiking paths, making this destination an ideal opportunity for an active holiday.