Itinerary

June 21 – Arrival day in Windhoek: Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek by early afternoon. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the Hilton Hotel Windhoek, which is located in the heart of the city by the main shopping streets and pedestrian zone of Namibia’s capital. We will meet for an orientation session in the early evening, followed by our first dinner as a group at a popular local restaurant close to the hotel. Overnight at Hilton Hotel Windhoek. (D)

June 22 – Travel to Quivertree Forest: Drive to Quivertree Forest Rest Camp, with a picnic lunch provided en route. Arrive at the farm Gariganus where everyone can explore the ancient and famous Quiver Tree Forest and the dolerite rock formations of the Giants Playground. The quiver tree or “Kokerboom” is one of the most interesting and characteristic plants of the very hot and dry parts of Namibia. The quiver trees can be two to three centuries old (look for the tallest ones) and are actually a species of aloe. Overnight at Quivertree Forest Rest Camp. (B,L,D)

June 23 – Travel to Luderitz: Early morning cheetah photography near the Quiver Tree Forest, followed by a late breakfast. Then depart to Lüderitz via Aus, looking out for the Wild Horses of the Namib – the only herd of feral horses in Africa – along the way. Afternoon tour and photography in Lüderitz. Located on the edge of the diamond-rich Sperrgebiet area, Lüderitz is a fascinating relic of Germany’s late 19^th-century imperial aspirations. Overnight at Luderitz Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)

June 24 – Kolmanskop and Elizabeth Bay: Early morning and afternoon photography in the ghost mining towns of Kolmanskop and Elizabeth Bay. Once a booming mining town, Kolmanskop faced depopulation after the diamond mine collapsed. The town is now overwhelmed with sand, around the buildings and inside them. You will also see and photograph the iconic images of Sperregebiet and old, deserted buildings where the bricks have eroded and only the mortar is left in Elizabeth Bay. Overnight at Luderitz Nest Hotel. (B, L, D)

June 25 – Travel to Sossusvlei: Depart to Sossusvlei via Aus, again looking out for the Wild Horses of the Namib, and past the Namib Rand Nature Reserve. Sossusvlei is one of the most photographed places in Sub-Saharan Africa; however, how and when you photograph there is very important, and our guides will know what to do. In fact, from the property of our overnight accommodations, you can reach Sossusvlei before sunrise, and stay until after sunset—a special and unique requirement needed to get the best photography field sessions possible. Overnight at Sossus Dune Lodge. (B, L, D)

June 26-27 – Sossusvlei: Early morning, afternoon and night photography in the Sossusvlei surroundings, including Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon. Located in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park, the Sossusvlei region is a salt and clay pan famous for its sand dunes. The dunes range in color from deep orange to bright pink and are some of the largest in the world, occasionally exceeding 1,000 feet. The fascinating colors of the dunes are due to oxidation of the sand’s high iron content. The older dunes are more intensely red, and some of the more stable dunes are partially covered with vegetation. Underground and ephemeral rivers occasionally flood the pans, creating marshes known as vlei in the Afrikaans language. Overnight at Sossus Dune Lodge. (B, L, D)

June 28 – Travel to Kaokoveld via Swakopmund: Your guides will take you to the airstrip for your private scenic charter light aircraft flight from Sossusvlei up the Coast to Swakopmund Airport for refueling, flying over shipwrecks, deserted mining camps, seal colonies and Sandwich Harbour. Enjoy a relaxing group lunch, explore the town and visit the local craft markets in the Swakopmund area before reboarding your private light aircraft flight to the airstrip in Purros, Kaokoveld. Upon landing at Purros, you will be transferred to our accommodations at a very serene and luxurious lodge, where vegetables come from their organic garden and chalets boast unhindered views of pristine desert landscapes. Overnight at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge. (B, L, D)

June 29 – Kaokoveld: There are numerous desert-adapted mammal species that inhabit Kaokoveld including desert elephants. Along with Mali’s Sahara region, the Kaokoveld is the only place where elephants have adapted to a desert environment. They roam the land along with small herds of oryx, kudu, springbok, ostrich, giraffe, and mountain zebra. There will also be excellent opportunities for bird photography around the pool at the lodge. In addition to seeing more wildlife, you will have the option of relaxing and enjoying the amenities and beautiful scenery at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge or visiting the ancient tribe of semi-nomadic herders known as the Himba. They have attracted photographers from all over the world, particularly as the women ritually apply paste to their skin and hair to protect themselves from the sun and insects. Overnight at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge. (B, L, D)

June 30 – Travel to Etosha National Park: Transfer back to Purros Airstrip for your private charter light aircraft flight to Ongava Lodge on the outskirts of the southern boundary of the legendary Etosha National Park. You will have an opportunity for afternoon game viewing in the southern section of the park, returning to the lodge before sunset. Overnight at Ongava Lodge. (B, L, D)

July 1 – Etosha National Park – Ongava to Mushara: Today will be a full day of game driving across the park via the resorts of Okaukeuejo, Halali and Namutoni, stopping at selected watering holes along the way and for a picnic lunch in the park. Leave the park before sunset and continue to Mushara, which is situated in the outskirts of the eastern gate to the park. Overnight at Mushara Outpost. (B, L, D)

July 2 – Etosha National Park: Today will be another full day of game viewing in the eastern section of Etosha National Park, with a picnic lunch in the park. Return to Mushara in the late afternoon. Overnight at Mushara Outpost (B,L,D)

July 3 – Return to Windhoek and Depart: Wake up for breakfast, followed by a two-hour private light aircraft flight back to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek where you will connect to your departing flights home. (B)