No journey to Namibia is complete without a substantial amount of time dedicated to the ancient desert lands of the Namib, known for its dramatic sand dunes and wondrous, arid landscapes. Within the park, two adjoining valleys of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are a major tourist draw (dead trees rising dramatically from the white clay earth of the latter have been the subject of much photographic exploration), and standing at 80m tall Dune 45 is the one easiest to reach from Sesriem gate.

For a closer look at Namibia's historic path to late independence in 1990, visit the Independence Memorial Museum housed inside an imposing modernist building in Windhoek's former colonial heart. The museum was designed by a North Korean construction company, involved in multiple construction projects across Africa, hence the socialist aesthetic. The top floor panoramic restaurant is worth a pit stop.

Just next to Lu Xun Park, you'll find Qingdao Underwater World, also known as the Marine Products Museum. Covering 7,300 square metres, this aquatic wonderland houses an impressive 4,000 tonnes of water and showcases a diverse range of marine life. It's the kind of place where you can explore everything from colourful fish to fascinating sea creatures, all under one roof.

Another popular way of getting to know Fort Myers' landscapes and nature is going on a boat trip. Manatee & Eco River Tours (manateeandecorivertours.com) organize trips along the Caloosahatchee and Orange rivers, with a naturalist on board to tell you about the local flora and fauna. Different options are available — check out the manatee tours (only December to March), which allow visitors to get close to these uncommon sea creatures, or get into a romantic mood with a sunset tour. Book your trip on their website. Magic Wind Adventure Sailing (sailmagicwind.com) is run by an enthusiastic couple that offers sailing trips on the gulf for up to 6 passengers. Book your trip on their website or by phone.