12 Days Namibia Photography Tour : Namibia boasts some of Africa’s most stunning landscapes, featuring desolate salt pans, remote red deserts, and savannahs alive with wildlife. A photography tour offers an ideal opportunity to capture the country’s pristine natural beauty, and with our knowledgeable photography guides accompanying you, your experience will be nothing short of fulfilling.
This photography tour will take you to the very tip of the African continent, journey deep into the Namibian Desert, stand before ancient dead trees that have become 1000-year-old symbols of nature’s resilience, explore a once-thriving mining town now lost to the sands of time, and delve into one of the most exclusive natural parks in the world.
The trip itinerary can be adjusted to some degree based on the weather conditions. Here are the key moments that you can look forward to capturing with your camera.
Key Features
The Quiver Tree Forest
Quiver “Trees” are not true trees; they are simply large plants. Their striking silhouette creates a stunning image, particularly set against the night sky filled with stars. The Quiver Tree Forest close to our accommodation features two locations where we will spend our time, both just a five-minute drive away and easy to navigate.
Kolmanskop
Just a short drive from our lodging in Luderitz lies Kolmanskop, an abandoned town that was once the site of one of the largest diamond rushes in history. In the early 20th century, prospectors from Germany uncovered diamonds in this area and swiftly established a settlement in the heart of the desert during their search. However, within a few decades, their resources started to deplete, leading the mining companies to exit the region. The sole remnant left by the Germans is this remarkably well-preserved town situated in an unexpected location.
Our group has secured a photographic permit, allowing us access to the town beyond regular visiting hours. The tour price includes the fee.
Sossusvlei
The two captivating salt pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are situated in the Tsauchab Dune Valley, a remarkable section of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Millennia ago, the Tsauchab river started to carve its way through the sand dunes in its quest for the Atlantic Ocean – yet it never quite reached its destination. The outcome is a remarkable wetland nestled among some of the tallest dunes on our planet.
The barren expanses of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei present stunning photographic prospects for those daring enough to explore the flats. The remnants of trees, protruding from the scorching sand, create haunting silhouettes and serve as a reference point against an infinite horizon.
This remarkable landscape photography destination serves as an ideal complement to our Namibia Wildlife Photography Tour, where you can capture the breathtaking wildlife of this unique region at the Erindi Private Game Reserve.
Merge the two tours for an unforgettable journey through this extraordinary country, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and a cultural experience that is truly unique. Select a date to check availability.
Day 1: Arrival
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey! Upon your arrival at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, you will be greeted by your guides and taken to your accommodation at Windhoek Country Lodge. Please ensure that your flight arrangements allow for an arrival during the day, preferably before 5pm. You will have some time to check in to your hotel, unwind, and explore the capital city of Namibia, located in the heart of the country’s central highlands, at your own pace. We will gather as a group for a welcome dinner at 7pm in the hotel restaurant. During a delightful meal, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with your fellow travelers while your guides review the itinerary and outline the plans for the upcoming days. You will receive a comprehensive overview of what to anticipate, and you will have the chance to pose any questions prior to the commencement of the workshop.
Day 2: Spitzkoppe
Our journey will commence in Windhoek, leading us to the magnificent granite peaks of Spitzkoppe. Emerging slowly from the mist of the desert ground, these towering formations stand as some of the nation’s most iconic features. Countless years of weathering have produced an impressive variety of geological shapes in this region, featuring striking boulders and arched rock formations that stretch into the blue expanse of the sky. This location offers an incredible opportunity for photographers, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the enchanting scenery from dawn until dusk, and even under a canopy of twinkling stars at night. We will enjoy a night at the delightful chalets of the Spitzkoppen Lodge, nestled among expansive areas of pristine sand and granite boulders at the base of the stunning mountains. Situated among volcanic rocks, the lodge features a stunning swimming pool where you can unwind after a long day of travel.
Day 3: Walvis Bay
We will awaken for an early morning session at the peaks of Spitzkoppe, exploring the area for captivating compositions before the first enchanting rays of light dance across the rugged landscape. Afterward, we will head back to the Lodge for a delightful breakfast before checking out to proceed to Walvis Bay. The morning light is stunning, yet the sunset among the mountain’s impressive rock formations is particularly captivating. We will venture out late to capture the stunning granite landscapes, rock arches, and enormous boulders under a breathtaking, star-filled night sky. We will be staying for one night at the Iris Boutique Hotel in Walvis Bay.
Day 4: Sossusvlei National Park
On day four, we will head to one of Namibia’s most breathtaking landmarks – the Sossusvlei National Park – where we will establish our base at the environmentally-conscious Dead Valley Lodge for the following three nights. Situated alongside the gentle slopes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, our lodging provides stunning vistas of the sand dunes and an extraordinary desert adventure.
Day 5: Deadvlei
Our mornings will be spent in the stunning white clay pan of Deadvlei, often referred to as the ‘Dead Marsh’ of the desert. Surrounded by sand dunes, this remarkable basin holds the skeletal remains of ancient trees that are as old as 900 years. They create surreal compositions, whether individually or collectively. We will possess a special permit that grants us access to the National Park prior to the opening of the gates, allowing us to enjoy the area in solitude as we photograph the distinctive shapes and abstract details of Deadvlei at sunrise. Naturally, the light will shift as time progresses, leading to variations in our compositions throughout the day.
Day 6: Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
In addition to Deadvlei, we will take some time to explore the surroundings of the salt and clay pan of Sossusvlei, where the sand dunes stand as the sole barrier between you and the Atlantic Ocean. We will feature: Isolated dead trees rooted at the foot of awe-inspiring, massive red sand dunes. Their presence creates a striking difference against the barren scenery when bathed in warm, golden light. Wildlife of the desert. Despite its appearance of desolation, the Sossusvlei serves as an ideal environment for indigenous wildlife. Our days will be filled with the exploration and photography of the majestic oryx, as they skillfully evade the hunting cheetahs and leopards amidst the sand dunes. A scenic helicopter flight over the majestic Sossusvlei is available as an option. Soaring over the oldest desert in the world while capturing the stunning scenery below is truly an awe-inspiring experience. Prepare to be captivated by stunning aerial perspectives of the location where breathtaking sand dunes converge with the expansive Atlantic Ocean. Astrophotography under the vast, star-filled skies of Namibia. Sossusvlei boasts some of the darkest night skies on Earth, making it an ideal location for capturing star trails and photographing the Milky Way. To remain at Sossusvlei after dark, we will require a special permit. Kindly be aware that the park regulations may be subject to change as we approach our arrival, so regrettably, we cannot assure access for nighttime photography. If we cannot gain access, we will spend our evenings engaged in masterclass post-processing sessions led by our guides.
Day 7: Kolmanskop
On the seventh day, we will depart from the Dead Valley Lodge, proceeding towards the ghost town of Kolmanskop along the southern Namibian coast. This once-thriving diamond mining community now stands as a mere shadow of its former glory, struggling against the encroaching sand dunes that drift steadily across the desolate landscape. Amidst the windswept houses as the sun sets, we will seize the mysterious atmosphere of a bygone era, consumed by sand and left to the desert. For the next two nights, we will be at the tranquil Lüderitz Nest Hotel by the sea, offering stunning views of the bay. We will indulge in delightful dinners filled with fresh, locally caught seafood, accompanied by cold beers and refreshing white wine, all while relishing the gentle sea breeze flowing through the restaurant’s open windows. Depending on the evening conditions, there may be an opportunity to venture into the desert for a night photography session under the stars at an abandoned railway station – a fantastic chance to hone your astrophotography skills beneath Namibia’s dark sky.
Day 8: Kolmanskop
We will keep delving into the decaying township of Kolmanskop, seizing the morning light as it streams through the east-facing windows of every structure. The captivating rooms, with sand infiltrating every nook and cranny, offer an abundance of breathtaking photographic possibilities. Following breakfast, there will be an opportunity to unwind at the hotel. Enjoy a day filled with leisure, whether it’s swimming in the shimmering ocean, sunbathing by the pool, or discovering the Bavarian-inspired city of Lüderitz, complete with its colonial German architecture and beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon, we will return to Kolmanskop, prepared for another beautiful sunset experience in the deserted mining town. Achieving the ideal composition in these sand-filled structures can be quite a task, so we’ll ensure to return in time for the golden hour to explore new perspectives and capture the perfect images. The town offers a wealth of photographic opportunities, and it’s remarkable how swiftly time can slip away while you find yourself captivated by the shadows that dance upon the walls in the waning light.
Day 9: Quiver Tree Forest Camp
We will be relocating to Keetmanshoop, situated at the primary crossroads of southern Namibia. This quaint town in the Karas Region of southern Namibia serves as the entrance to an expansive quiver tree forest, where countless striking branched aloe succulents rise majestically, providing ideal subjects for photography amidst the arid and rugged terrain. During the upcoming two nights, we will establish our base at the Quiver Tree Forest Camp, providing an ideal location for excursions focused on astrophotography, with the native quiver trees stretching enigmatically towards the star-filled night sky. On clear nights, we will dedicate our time to capturing these iconic, seemingly upside-down trees, beautifully framed against a backdrop of stars and the magnificent arch of the Milky Way.
Day 10: Quiver Tree Forest Camp
On the tenth day, we will rise early, before dawn, for a session at sunrise. We will strive to capture the initial beams of golden light shimmering through the branches of the quiver tree, creating a captivating morning atmosphere. Afterward, we will head back to the Quiver Tree Forest Camp for breakfast, followed by some time to unwind and go over our photographs. Following lunch, you will have the chance to interact with your photo guides through a series of discussions and post-processing master classes, before departing for a sunset session at the Quiver Tree Forest. The desert landscape shifts dramatically with the changing angles of light, offering a captivating experience as the atmosphere alters the mood and overall beauty of your images. After dinner, prepare for another lengthy and thrilling night as you settle in beneath the shimmering expanse of the sky for star trails, the Milky Way, and astrophotography, utilizing Namibia’s iconic quiver trees to create a stunning foreground against the expansive and remarkable landscape.
Day 11: Windhoek
Following breakfast on the eleventh day, we will gather our belongings and make our way back to Windhoek. The journey is expected to last around 6 hours, with multiple stops planned to stretch our legs and capture the beautiful scenery around us. Upon arriving in the capital city of Namibia, we will check in at the Windhoek Hotel for our stay. You’ll have some time to unwind and discover the city at your own pace, before we gather in the evening for our final dinner together as a group. During a delightful meal, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your friendships and engage in conversation with your guides regarding any additional questions you may have about photography.
Day 12: Departure
This marks your last day in Namibia. Following breakfast, you will be taken back to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport for your flight home or to your next destination. You will undoubtedly carry with you a wealth of new photography skills and memory cards brimming with images from an extraordinary photography adventure in the Sub-Saharan deserts of Namibia.
End of 12 Days Namibia Photography Tour
