An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia

© Burt Johnson/Alam

Not your average desert trip. An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia

Imagine soaring through the skies in an ultralight aircraft, the wind rushing past as you take in the view. Below, the world's oldest desert, the Namib, stretches endlessly, shaped by winds over 55 million years. This is Namibia—a surreal landscape of towering dunes, dry riverbeds, and shifting sands.

Unlike traditional aircraft, ultralights offer an unmatched sense of freedom. Also known as microlights, these small planes are designed for low-altitude, slow-speed flying. Their weight and speed limits vary by country; in the US, they should weigh under 254 pounds when empty and not go over 55 knots (63 mph) at full power. With open or semi-enclosed cockpits, ultralights provide panoramic views, making each flight an immersive experience. Ultralight aviation emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, revolutionizing recreational flying and offering an accessible and exhilarating way to explore some of the world's most remote and beautiful places.