WINDHOEK, Namibia, Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NBC Today hosts Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie experienced Namibia this morning on the first day of the venerated 2011 'Where in the World is Matt Lauer' series, showcasing this vast Southern African nation's dramatic desert landscapes as well as ultimate safari experiences to US audiences through leading safari, ecotourism and conservation company Wilderness Safaris.

Twice the size of California, yet with a population just over 2 million, Namibia is immense by African standards.  From its white sands and brilliant blue waters of the Skeleton Coast and the red sands of the world's highest dunes in Sossusvlei to the wildlife of Etosha National Park and following in the footsteps of the desert adapted Elephant in Damaraland, the country's horizons are endless and its terrain ever-changing. As one of the world's newest nations, obtaining independence in just March 1990, Namibia stands out as the ultimate Southern Africa safari experience—a stunning, untamed slice of nature with stability and luxury to spare. 

Conservation is intrinsic to the country's ethos.  All 1,200 miles of its Atlantic coastline is government-protected. An emphasis on conservation is woven into the country's Constitution, and only in Namibia are endangered species being translocated from National Parks to communal conservancies, where wildlife is protected paired to the benefit the local communities.

To see the coverage of Namibia and follow Matt on his week-long journey, visit http://allday.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/07/8678801-where-in-the-world-is-matt-the-skeleton-coast-in-africa.

For more information on Namibia, visit: http://www.namibiatourism.com.na/

For media inquires, regarding Namibia, contact Malcolm Griffiths: malcolm.griffiths@aboutdci.com or (212) 444-7112.

Emulate the experiences as seen on NBC Today with the following Wilderness Safaris Explorations:

• Diverse Namibia from US$3,400 per person, double occupancy
  (does not include international air)
  Experience a true Namibia adventure through Wilderness Safaris' Diverse Namibia that takes in the country's highlights: its dunes, desert, plains and iconic wildlife - complete with exclusive accommodation in private reserves and concessions. Take in the soaring red dunes of Sossusvlei, the life-filled blue Atlantic Ocean, the desert and denizens of Damaraland, and the plains game and predators of Etosha National Park on foot, mountain biking and safari vehicle. This 9 night/10 day itinerary is available from US$3,400 per person, double occupancy. Includes all arrangements, starting and ending in Windhoek. International air can be added on separately.
  www.wilderness-safaris.com/namibia/diverse_namibia/introduction/ 
  
• Great Namibian Journey from US$7,600 per person, double occupancy
  (does not include international air)
  Stunning landscapes, endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and spectacular wildlife encompass Wilderness Safaris' Great Namibian Journey. Explore the dunes of Sossusvlei and the awesome space of the Namib Desert. Encounter the stark beauty of the Skeleton Coast and its marine life around Swakopmund then onto the game-filled savannahs of Etosha National Park. This 12 night/13 day itinerary is available from US$7,600 per person, double occupancy. Includes all arrangements, starting and ending in Windhoek. International air can be added on separately.
  http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/namibia/great_namibian_journey/introduction/
  
• Best of Namibia Circuit from US$5,035 per person, double occupancy
  (does not include international air)
  Become immersed in Namibia's iconic desert landscapes and game viewing opportunities with Wilderness Safaris' Best of Namibia Circuit. Explore four distinct regions of the country: the sands and red dunes of Sossusvlei; the icy, life-filled coast around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay; the stark plains of Damaraland to track its desert-adapted elephants and the amazing wildlife abundance in and around Etosha National Park. This six night/seven day itinerary is available from US$5,035 per person, double occupancy. Includes all arrangements, starting and ending in Windhoek. International air can be added on separately. 
  www.wilderness-safaris.com/namibia/best_of_namibia_circuit

  "It's been said that mountain zebra possesses a disproportionately large heart and these hardy mountain zebra not only survive but are prolific in Namibia.  In the darkest night, the echoes of their hooves clattering over the rocks synonymous with our wildest places – of which there are many.   Those who succeed, survive and prosper – like the mountain zebras – are of no ordinary stock," said Rob Moffett, director sales and marketing Wilderness Safaris Namibia. "So when you're invited in – it's well worth it; as this is no ordinary land.  Those who stay the course – that prove their character – such as Matt Lauer and the entire extraordinary NBC team, have earned a special, permanent place in our hearts.  We're delighted they are sharing our phenomenal country with their audience and we hope they come experience it for themselves."

  About the Namibia Tourist Board

  With the mandate of promoting tourism both nationally and internationally, ensuring the quality of accommodations and other tourist facilities, and developing environmentally sustainable travel practices, the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) was formed by an act of Parliament in April, 2001. It brings together both the private and public sectors and is the only national body devoted entirely to implementing the national policy on tourism. The NTB's domestic and international offices provide custom-tailored services to the members of the travel trade. www.namibiatourism.com.na 

  About Wilderness Safaris

  Wilderness is a conservation organization made up of ecotourism companies and non-profit trusts that believes in using responsible tourism to build sustainable conservation economies in Africa. This is done by creating journeys through the most remote and beautiful wild areas in southern Africa while at the same time sharing the benefits of tourism with local communities.

  For media queries regarding Wilderness Safaris, contact Lesley Bellus Kilman, lesley@belluspr.com or 954-436-6859.

  For more about Wilderness Safaris:  www.wilderness-safaris.com  

  Media Contact: Malcolm Griffiths, DCI
  (212) 725-0707 Ext. 112; malcolm.griffiths@dc-intl.com

  SOURCE Namibia Tourism Board

  Back to top

  RELATED LINKS
  http://www.namibiatourism.com.na