Namibia

Namibia lies on the West side of Africa, above South Africa and below Angola.

It gained independence from South Africa in 1990 and is now one of the most politically stable and prosperous countries in the whole of sub -saharan Africa. A paradise for wildlife viewing, it differs from other 'safari' destinations in that you can quite safely do it all yourself without being a member of a party or group and being subjected to the more commercialised aspects of African tourism. In Namibia, you get to see the real Africa.

There is something for everyone - sightseeing, photography, animal viewing, fishing, balloon flights, gliding, windsurfing, birdwatching - even shopping if you must.

Accommodation is cheap, fuel is cheap and you can fly direct from London Gatwick. So why go and lie on a beach with the rest of the hordes? You won't find beer swilling louts here. There's no noisy nightclubs and music blaring out everywhere. No one wearing Union Jack shorts and no screaming kids making a nuisance round a swimming pool. Just peace, quiet and stunning scenery. Oh - and it's hot!

Take a camera and you might just get a photo of a lion on a kill or two bull elephants fighting. Beats the hell out of making faces into a mobile phone in some disco. Try eating a big juicy steak under the stars next to a camp fire, with a glass of South African red wine to accompany it. You'll never eat a paella and drink San Migual again.

Got to be worth a go, hasn't it. You can get there quicker than you can get to Disneyland or a villa in Florida - and you won't get mugged as soon as you drive your hire car out of the airport. Everyone speaks English as well, so there's no need to shout to make yourself understood.