Namibia Photo Tour Iconic Locations and Diverse Wildlife of Namibia Photo Tour World Photo Travels | Photography Tours and Expeditions

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Namibia - the Land of Photographic Wonders Photo Tour

Namibia is home to some of our planet's most breathtaking landscapes. During our journey, we will visit and photograph the best landscape locations Namibia has to offer. We also will take an introduction to the country's diverse wildlife.

Situated along the far western edge of southern Africa, Namibia's territory is larger than that of both Great Britain and France combined. With a huge territory, a few roads, an extremely sparse population, and main points of interest far from each other, Namibia is a logistic puzzle. Working over the years with local guides, we have designed a very efficient and smooth itinerary, covering the best that Namibia offers. Days will be long and productive, and with a small group, you can expect plenty of instruction in the field.

☛ DURING THIS TRIP YOU WILL:

• Photograph the rich hues of the Kalahari Desert's red sands and the captivating wildlife that thrives in this arid expanse.
• Discover the enchanting Quiver Tree forest, nestled in a small rocky pocket outside of Keetmanshoop.
• Uncover the haunting remnants of Kolmanskop, a once-thriving diamond mining town nearly swallowed by the shifting sands.
• Immerse yourself in the vast and captivating landscapes of NamibRand, a paradise for both landscape and wildlife photographers.
• Capture the breathtaking contrast of soaring orange dunes against the deep blue sky in Sossusvlei.
• Frame the ancient skeletons of Camel Thorn trees on the dried lake pan in Dead Vlei, a surreal scene frozen in time.
• Train your lens on the pink gatherings of graceful flamingos at Walvis Bay, a stunning spectacle against the setting sun.
• Jump into a thrilling 4x4 Desert Excursion to Sandwich Harbour, capturing the raw beauty of coastal dunes meeting the Atlantic Ocean.
• Set sail for a catamaran voyage, where you'll photograph pelicans, and seals, and indulge in delicious oysters for a complete sensory experience.
• Observe the huge colony of the Cape fur seal at Cape Cross, the largest settlement of these animals in the world.
• Embark on a visual adventure amidst the 120 million-year-old granites of Spitzkoppe Massif.
• Photograph starry sky and Milky Way over the Namib desert Rock Arch.
• Take a game drive at one of the oldest private game farms in Namibia.

☛ ADDITIONALLY:

You can "uplift" your experience even more by taking an optional but highly recommended helicopter photo flight. You can expect all passenger doors removed, plenty of time, and immense photo opportunities in the best possible light conditions.

• Fly over the red dunes of Sossusvlei, the white pan of Dead Vlei, and ancient mountains at sunrise or sunset, taking your photography to new heights.
• You can extend the flight to also witness from the air the haunting beauty of shipwrecks and endless dunes in Namib Skeleton Coast National Park, veiled by the dense ocean fogs of the Benguela Current.

Itinerary

Day 0 | May 21, 2025 |

Early Arrival to Windhoek

• For participants arriving a day early, we recommend Arebbusch Lodge or The Windhoek Weinberg Hotel (a more upscale option) for your pre-workshop stay. Please note, accommodations are not included. Tenbergen Pension Hotel is also a good choice but is sold out as of January 2025.

Day 1 | May 22, 2025 |

Windhoek » Kalahari Red Desert

• Participant Pick-up: We'll pick up participants from the Windhoek Weinberg Hotel, Tenbergen Pension Hotel, and Hosea Kutako International Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
• Drive to Kalahari: A picturesque drive to the stunning Kalahari red sand desert will take around three hours.
• Check-in: Arrive and settle into your accommodations at our exquisite lodge in the Kalahari Desert's heart. Relax in your room or on the terrace of the lodge. Have a cocktail, or grab a quick lunch at the restaurant.
• Late Afternoon: Witness the majestic cheetahs up close and learn about their behavior during an exclusive feeding session, then venture out on an exhilarating sundowner game drive through the Kalahari. Capture the magical transition of light as the sun sets over the desert landscape.
• Welcome Dinner: Enjoy a sumptuous welcome dinner, sharing stories of your day's experiences with fellow participants and the workshop team.
  
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Meals: Dinner

Day 2 | May 23, 2025 |

Kalahari » Keetmanshoop » Quiver (Aloe) Tree Forest

• Morning: You may join some additional morning activities like Morning Game Drive, or Morning Bushman Guided Walk (optional).
• Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge, rest, and pack your belongings.
• Check-out & Departure: Check out of the Kalahari Lodge and embark on your journey towards Keetmanshoop between 11:00 and noon. Drive to the Quiver Tree capital of Namibia will take less than three hours.
• Arrival in Keetmanshoop: Reach Keetmanshoop, known for its Quiver Tree Forest and unique geological formations before 15:00. Settle into your accommodations and take a moment to relax before the evening photography session. Lunch is available at the hotel.
• Evening/Sunset: Quiver Tree Forest Photography. At 16:30 head to the iconic Quiver Tree Forest Garas Park, where the surreal shapes of the quiver trees contrast against the dolerite rock formations. Capture the mesmerizing interplay of light and shapes as the sun sets, and the pink-blue desert hue after sunset then return to the lodge.
• Dinner: Enjoy your dinner, sharing photography insights with fellow participants.
• Astrophotography Opportunity: For those eager to capture the brilliance of the night sky, consider a return to the Quiver Tree Forest after dinner (around 22:00) for a session of astrophotography.
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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 | May 24, 2025 |

Keetmanshoop » Kolmanskoppe ghost town » Luderitz

• Early morning: Rest (if you are too tired) or join us at 6:00 to begin the day with a sunrise photography session, capturing the desert's unique flora in the morning light.
• Breakfast at the Lodge: Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the lodge, setting the tone for a day of exploration and creativity.
• Check-out & Departure: Complete the check-out by 10:00 and hit the road towards Kolmanskoppe, a diamond mining ghost town swallowed by the encroaching dunes. The journey will take approximately 3 hours.
• Break and Refreshment: Indulge in tasty treats and a cup of delicious coffee at the shop located in the visitor center before a long photographic session.
• Kolmanskoppe Exploration: Spend several hours immersed in the mesmerizing visuals of Kolmanskoppe. The Middle of the day is a prime time for some spots here with the direct sunlight not penetrating through windows and doors. As the sun begins its descent, the lighting within the abandoned buildings shifts. Return to the same locations to find new photographic opportunities. Explore this haunting ghost town, capturing the interplay of history, architecture, and desert sands. Official working hours are over, but we are allowed to stay longer with a special permit for photography.
• Arrival in Luderitz: A 15-minute ride will bring us to your accommodation in Luderitz. The climate in this coastal town is much cooler in contrast with the hot and dry desert breath.
• Dinner: Wind down the day by enjoying dinner with fellow photographers.*
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Meals: Breakfast

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*Please note that not all meals are included. Lunches are often on the go and can't be paid in advance. Some places don't offer set menus for dinner, with à la carte being the only option. In coastal towns like Luderitz and Walvis Bay, restaurants have a huge selection of fish, oysters, and other seafood (not talking about game) and we don't want to limit customers with a set menu. Restaurants in Namibia are very affordable, and you won't have to break the bank to enjoy an excellent meal and a glass of excellent South African wine.

Day 4 | May 25, 2025 |

Luderitz » Kolmanskoppe » Aus

• Early Morning: We'll pack our bags and check out well before daybreak. After an early breakfast, we'll return to Kolmanskoppe for a sunrise photography session, thanks to a special permit. Capture the bizarre beauty of the town as it's bathed in the gentle morning light, then spend more time immersed in photography, exploring the various corners of Kolmanskoppe. After finishing the photo session, relax at the Kolmanskop Coffee Shop for some much-needed refreshments and nourishment.
  
• Our next destination is Aus - small desert village located a little more than one hour's drive from Kolmanscop. On the way will look for wild horses - a testament to nature's resilience and adaptability that roam these arid landscapes on the way.
• Sundowner Tour: After check-in and some rest we embark on an exciting exploration of the desert area that's new even for our experienced guide. We'll venture for a Sundowner Tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Be prepared to uncover the hidden gems of this unique landscape and capture its beauty as the sun sets.
  
• Dinner: As we return from our exploration, we'll gather for dinner.
• Make sure to have a good rest - a long day awaits us tomorrow.
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Meals: Breakfast, Snacks & Drinks on Sundowner Tour

Day 5 | May 26, 2025 |

Aus » NamibRand & Aerial Photography

• Breakfast & Departure: Enjoy your breakfast and check out. Today's plan involves a considerable drive, spanning more than 4 hours en route.
• After arrival at Namib Rand, we will have time for lunch and rest.
• Evening/Sunset: Tonight, a thrilling choice: Part of the group can opt for an incredible helicopter photography flight.* Alternatively, another portion of the group can venture on an evening/sunset drive to NamibRand, a realm of expansive valleys, old rocky hills, and wildlife. Embrace the unique light of the setting sun as you capture the essence of this magnificent landscape.
• Dinner: Return from your chosen adventure and convene for a satisfying dinner. Share stories of your day's experiences and anticipate the remarkable photographic moments yet to come.
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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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*This trip offers the opportunity (not included) for a 90-minute doors-off helicopter flight over Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and the expanse of huge orange dunes. Flying over this landscape and capturing it from above is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering amazing photographic opportunities. The operator has two Jet Ranger (Bell 206) helicopters, each of which can take 3 passengers at a time. However, we suggest flying in pairs so that you can shoot from one side, maximizing the time for photography.

The standard route over the park is a 60-minute flight, which doesn’t allow much time to deviate from the path. A custom 90-minute flight offers the opportunity to follow a much more photogenic route, soaring over the fiery red dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, with extra time to circle around subjects of interest.

Cost: US $1,300.00 per person (depending on exchange rate). It's a costly addition but worth every penny.

A longer, 2.5-hour flight (US $2,155.00) covers the same scenic spots as the shorter flight and extends all the way to the Atlantic Ocean coast. It flies over the yellow sands of the Skeleton Coast and visits some interesting shipwrecks

Day 6 | May 27, 2025 |

NamibRand & Aerial Photography » SossusVlei

• Sunrise and early morning: The group divides again. One part embarks on a mesmerizing flight, reliving the soaring views described the previous day. Meanwhile, another part ventures into the breathtaking NamibRand for a sunrise that paints the landscape in new hues.
• Breakfast/check out: Hearty breakfast. After a well-deserved rest, check out and move to our next accommodation inside Namib Naukluft National Park, to have direct access to the humongous red dunes of Sossus Vlei and Dead Vlei.
• Rest & Lunch: Arrive at the new accommodation and allow yourself a moment to rest or savor lunch, refueling for the forthcoming adventure.
• Evening/Sunset: As the sun begins its descent, we begin our exploration of the majestic landscapes of Namib Naukluft National Park. The focal point today: the monumental dunes that make this land iconic. Prepare to capture the splendor of Devil's Fork, Dune 45, and more as the sun casts its magical glow.
• Dinner: Gather for dinner open terrasse, cherishing the camaraderie and savoring the flavors of desert and grilled game as the day winds to a close. Have a good rest, as tomorrow we start our activities extremely early.
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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 7 | May 28, 2025 |

Dead Vlei - iconic destination

• Departure long Before Dawn: Embrace the darkness of early morning as you embark on a pre-dawn departure. Today's journey leads to the iconic Dead Vlei, a surreal landscape that transforms under the first light of day. Witness the captivating play of shadows and light as the sun slowly ascends, illuminating the weathered trees and clay pan.
  Visiting Dead Vlei involves a 50-minute ride and a 30-minute walk each way. The hike over the relatively flat dunes with some manageable accents and descents.
• Return & Leisure: Return to the hotel after the morning's adventure. Embrace a time of rest, poolside relaxation, or a leisurely lunch. Make sure you get some well-needed nap, as the evening and hopefully, the night will require more field time.
• Late Afternoon/Evening/Sunset: Revisit Deavlei and spend several hours there. Witness the captivating play of shadows and light as the sun slowly descends, illuminating the weathered trees, dunes, and clay pan. Capture the scene that defines the ethereal essence of Namibia.
• Dinner: Conclude the day with a delightful dinner, sharing stories and insights with fellow photographers. Please note, that if we are able to organize the Astro session, then our dinner may be in jeopardy.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 | May 29, 2025 |

SossusVlei » Walvis Bay

• Sunrise: Wake up early for another morning of dune photography.
• Breakfast & Check-out: Fuel up with breakfast before checking out. Set out on a 4-hour journey to Walvis Bay, a route that transitions landscapes and weather conditions.
• "Morning Tea": Along the way, pause at the iconic Solitaire lodge to indulge in sweets and coffee amidst the charm of retro cars.
• Arrival at Walvis Bay, check-in, Lagoon Promenade walk: Arrive in Walvis Bay, where the weather takes on a cooler embrace. Embark on a leisurely stroll along the Lagoon Promenade, capturing the spectacle of thousands of flamingos.
• Dinner: Conclude the day with a dinner at a waterfront restaurant boasting an extensive seafood menu and a selection of South African wines. Savor the flavors of the region while gazing upon the waters that connect sky and sea.
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Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 | May 30, 2025 |

Pelican Point Catamaran Cruise | Skeleton Coast Dunes 4x4 Exploration

• After breakfast, we going to Set sail for a catamaran voyage. Spot pelicans, seals, and often also dolphins and even whales, while enjoying fresh oysters and sparkling wine sailing along Namibia's Skeleton Coast. Photograph oil rigs, support vessels, and abundant birdlife in the fog of the morning. The three-hour cruise on a stable catamaran takes us from Walvis Bay Harbor to the Pelican Point Lighthouse.
• Enjoy a light lunch, desserts, beer, and wine on board.
• After some rest, we meet in the late afternoon for a 4-hour 4x4 dune ride - a heart-pounding, exhilarating experience. Photograph the ocean coastline with towering dunes, capture the interplay between light and shadows in the dunes, and incredible sand ripples lit by the last light of the setting sun.
• When the sun has set and the light has diminished, guides will find a suitable place to stop and serve a selection of oysters and snacks with sparkling wine, beers, and cold drinks.
• As we already had a light supper in the dunes, now we have a choice between much-needed rest or going for another dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
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Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Light Dinner

Day 10 | May 31, 2025 |

Walvis Bay » Zeila Shipwreck » Cape Cross » Spitzkoppe

• After a very early breakfast, we are leaving Walvis Bay and moving to the heart of the Namib desert - 120 million-year-old granite outcrops of Spitzkoppe Massif referred to as the Matterhorn of Africa.
• On the way to Spitzkoppe, we will make a stop to photograph Zeila Shipwreck on the infamous ‘Skeleton Coast’. Great photo-op, especially with the roosting birds that have taken up residence on it.
• Our next ‘Skeleton Coast’ stop will be at Cape Cross fur seal colony, renowned as one of the largest settlements of these animals in the world. A fog, hundreds of thousands of seals on the rocky shoreline, and the crashing waves make for surreal wildlife in the landscape images. Opportunities for behavior and portrait shots are also unlimited. Be prepared for the extensive smell. You may want to wear a face mask here, to make it a bit easier on your nose.
• After finishing our morning session at Cape Cross we will continue to Spitzkoppe with a quick stop at a seafood restaurant in Henties Bay for lunch.
• To have a good subject for sunset and sunrise photography at Spitzkoppe we are camping near the iconic Rock Arch. Arch is also famous as a great Astrophotography subject, and we are going to do justice to it. Everyone is staying in a personal tent with a stretcher and bedding. Grilled dinner under endless starry desert sky will make this night an unforgettable experience!
• Make sure that your extra batteries and phone are charged, as we'll have no access to the power grid till the evening of the next day
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Meals: Breakfast, Grilled Dinner

Day 11 | June 1, 2025 |

Spitzkoppe » Omaruru Game lodge

• Enjoy an open-air breakfast after the sunrise photography session at Spitzkoppe and move to our final stop - a charming safari lodge. Here we can shower, rest or lunch, and make ourselves ready for tomorrow's flights home. But we are at the safari lodge, after all, so who can refuse another game drive?!
• Embark on the game drive to see Elephants, White Rhinos, Hippos, Wildebeest, Giraffes, Zebra, and numerous Antelope species such as Blesbok, Eland, Impala, Kudu, Oryx, Waterbuck, Springbuck, and many more.
• Return to the lodge and gather for the farewell dinner, at Waterhole restaurant.
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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 | June 2, 2025 |

Omaruru Game Lodge » Windhoek » Hosea Kutako International Airport

• We are preliminary planning drop off at Hosea Kutako International Airport at 14:00 (2:00 p.m.) The final schedule for this day will be decided on when we have the departure info for all clients. We will go to the airport at a time convenient to most customers. We can also drop you off in the capital city of Windhoek if you decide to stay another day before flying home.
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Meals: Breakfast

Weather and Fitness Level

Throughout Namibia in May, the weather cools down and tends to be pleasant and inviting as the country transitions into autumn. Whether you're exploring desert landscapes, coastal areas, or wildlife reserves, the weather in May provides a comfortable environment for photography and outdoor activities. It's a great time to capture the unique beauty of Namibia's diverse regions.

Extensive hiking won't be a major component of this trip. Expect dune hikes of around 30-40 minutes each way, involving some sand medium-angled slopes and uneven terrains. A reasonable level of fitness, allowing you to navigate uneven surfaces comfortably, is recommended

What is Included

Terms of Payment

A deposit payment of $2500 is required to confirm the booking. We will send you payment instructions upon registration. The remaining balance is due February 15, 2025.
Please register for this expedition using the form below.