An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia

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 picturesque views. 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 Canada, ultralights fall into two main categories: basic (up to 544 kilograms, usually single-seat) and advanced (up to 560 kilograms, two-seat max). They must meet specific Transport Canada safety standards.

These ultralights typically cruise between 100–150 kilometres per hour—ideal for low, scenic flights. Some can even go a bit faster, depending on the model. With open or semi-enclosed cockpits, ultralights provide breathtaking panoramic views, making each flight an immersive experience. Ultralight aviation took off in Canada in the late 1970s, revolutionising recreational flying. With minimal regulations and lightweight design, these aircraft offer an accessible and exhilarating way to explore some of the world's most remote and beautiful places, like the one we see in today's image.