Namibia and Botswana Photography Tour

Itinerary

This landscape, culture, and wildlife photographic adventure will take you up in the air above the beautiful sand dunes of Namibia. Complimentary aerials over the dunes by helicopter, fixed wing, or hot air balloon. Our safari time in Botswana will be on land. For ease and luxury, we’ll have chartered planes to take us from location to location throughout Namibia and South Africa to Botswana.

Friday, May 20

Depart US/Canada and fly to Johannesburg (JNB), South Africa.

Saturday, May 21 (D)

Arrive any time of day in Johannesburg. Staff from the Intercontinental hotel will meet and guide you to the hotel, just a few steps away from the airport. Overnight Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport

Sunday, May 22 (B, L, D)

This morning we’ll take a domestic commercial flight from Johannesburg to Windhoek and then board a charter plane to our first destination, Fish River Canyon. Located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo, a vast, open region dominated by low-shrub vegetation, Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon on Earth!

Fascinating flora and fauna have adapted to the harsh environment of this rocky, rugged 500,000 million-year-old landscape. We’re sure to see lonely quiver trees, one of the rarest plants in the world, found only on the continent of Africa. Wildlife such as oryx, mountain zebra, giraffe, springbok, kudu, leopard, steenbok, baboon, wild horse, and ostrich are often seen throughout the canyon area.

At Fish River Lodge, we’ll have dinner and spend the night on the edge of the stunning landscape of Fish River Canyon. A memorable sunset shoot with  sundowner. After dinner, photograph the open skies over the canyon or practice light painting on the quiver trees. Overnight at Fish River Lodge

Monday, May 23 (B, D)

A sunrise shoot of Fish River Canyon followed by a hearty breakfast. Mid-morning, we’ll board our charter flight and head to Luderitz. Luderitz is in the Succulent Karoo region, different from all other deserts in the world, not prone to prolonged drought since rainfall is reliable and predictable. The Succulent Karoo boasts the richest succulent flora on Earth, harboring about one-third of the world’s 10,000 species. Forty percent of the plant species here are endemic, found nowhere else in the world! A region of unparalleled botanical biodiversity, it is the only plant hot spot that is entirely arid. We’ll have dinner and overnight at the Luderitz Nest Hotel.

Tuesday, May 24 (L, D)

Today we’ll start our day early to visit the fascinating ghost town of Kolmanskop located in the unwelcoming land of the Namib Desert. Breakfast at leisure in this ghost town at the local cafe.

In the 1900s, Kolmanskop boasted one of the richest diamond deposits on Earth. The German government declared it part of the “Sperrgebiet,” or forbidden diamond territory. This thriving and bustling town provided much needed shelter for diamond workers; opulent homes and shops protected them from an extremely harsh environment with no hint of moisture. Fresh water was hauled in by train and pumped into their storage tanks. Though isolated, the town’s residents afforded every possible luxury. However, by the early 1930s, the diamond deposits began to deplete and the area experienced decline. To add to the town’s demise, most inhabitants departed when the world’s richest diamond-bearing deposits ever were discovered south of Kolmanskop in 1928. In 1956, the few who remained left the town completely deserted.

Today, rolling drifts of knee-deep sand shape gentle curves in the abandoned houses and buildings that remain. Though a haunting monument of the day’s boom and bust, this desert ghost town provides an engrossing history along with incredible photo opportunities. Follow the shafts of light throughout the old buildings in search of imperfect, but beautiful, walls, doors, and angles for unique images.

We’ll also search for an iconic symbol of this area, the wild horse herd of Namibia. These Namib Desert “ghost” horses have miraculously learned to adapt to the extreme heat with minimal water sources, their origins shrouded in a cloud of mystery.

Like its former inhabitants, we’ll depart Kolmanskop for our next destination. A scenic five-hour drive will take us to Sossusvlei. Depending on time, we may make a stop or two for photography, and we’ll definitely stop for lunch and a slice of apple pie, claimed the best in the world by some! Well, you can decide for yourself 🙂

Get ready for an early AM sunrise shoot tomorrow at Deadvlei!  We’ll stay at the only lodge in Namib-Naukluft National Park, giving us access to the many natural wonders of this park during beautiful morning light before the main gate opens.

Deadvlei, translated to “dead marsh,'” is a white clay pan known for its ancient camel thorn (acacia) tress, now only dark skeletons against the white pan floor and bright red-orange dunes. The trees thrived hundreds of years ago when the Tsauchab River flooded, but the climate eventually changed and the sand dunes encroached, blocking the river from reaching the area. The trees remain intact, the wood does not decompose because of the dry climate, so they sit, blackened from the scorch of the sun.

Overnight Sossus Dune Lodge (no air-conditioning, fan only in rooms for this one night)

Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26 (B, L, D)

We’ll access the dunes early this morning, and then transfer to Sossusvlei Lodge where we’ll spend the next two nights. This beautiful lodge has air-conditioned rooms, pool, bar, wonderful food, and easy access to our complimentary aerial flights. Fly over the dunes mornings and evenings by helicopter, fixed wing, or balloon. Our private bus will tour the park daily for those who do not wish do aerials. Please note aerial flights are based on weather and availability (two complimentary flights per guest).

Sossusvlei, a clay/salt pan, is home to the highest sand dunes on the planet! Crests of vivid pink, orange, and the oldest dunes an intense red, create striking landscapes with the contrasting white vleis (clay pans) and vast blue sky. Dwarfed by the sheer size of the dunes, you may find this one of the most mind-blowing sights you will ever see!

The Tsauchab River carved the Sesriem Canyon over millions of years. This is one of the few places in the area that holds water all year round. The canyon was an important source of water for early settlers in the area.

There will be free time midday, when the sun is hot and too harsh for photography. Take a nap, enjoy a dip in the sparkling pool, or have yourself an ice-cold beer under the shady trees in the Acacia beer garden.

Friday, May 27 (B, L, D)

A late morning charter takes us to Swakopmund, time for more incredible aerial scenery! We’ll check into the hotel upon arrival, get some lunch, and then you’re free to explore the town’s palm-lined streets and chat and barter with the locals. Mid-afternoon, we’ll meet up and head toward Walvis Bay Lagoon, one of the most important wetlands in Africa. Walvis Bay is a protected area, a hibernation area for thousands of migratory birds. We’re especially interested in photographing the radiantly pink greater flamingos whose flocks often inundate the lagoon. A variety of marine life such as dolphins and fur seals are also commonly seen here. Dinner and wine tasting at the hotel tonight. Overnight for three nights at Strand Hotel Swakopmund

Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and then we’ll join Tommy, an esteemed local guide, on his “Living Desert” tour for a full day. Tommy has put together a memorable 4×4 trip through the dune area just outside Swakopmund. Discover the life of this desolate landscape, the search is on for desert creatures such as the Namaqua chameleon and Peringuey’s adder! Learn of the plants and minerals that make up the “Living Desert.” Endless photographic opportunities on this excursion! It was one of Tanya’s favorite things on her scouting trip. Dinner on own. Overnight Strand Hotel Swakopmund

Monday, May 30 (B, L, D)

Today we will have an opportunity to meet and photograph the indigenous Himba people in Swankopmund. These semi-nomadic herders are striking, an iconic image of Africa.

Midday we will return to Windhoek. A casual BBQ dinner and beer at the famous Joe’s Beerhouse. Most likely we’ll be ready for a small break at this point, so we’ll spend two nights for some R&R at The Olive Exclusive All Suite Hotel. Experience luxury in Namibia’s capital city. Each suite in the hotel reflects a different region in Namibia and has its own lounge area with fireplace and wide glass doors which open onto a spacious deck where you can relax on a shady daybed. Indulge in a bubble bath with sweeping mountain views.

Tuesday, May 31 (B, D)

This is your day to relax! Take time to enjoy this boutique hotel or explore Windhoek on a short city tour with some local shopping. We’ll meet and have dinner as a group in the hotel’s Olive Restaurant, featuring a seasonal menu with inventive signature dishes. Overnight The Olive Exclusive All Suite Hotel

Wednesday, June 1 – Saturday, June 4 (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll  take a flight from Windhoek, Namibia to Johannesburg, South Africa and from there fly by charter to Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana. No worries on luggage allowance, we have this covered 🙂

Mashatu Game Reserve comprises 72,000 acres of privately owned land in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana. Mashatu and its neighbors, the Tuli Safari Area of Zimbabwe and Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa, form a vast cross boundary conservation area to protect all living things in the region.

Though on the eastern fringes of the Kalahari Desert, the reserve is at the converge of the great Limpopo and Sashe Rivers, making it an ideal place for wildlife to take shelter from the sun in nutrient-rich vegetation. Mashatu has a diverse landscape. Wide-open plains, grassland, riverine forests, rocky hills, marshland, and majestic sandstone ridges make it a haven to experience a variety of Africa’s magnificent wildlife.

Flora and fauna flourish in Mashatu. Over 50 mammal and reptile species, 350 bird species (including the lilac-breasted roller), and 150 tree species can be found in the area! Mashatu boasts home to the largest herds of elephants on privately owned land in all of Africa, and two more of the Big Five, namely leopard and lion, are frequently encountered here. Giraffe, eland, ostrich, and the kori bustard, each a world record holder in the animal kingdom, all reside within the reserve’s accommodating landscape. Other notable species include cheetah, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, African wildcat, honey badger, spotted hyena, and the black-backed jackal. Enjoy this video!

It’s not just the wildlife that makes Mashatu the “Land of Giants.” Its sacred Nyala-berry (or Mashatu) trees reach staggering heights of up to 30 meters tall, some of the oldest trees in the world are found here! Bizarre, yet awe-inspiring, baobab trees also dot the landscape. You will find no shortage of inspiration in this “Slice of Heaven on Earth!”

We will venture out twice daily to experience all Mashatu has to offer. Guests will rotate between exclusive photographic hides and land safaris.

Mashatu’s exclusive photographic hides provide you the opportunity to sit and photograph the animals coming directly at you, an experience not to be forgotten! The hides are specially positioned with great consideration for maximizing photographic potential, making it possible to capture unique angles and exceptional images.

Mashatu Game Reserve photographic hide

We will spend our four final days and nights at the luxurious Mashatu Lodge. Guests will stay in supremely comfortable, spacious suites with air-conditioning and en suite bathroom. A world-class dining experience can be expected at Mashatu. Home-cooked, flavorful traditional African fare mixed with Western dishes will be served daily. Any appetite will be satisfied with the camp’s variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade breads and pies, succulent meat dishes, and delicious desserts.

Sunday, June 5 (B, L)

Morning shoot in hide or by land safari. After lunch, we’ll board a domestic flight and head back to Johannesburg to connect with our evening flights home.

Monday, June 6

Arrive home.