Namibia Tours

Set between Namibia's fabled sand dunes to the west and Fish River Canyon to the east, Nemesis—a rock formation outside the town of Aus—juts more than 300 feet into the sky, giving intrepid trekkers commanding views of one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. If a rock called Nemesis sounds forbidding, consider the history of Aus: it was established as a post-colonial POW camp in 1915, and more than 1,500 Germans endured unforgiving summer days and winter nights—in tents. Today, this final stretch of the Namib Desert is a more benign frontier, luring travelers with its vast open spaces and herds of wild horses. Custom itineraries in the region can be arranged through Premier Tours (800/545-1910; www.premiertours.com; seven-day trips from $4,195 per person).