The young nation of Namibia (independent since March 1990) is deservedly capitalising on its greatest treasure - an awesome array of natural wonders that is drawing fascinated tourists from all over the world to explore this exciting corner of Africa.

It is not possible to adequately describe in this brief article all the wonders one can behold in this vast country (which is four times bigger than the United Kingdom!) - but we can visit some of the highlights.

Let's start at the coast - the notorious Skeleton Coast. The long, eerie and treacherous stretch of Atlantic coastline, largely inaccesible even today, is named not for the human lives it has claimed (although those may be many) but rather for the remains of thousands of ships which have been wrecked there over the centuries.

A little inland the sea sand melds with the desert - the Namib which is one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world, nevertheless very scenic and full of unique animal and plant life.The desert plain varies from 50 to 140 kms in width, and stretches the length of the coastline. Here the temperature vassilates between a chilly 18 degrees at night, up to a scorching 35 degrees C during the day.

A rich collection of rock engravings dating from the stone age can be found at Twyfelfontein, 100 km south west of Khorixas. Just outside Khorixas is the amazing Petrified Forest, where huge tree trunks were deposited in a massive flood millions of years ago and through various natural processes were turned to stone. Growing between the petrified trees you'll find the prehistoric plant unique to Namibia - the Welwitschia mirabilis. These monstrous plants have stems up to 1,5 metres in diameter, rising two metres above the ground. They produce only two leaves throughout their lifetime, which is long - between 500 and 600 years! There is one grand example which is 2 000 years old.

Moving down the coast one reaches the Walvis Bay lagoon - a paradise for ornithologists. This smooth stretch of water is home to thousands of flamingoes and other seabirds, including pelicans. Holidaymakers will find the lagoon perfect for a variety of safe water sports.

About 70km north of Swakopmund is one of the largest and best-known breeding colonies for the Cape fur seal. The Cape Cross seal colony is named for the stone cross erected there in 1486 by Portuguese explorer, Diego Cao. In the breeding season, during November and December, the seal total rises to 200 000 or more.

The country's central plateau is dominated by the capital city of Windhoek which boasts most of the amenities of a modern city like night life, good restaurants, cinemas, theatre, art galleries, shops and street markets.

Situated in Namibia's central highlands, Windhoek is an attractive city surrounded by clusters of hills and the impressive Auas and Eros mountains. The height above sea level of 1650m is only slightly less than that of Johannesburg, South-Africa, or Denver, the 'mile-high' city in the United States. The climate is typical of a semi-desert country, with hot days and cool nights.

Tree-lined Independence Avenue with its fountains and walkways provides a pleasant ambience of tranquility and leisure to the heart of the city, with its continental-style sidewalk cafes and beer gardens. Zoo park in mid-city, adds to the relaxed atmosphere with its lawns, spreading trees, shrubs and flowers.

Windhoek is enhanced by stately historic buildings in the German architectural style of the turn of the century. Old buildings which lend a singular charm to the city include the historic seat of government which is known as the Tintenpalast, meaning Palace of Ink, and the Christuskirche with its graceful spire which provides the city with a striking landmark. The white-walled Alte Feste which was once a fort and now a museum, reflects the history of the country. Three German-style castles designed by architect Willi Sander in the early 1900's add a romantic touch to the city.

Street vendors spread their wares on the pavements, reflecting Namibia's cultural heritage, in the form of wood carvings, basketry and pottery.

The Daan Viljoen Game Park is near Windhoek (no predators, though!) as well as the hot spring resort, Gross Barmen (about 90 km to the north on a tarred road). Gross Barmen is built on the site of one of Namibia's oldest mission stations among the Herero people.

Almost half the Namibian population lives in the northern part of the country which stretches from the mountains and plains of Kaokoland in the west to the flat plains of Owambo, Kavango and Caprivi in the north and east.

Namibia's abundant wildlife is the main attraction in this region, and the biggest and best of the national parks is Etosha. Many private game farms are open to tourists too, and on one farm near Kalkveld you can see perfectly preserved dinosaur footprints that are estimated to be 150 million years old.

Moving into the arid southern region, full of the famous red dunes, we can visit the Duwisib Castle, south of Maltahshe. This "schloss" was built in 1909 by Baron Hans-Heinrich von Wolf for his American wife. All the building materials and antique furniture were transported from Europe and brought to the isolated spot in ox-wagons.

Hiking trails draw visitors to the Naukluft mountain, while day visitors explore some of the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossussvlei (about 55km from Sesriem).

Chief town in this part of the world is Luderitz, Namibia's second harbour, which boasts some graceful old German colonial buildings. An interesting day trip from here is a visit to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, partially covered in sand. Luderitz is insited the restricted diamond area and the beaches are strewn with semi-precious stones.

The final natural wonder we must visit on our tour of Namibia is the Fish River Canyon, which deserves an article all of its own.

The canyon is 160km long, but there is a 50km stretch where the most spectacular views are to be had. A good place to view the canyon is to drive on the B4 south west from Keetmanshoop for 44 km, then turn off left onto the C12. Continue for 77 km then turn right and follow the signs to the Canyon.

The Fish River Canyon is also extremely popular for hiking. If this whirlwind tour of Namibia has whetted your appetite for more, get into cyberspace and check out our Namibia links. They'll help you get there for real for what undoubtedly will be the most unusual natural holiday experience you've ever enjoyed.: