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Wild Namibia Photo Safari
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
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Deposit: $3,500.00
Start/End
Windhoek, Namibia / Windhoek, Namibia
Length
14 Days/13 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 8 Guests
Highlights
- 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
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
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.
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). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip 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.
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.
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Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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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!
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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024