Cape Town - Tenerife Desert wonders and Atlantic beauty

In the barren expanse of the Namib Desert, Luderitz appears like a mirage on the edge of the Atlantic. The colonial houses with their bright facades tell the story of the town’s past, while time seems to have stood still in the ghost town of Kolmanskop. Penguins and flamingoes gather at the water and the natural beauty seems raw and untamed. Luderitz, where the desert meets the sea, is a place full of contrasts, in which tranquillity, melancholy and the beauty of solitude have a story to tell.

Walvis Bay nestles softly in the coastline of Namibia, where the dunes of the Namib Desert meet the deep blue of the Atlantic. Flamingoes and pelicans gather at the lagoons, while dolphins glide playfully through the glittering waves. The panorama of golden dunes and blue water seems surreal, as if nature is revealing its most beautiful colours. The breeze carries the salty scent of the sea over the waterfront promenade as the fishing boats bob up and down on the waves in the distance. Walvis Bay is a place in which the bleak grandeur of the desert and the tranquillity of the ocean come together in a magical way.

St Helena, with its fascinating mix of unspoilt nature and historical relics, is famous for being Napoleon’s place of exile – he spent his last years on the island at Longwood House. Prepare to be surprised by the beautiful scenery, with deep-green vegetation, tropical red and yellow-bellied birds and the breathtaking cliffs of Sandy Bay. When out hiking you will see how the climate and vegetation zones can change radically within just a few kilometres. Follow in the historical footsteps of Bonaparte, who was exiled to St Helena in 1815. There was no question of escaping back then and you won’t have any thoughts of escape now either, since the island has so much to offer in terms of history and natural beauty.

The Atlantic waves meet the coast at Dakar and the city itself seems to sway to their rhythm. There’s a lot going on in the colourful streets and the markets are filled with fragrances and sounds. Echoes of the past, the dark history of the slave island Ile de Goree, can still be felt here now. And yet hope is in the air: drums, lively street music, children’s laughter and the smiles on people’s faces tell the story of a new beginning. Dakar is a kaleidoscope of colour and emotion, a city that never stands still and is always alert, always in motion, full of life and energy.

A genuine hiker’s paradise is revealed on Santo Antao, an island dominated by mountains, wind and water. Here you will find a world of dramatic mountains, deep valleys and lush vegetation – and your route will be lined by protected dragon trees. You will see why the island is one of the most diverse in Cape Verde in places such as fertile Paul Valley, an El Dorado for nature lovers.

On Sao Vicente, immerse yourself in life on Cape Verde in its cultural capital, Mindelo. The African influence is unmistakeable here: smell the exotic scents, hear the music in the air and listen to the women loudly selling their wares at the market. The windswept beaches on the island, which are popular with kitesurfers and sun worshippers, contrast with the arid, moon-like scenery.