That a habitat so extreme can be home to such an abundance of wildlife – from the iconic desert elephants to the Hartmann’s zebra and the impossibly delicate swallow-tailed bee-eater – is a source of wonder in itself. Discover more each morning and afternoon as you set out with expert Himba guides.

The Hoarusib River, which winds through the Puros Conservancy, has carved a path deep into the mountains, creating extraordinary geological features – none more so than the towering yet fragile “Clay Castles”, thousands of years old and in some cases hundreds of metres high.

In every respect as good as it sounds – a glass of something chilled and interesting as you watch the sun set over one of the most hypnotically beautiful landscapes in Africa.

Immerse yourself in their lives and culture of the Himba, and discover how they have adapted to desert life. And by all means do ask politely about the use of ochre pigment in their unusual skincare routine.