There's never been a better time to be in Namibia - but move fast to take advantage of good prices. A rare phenomenon has led to the Naukluft Mountain ravines becoming inundated with rain, which flowed into the Tsauchab River, seeped into the Sesriem Canyon and caused a deluge in the desert.

At Sossusvlei, the pans between Namibia's largest, most famous dunes, were filled overnight. While the river will subside quickly, the pans will remain full and, in time, lilies will bloom and bright yellow devil thorn flowers will carpet the water's edge, attracting flocks of birds.

Expert Africa offers the chance to witness this rare event on a ten-day Dik Dik self-drive safari, available until March 14. It takes in the dunes and mountains of the Naukluft region and the neo-Bavarian town of Swakopmund and costs from £1,037 with a flight from Gatwick, car hire and nine nights' accommodation with meals.

A discounted package to the region is available between March 5 and 31 with CC Africa Safaris and includes transfers from Windhoek Airport and two nights in Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge. It now costs £447.

An 11-day tour through another part of the country is on offer until March 13 with Wild about Africa. The Aloe Safari itinerary includes Etosha National Park, the world's highest sand dunes, a Himba community, and the AfriCat conservation project. It costs from £949 with a flight from Gatwick, seven nights' camping, three nights in lodges, most meals and park fees.

www.expertafrica.com - 020-8232 9777

ccafrica.com - 0027 118094314

wildaboutafrica.com - 020-8758 4717

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