In a country full of remote and wild regions, Kaokoland might just win the prize for the remotest. Located deep in the north-western corner of Namibia, inland from the Skeleton Coast, it’s far from the famous safari circuits and game parks, and definitely not on the main tourist map… yet.

Few people could actually point to Kaokoland on a map and few people will ever get to explore it, but few people leave here without submitting to its charms. So if you’re keen to visit one of the last truly wild places on the planet, go now before the world catches on.

It’s a place of extraordinary beauty, characterised by rugged terrain that’s been sculpted by wind, water, heat and time. Think towering rocky mountains and huge expanses of desert criss-crossed by ancient, dry riverbeds. Life here centres around the Hoanib River, and while you can drive along its dry bed much of the time, when the rains come it flows (however briefly) with life-giving water.

Unique wildlife abounds, and this is one of the best places to see desert-adapted elephant, giraffe and rhino. You might even spot a desert-adapted lion. Best of all, you’ll probably see them with not another soul around, save your guides and fellow travellers. This is one of the emptiest places in the second-most sparsely populated country on Earth, so crowds are never going to be an issue.

Kaokoland is also home to the nomadic Himba people, and their temporary settlements dot the landscape. Spending time with these fascinating people, famous for their skin rubbed with red ochre, will be a highlight of your trip.