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TRIP OVERVIEW
Trip Highlights
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- Captivating 14-day/13-night journey focused on Namibia's desert landscapes & wildlife
- Dead Vlei & the towering dunes of the Namib Desert
- The diverse wildlife of Etosha National Park
- Ephemeral game drives in search of desert-adapted wildlife in Damaraland
- Leopard tracking at Okonjima
- Living desert tour to photograph Namibia's famous "Little 5"
- Sandwich Harbor day trip to capture the dynamic beauty of the Skeleton Coast
- Excellent local guides and photographers who provided unparalleled support
- Optional add-on: Helicopter flight over Namibia's famous Skeleton Coast
Join us on this incredible 14-day/13-night photo safari through the beautiful country of Namibia. Our unique hybrid itinerary will allow you to experience the best landscapes and wildlife that Namibia has to offer.
We begin our journey in Windhoek, where you'll be treated to the luxurious comforts of Namibia's capital city.
From there, we venture deeper into the heart of Namibia, beginning with a two-night stay at Sossusvlei. Here, you'll be immersed in the dunes and playas of the Namib Desert. The rich red hue of the Namib dunes is something special to photograph. Sossusvlei is also home to the iconic 'Dead Vlei', a playa of weathered trees encircled by dunes. There will be no shortage of photogenic scenes.
Next, we'll spend three unforgettable nights in the coastal town of Swakopmund. Here, we'll find the perfect opportunity to capture the dynamic beauty of the Namibian coastline, where dunes and ocean meet in an unforgettable display of natural wonder. And don't forget the Living Desert tour, where you'll have the chance to photograph the famous "Little 5" - Namibia's tiniest creatures that live beneath the sands.
Take to the skies with our optional add-on, a helicopter flight over the Skeleton Coast - a spectacular experience that we highly recommend!
We'll then make our way to Spitzkoppe, where we'll spend a night under the stars amidst towering granite formations. We'll find great landscapes here, with some of the finest granite monoliths in all of Namibia.
After that, we'll venture to Damaraland, where we'll spend two nights exploring the remote surroundings. This is a place where desert-adapted elephants and lions roam. Damaraland is also a beautiful desert landscape. This is a special opportunity, as few places in the world offer chances to capture elephants and lions with a backdrop of dunes and mountains.
Our journey continues to the breathtaking beauty of Etosha National Park, where we'll spend two nights photographing the majesty of Namibia's wildlife. Etosha is an amazing wildlife sanctuary, on par with the great south African safari parks. Etosha also boasts unique qualities, it contains more than 1/3 of the world's population of black rhinos. This is the perfect opportunity to capture the incredible diversity of Namibia's fauna, from towering elephants to graceful antelopes, and everything in between.
Finally, we'll make our way to Okonjima, where we'll spend two nights. Okonjima is famed for leopards, brown hyena, and pangolins. We will go on leopard tracking safaris here to maximize our chances at great leopard images. This is the perfect opportunity to capture the incredible beauty of these magnificent creatures.
After a final morning at Okonjima, we'll make our way back to Windhoek to conclude our journey. We'll have a final lunch in Windhoek, where we'll have the chance to reflect on the incredible experiences and unforgettable memories of the past two weeks. After lunch, we'll do transfers to the airport and head home!
For this trip, we work with the best local guides and photographers, who help with support and allow us to provide the best Namibia photography tour available.
We begin our journey in Windhoek, where you'll be treated to the luxurious comforts of Namibia's capital city.
From there, we venture deeper into the heart of Namibia, beginning with a two-night stay at Sossusvlei. Here, you'll be immersed in the dunes and playas of the Namib Desert. The rich red hue of the Namib dunes is something special to photograph. Sossusvlei is also home to the iconic 'Dead Vlei', a playa of weathered trees encircled by dunes. There will be no shortage of photogenic scenes.
Next, we'll spend three unforgettable nights in the coastal town of Swakopmund. Here, we'll find the perfect opportunity to capture the dynamic beauty of the Namibian coastline, where dunes and ocean meet in an unforgettable display of natural wonder. And don't forget the Living Desert tour, where you'll have the chance to photograph the famous "Little 5" - Namibia's tiniest creatures that live beneath the sands.
Take to the skies with our optional add-on, a helicopter flight over the Skeleton Coast - a spectacular experience that we highly recommend!
We'll then make our way to Spitzkoppe, where we'll spend a night under the stars amidst towering granite formations. We'll find great landscapes here, with some of the finest granite monoliths in all of Namibia.
After that, we'll venture to Damaraland, where we'll spend two nights exploring the remote surroundings. This is a place where desert-adapted elephants and lions roam. Damaraland is also a beautiful desert landscape. This is a special opportunity, as few places in the world offer chances to capture elephants and lions with a backdrop of dunes and mountains.
Our journey continues to the breathtaking beauty of Etosha National Park, where we'll spend two nights photographing the majesty of Namibia's wildlife. Etosha is an amazing wildlife sanctuary, on par with the great south African safari parks. Etosha also boasts unique qualities, it contains more than 1/3 of the world's population of black rhinos. This is the perfect opportunity to capture the incredible diversity of Namibia's fauna, from towering elephants to graceful antelopes, and everything in between.
Finally, we'll make our way to Okonjima, where we'll spend two nights. Okonjima is famed for leopards, brown hyena, and pangolins. We will go on leopard tracking safaris here to maximize our chances at great leopard images. This is the perfect opportunity to capture the incredible beauty of these magnificent creatures.
After a final morning at Okonjima, we'll make our way back to Windhoek to conclude our journey. We'll have a final lunch in Windhoek, where we'll have the chance to reflect on the incredible experiences and unforgettable memories of the past two weeks. After lunch, we'll do transfers to the airport and head home!
For this trip, we work with the best local guides and photographers, who help with support and allow us to provide the best Namibia photography tour available.
Your 3 Unique Advantages
UNPARALELLED PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
Wild Namibia Photo Safari
IMPORTANT TRIP INFORMATION
Start Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Orientation Meeting Time: 6 pm
End Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Trip Conclusion Time: 4 pm
Orientation Meeting Time: 6 pm
End Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Trip Conclusion Time: 4 pm
Visit the US Department of State webpage for more information on travel to Namibia. US citizens do not need a tourist visa for stays of 90 days or fewer.
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- Airport transfers
- All permits and park fees
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- An experienced, local Namibian guide
- Gratuity for hotel, restaurant, service staff, and driver(s)
What's NOT Included
- Flights to and from Windhoek, Namibia (WDH)
- Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
- Lodging outside workshop dates
- Optional doors-off helicopter flight over the Skeleton Coast (must be booked as add-on during checkout)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal items
- Gratuity for photography guide(s)
- Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.
WEATHER
Expect warm weather in February and March. This is late summer in the southern hemisphere. Temperature highs will be between 70-90 degrees and lows will be in the mid-60s (F), depending on where in Namibia we are. The coast is around 10-15 degrees cooler than the interior.
General Links to Weather Conditions: Windhoek, Namibia
We recommend checking the weather link prior to your trip departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly.
General Links to Weather Conditions: Windhoek, Namibia
We recommend checking the weather link prior to your trip departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly.
TRIP ITINERARY
DAILY ITINERARY
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (D)
Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia. Transfers from the airport to the arrival hotel will be arranged. We will meet in the evening for orientation and dinner.
Day 2 - 3 (B,L,D)
We'll two full days exploring the stunning Sossusvlei area, including Dead Vlei and the surrounding dunes. This area is home to some of the most breathtaking desert landscapes in the world. Marvel at the towering red sand dunes that change colors with the shifting light and the stark white salt pans that contrast with the dark dead trees. Get ready to be blown away by the surreal scenery and magic of this area.
Days 4 - 6 (B,L,D)
From Sossusvlei, we'll travel to the coastal town of Swakopmund where we'll stay for 3 nights. Swakopmund is nestled at the edge of the Skeleton Coast - a place where the ocean literally meets the desert! The opportunities for photography are endless here. We'll do some special activities, like venture out into the sprawling dune fields to visit Sandwich Harbor, we'll take a tour to find tiny creatures in the dunes for macro (like chameleons, lizards, and snakes!), and there's the optional add-on of a doors-off helicopter flight over the Skeleton Coast. There's also shipwrecks, flamingos, and seal colonies in the surrounding area!
Day 7 (B,L,D)
Today, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Spitzkoppe, a rugged landscape characterized by towering granite formations that seem to rise out of nowhere. We'll spend an unforgettable night under the stars in this surreal environment, where the silence is broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl or the rustling of a lizard. This area is renowned for its unique geology, with granite peaks dating back over 120 million years. Dramatic weather in February and March can make for world-class landscape captures.
Day 8 - 9 (B,L,D)
We'll continue our adventure into the desert land of Damaraland, located in the remote northwestern region of Namibia, adjacent to the Skeleton Coast. Damaraland is notorious for its geological wonders, breathtaking scenery, and uniquely adapted wildlife. We'll photograph the landscapes here and search for desert elephants, rhino, giraffe, and lions. There's also rich human history in this area, with over 2,000 rock carvings documented.
Bird enthusiasts will be also thrilled by the possibilities of spotting the Monteiro’s hornbill, Ruppell’s parrot, white-tailed shrike, rockrunner, and Herero chat, all endemic species.
Days 10 - 11 (B,L,D)
For the next two days, we'll photograph in the renowned Etosha National Park and surrounding area. This protected area is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, spanning over 22,000 square kilometers. It's home to a vast array of wildlife, including over 100 mammal species and 340 bird species. We'll go on thrilling safari drives in search of the iconic big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Etosha is also known for its sizable herds of elephants, zebras, and giraffes, providing ample opportunities for stunning wildlife photography.
Days 12 - 13 (B,L,D)
We'll move on to the nearby Okonjima Nature Reserve, a haven for the elusive leopard and other endangered animals, like the pangolin and brown hyena. Set amidst the rolling hills and open savannahs, our lodge offers a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. We'll track the elusive leopard here, learning about their behaviors and photographing their beauty up close. A two-night Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopards in Namibia, providing a unique and memorable experience.
Day 14 (B,L)
After a final morning in Okonjima Nature Reserve, we'll take time to pack our bags and begin our journey back to Namibia's capital city of Windhoek. As we make our way back, we'll reflect on the unforgettable experiences we've shared and the memories we've created.
We will arrive back to Windhoek in the afternoon. Most flights back to the US from Namibia are in the evening.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Day 1 (D)
Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia. Transfers from the airport to the arrival hotel will be arranged. We will meet in the evening for orientation and dinner.
Day 2 - 3 (B,L,D)
We'll two full days exploring the stunning Sossusvlei area, including Dead Vlei and the surrounding dunes. This area is home to some of the most breathtaking desert landscapes in the world. Marvel at the towering red sand dunes that change colors with the shifting light and the stark white salt pans that contrast with the dark dead trees. Get ready to be blown away by the surreal scenery and magic of this area.
Days 4 - 6 (B,L,D)
From Sossusvlei, we'll travel to the coastal town of Swakopmund where we'll stay for 3 nights. Swakopmund is nestled at the edge of the Skeleton Coast - a place where the ocean literally meets the desert! The opportunities for photography are endless here. We'll do some special activities, like venture out into the sprawling dune fields to visit Sandwich Harbor, we'll take a tour to find tiny creatures in the dunes for macro (like chameleons, lizards, and snakes!), and there's the optional add-on of a doors-off helicopter flight over the Skeleton Coast. There's also shipwrecks, flamingos, and seal colonies in the surrounding area!
Day 7 (B,L,D)
Today, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Spitzkoppe, a rugged landscape characterized by towering granite formations that seem to rise out of nowhere. We'll spend an unforgettable night under the stars in this surreal environment, where the silence is broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl or the rustling of a lizard. This area is renowned for its unique geology, with granite peaks dating back over 120 million years. Dramatic weather in February and March can make for world-class landscape captures.
Day 8 - 9 (B,L,D)
We'll continue our adventure into the desert land of Damaraland, located in the remote northwestern region of Namibia, adjacent to the Skeleton Coast. Damaraland is notorious for its geological wonders, breathtaking scenery, and uniquely adapted wildlife. We'll photograph the landscapes here and search for desert elephants, rhino, giraffe, and lions. There's also rich human history in this area, with over 2,000 rock carvings documented.
Bird enthusiasts will be also thrilled by the possibilities of spotting the Monteiro’s hornbill, Ruppell’s parrot, white-tailed shrike, rockrunner, and Herero chat, all endemic species.
Days 10 - 11 (B,L,D)
For the next two days, we'll photograph in the renowned Etosha National Park and surrounding area. This protected area is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, spanning over 22,000 square kilometers. It's home to a vast array of wildlife, including over 100 mammal species and 340 bird species. We'll go on thrilling safari drives in search of the iconic big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Etosha is also known for its sizable herds of elephants, zebras, and giraffes, providing ample opportunities for stunning wildlife photography.
Days 12 - 13 (B,L,D)
We'll move on to the nearby Okonjima Nature Reserve, a haven for the elusive leopard and other endangered animals, like the pangolin and brown hyena. Set amidst the rolling hills and open savannahs, our lodge offers a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. We'll track the elusive leopard here, learning about their behaviors and photographing their beauty up close. A two-night Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopards in Namibia, providing a unique and memorable experience.
Day 14 (B,L)
After a final morning in Okonjima Nature Reserve, we'll take time to pack our bags and begin our journey back to Namibia's capital city of Windhoek. As we make our way back, we'll reflect on the unforgettable experiences we've shared and the memories we've created.
We will arrive back to Windhoek in the afternoon. Most flights back to the US from Namibia are in the evening.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
WHAT TO PACK
GEAR LIST
See our What to Pack for a Trip page for general recommendations and partner discounts.
Need some camera gear? Try renting, we do it all the time.
We recommend using LensRentals. Use the code 'BCJ15' for 15% off.
We recommend using LensRentals. Use the code 'BCJ15' for 15% off.
Photo & Field Gear
Recommended Camera Gear:
Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other travel items into a suitcase, duffel or travel bag. You will not bring all your camera gear on every hike or outing.
Recommended Camera Gear:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera (Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc.)
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm FX or similar)
- Mid-range lens (24-70mm FX or similar)
- Telephoto lens (100-400mm/200-600mm FX or similar)
- Camera pack & rain cover
- Tripod & ball head
- Memory cards
- Batteries & chargers
- Circular Polarizer
- Lens clothes
- Back-up camera body
- Laptop with Lightroom/Photoshop
- Prime telephoto lens (400mm or 600mm FX)
- 1.4x teleconverter
- External hard drives
- Remote shutter trigger
- Baselayers (t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts)
- Shorts & pants
- Light rain jacket
- Casual wear
- Brimmed sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Good walking or tennis shoes
- Sandals
- Water bottle
- Headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars (Optional)
- Money for tipping your guide (industry standard is generally 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience) and for any personal expenses not included in the tour package such as alcoholic beverages, a few of the meals, souvenirs, etc.
Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other travel items into a suitcase, duffel or travel bag. You will not bring all your camera gear on every hike or outing.
SEE WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
Meet The #1 Trusted Leader in Small-Group Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris
"Saw lots of big cats - lions, leopards, and cheetahs - and so much more! It was a combination of adventure and luxury with an amazing number and variety of wild animals, beautiful landscapes, and a fabulous “tent” camp, where we were treated like royalty. I loved every minute. This was my second trip with BCJ and I will be back. Well-organized, great group of people, both photographers and staff."
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Christine R.
Big Cats of Africa
"The trip was amazing. There is alot of attention to detail ahead of time to ensure the trip runs smoothly. The accommodations were wonderful. Our guide, Casey, was exceptional. It was a small group and I was a solo traveler. I felt very included. I was probably the person with the least photography experience but never felt left behind. I learned so much!"
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Laurie L.
Glacier National Park
"It's hard to begin to say how great this trip was! This was my first trip with Backcountry Journeys and quite an amazing experience from when I first signed up until the last moment of the trip and after. Kelley from the support team was great in answering all my questions and ensuring that I was prepared for the trip.
Once the trip began, it was just one great experience after another. From the first meeting where our guides Grant and Alex took us through the upcoming weeks plans, to the final breakfast, it was like traveling with a group of friends. We were guided to the best light and locations as well as some little known places that Grant had researched a few weeks prior. It was nice to get some unique shots a little off the beaten path.
To sum it up, one of my best travel experiences ever! So much so, that I have already signed up for 2 more trips."
Once the trip began, it was just one great experience after another. From the first meeting where our guides Grant and Alex took us through the upcoming weeks plans, to the final breakfast, it was like traveling with a group of friends. We were guided to the best light and locations as well as some little known places that Grant had researched a few weeks prior. It was nice to get some unique shots a little off the beaten path.
To sum it up, one of my best travel experiences ever! So much so, that I have already signed up for 2 more trips."
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James W.
Canyons of Utah: Zion & Bryce
"This trip was simply amazing! Well planned, well organized, fabulous/diverse photographing opportunities and a truly professional and experienced leader. I'd travel with BCJ again in a heartbeat.
This was a week-long trip around the Kenai Peninsula that included an all-day fjord boat trip (orcas, humpbacks, seals, birds and a calving glacier), a flight to spend a morning with bears on the beach, a second boat trip to Seldovia (rafts of otters, puffins and...more), and lots of landscape photography. I can't imaging a better week of shooting.
The small group (BCJ is noted for them) bonded quickly and were open to sharing experiences and tips. The guide, Liz Carmel, helped everyone learn something, no matter their prior level of experience. (She was awesome!)"
This was a week-long trip around the Kenai Peninsula that included an all-day fjord boat trip (orcas, humpbacks, seals, birds and a calving glacier), a flight to spend a morning with bears on the beach, a second boat trip to Seldovia (rafts of otters, puffins and...more), and lots of landscape photography. I can't imaging a better week of shooting.
The small group (BCJ is noted for them) bonded quickly and were open to sharing experiences and tips. The guide, Liz Carmel, helped everyone learn something, no matter their prior level of experience. (She was awesome!)"
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Steve D.
Alaska's Kenai Peninsula
"My trip with Backcountry Journeys to the Grand Tetons was spectacular. Every aspect of the trip was researched and executed flawlessly. The lodging was great as were the restaurants we ate at throughout the trip but the best part of the trip was the guide for the trip, Casey Mannes. He was well prepared and treated us as friends rather than guests on a trip. I would highly recommend this trip, company, and guide."
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David S.
Grand Teton National Park
"Recently completed my 5th trip with Backcountry Journeys, this time to Iceland - the Land of Fire and Ice. This was an awesome trip that took in the entirety of this beautiful country, from active volcanos to the northern lights to glacier fed rivers, streams and beaches. As usual with my previous trips with BCJ, this trip was well planned and we stayed at great lodges and had superb meals."
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Tony E.
The Best of Iceland
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