What images come to mind when you hear the word “safari?” Most likely, your head immediately fills with scenes from the Lion King: majestic lions strolling through the tall, golden savanna and cheetahs chasing their prey at lightning speeds, all the while birds soar towards the giant, fiery sunset.

But that’s just the movies, right? Real life hardly ever lives up to what we picture in our minds.

Well, what if we told you that the iconic safari experience is real? Keep reading below to find out what to really expect from a classic safari in the beautiful African country of Namibia.

1. Vast, Unique Landscapes

As the driest country south of the Sahara, Namibia gives way to vast landscapes of desert and sand dunes (some of the tallest dunes in the world!). From dunes to canyons, Namibia’s extreme landscapes make it one of the most unique destinations in Africa for a safari. Not to mention that Namibia is the second least populated country on the planet, meaning that you can drive for hours without even spotting another car! (That also means your pictures won’t be full of other people in them!) Driving under the glorious blue skies, surrounded by the expansive landscapes, you’ll feel like you’re alone in the wilderness. There aren’t many places left in the world that can immerse you into the “wild” like a Namibian safari can!

2. LOTS of Wildlife

Speaking of the Lion King, Namibia is one of the leading countries in Africa for wildlife spotting (especially in the dry season, when all of the animals flock to the water holes). On your safari, not only will you experience huge herds of springbok, zebra, and wildebeest, but you’ll also get the chance to see desert lions and the incredible black rhino—these animals have especially adapted to desert life and are therefore unique from their grassland relatives. You’ll also spot giraffe, oryx, and the very rare, free-ranging desert elephants (which only live in one other country on the planet). And, if you get really lucky, you may even spot a pouncing cheetah or an elusive leopard! You never know what to expect!

3. Off-the-grid Adventure

Having an off-the-beaten path adventure in Namibia is much easier than in other African countries. With its expansive rugged landscapes and accessible roads, it’s easy to escape the typical safari crowds (even during peak tourist months!) and have a personal safari all to yourself! Combine that with the friendly local guides, amazing food, and TONS of lodging options (from camping tents to 5-star resorts), a Namibian safari will truly be a life-changing adventure for the whole family.

If you are looking for a unique safari experience that will fully immerse you into the “wild,” then Namibia is the place to go! Have you ever been before?! Comment below and let us know your favorite part of your Namibian safari!