Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, is distinguished by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast. The country is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. This is one of Art’s favorite locations to travel to as the wildlife is so diverse and never fails to deliver unique compositions every time he visits.
We have secured an expert guide that can get our group excellent access to wildlife viewing areas in Etosha and has assured us that we have selected the perfect time for wildlife activity. August is also the ideal time for landscapes as the weather will allow for beautiful clouds and cooler temperatures. We have also coordinated for the group to visit the Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people in Africa.
Led by Art Wolfe
Limited to 10 participants
Transportation and Accommodation
All meals, lodging, and transportation specified on the itinerary are included. You will be responsible for your flight to and from Hosea Kutako International Airport where our trip will begin and commence. You are encouraged to arrive one day prior to the workshop so that there is no worry of flight delays causing any problems. You are also encouraged to stay one additional night at the end of the tour if your schedule allows.
Itinerary
Shooting schedules have the ability to be altered to effectively cater to the photographic desires of the group, as well as to adapt to changeable weather conditions.
*This tour is just being finalized now, the itinerary will be adjusted with additional information when it becomes available.
Day 1 Aug 25 Hosea Kutako International Airport
Arrive Hosea Kutako International Airport. Upon arrival in Windhoek you will be collected from Hosea Kutako International Airport and transferred to the The Weinberg Hotel for one night.
Once the whole group has checked in, we’ll go for dinner at one of Windhoek’s best restaurants.
Aug 26-29 Deadvlei
After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Dead Valley Lodge for 2 nights. During your stay at Dead Valley Lodge you will visit Deadvlei.
The real highlight at Sossusvlei is Deadvlei – Situated at the end of the Tsauchab valley, this section of the wetland was cut off from Sossusvlei by a low dune an estimated 700-800 years ago. The lack of water, arid climate and hard wood of the Namibian Camel Thorn tree has kept the trees from decomposing. The result is a collection of ghostly trees rising from a cracked white clay pan. The pan is deceptively large and offers about 50 of the oddly shaped trees to photograph. The location can be overwhelming at first, but our guides know the location well and will assist everyone to find the best trees and photograph them adequately.
Aug 29-31 Swakopmund
After breakfast, our travels will take you through central Namib to the coastal town of Swakopmund. You will enjoy the Sandwhich harbour excursion and spend 2 nights at Strand Hotel.
During our 2 nights here, our photographic focus will be on the birds and particular the flamingo’s of Walvis Bay. Situated just a short drive South of Swakopmund, this town is home to very large congregations of flamingo and can be photographed in the rolling dunes or in the estuary. The evening we will take a stroll to one of Swakopmund’s fantastic restaurants for a seafood dinner.
Aug 31-Sept 2 Himba People
After breakfast we will head to Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp for 2 nights stay. While here we will be visiting the Otjikandero Himba Village.
This region is shared with the wonderful and colorful Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people in Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and creates an oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes.
The Himba are known for their red matted braids, which are painstakingly made by mixing animal fat, ash and ground ochre, a stone found locally. The OvaHimba (singular: OmuHimba, plural: OvaHimba) are semi-nomadic as they have base homesteads where crops are cultivated, but may have to move within the year depending on rainfall and where there is access to water.
Sept 2-5 Etosha
This morning we will transfer due North – east to an area named “The great white place” but more commonly known as Etosha National Park for 3 nights stay.
From its beautiful vantage point overlooking a well-frequented watering hole and the plains beyond, the Onguma Game Lodge is situated along the eastern boundary of Etosha National Park in the privately owned Onguma Game Reserve. Situated around a popular waterhole, Onguma Tented Camp offers its guests an enticing mixture of sophistication and relaxation. Superbly furnished tents boast comfortable beds and each have en-suite bathroom facilities. In the local Herero language, Onguma means, “the place you don’t want to leave.” With a stunning main building and seven tents providing private, exclusive accommodation, Onguma Tented Camp, certainly lives up to its name. An atmosphere of elegant dining prevails, complimented by the daily activities taking place around the watering hole, approximately 60 meters away.
Activities include game drives in open 4×4 vehicles into Etosha where animals such as lion, elephant, cheetah, gemsbok, springbok, and hartebeest can be seen at many of the water holes in the park. In addition, hides and walks with guides are enjoyed on the private reserve.
From mid morning onwards, there is a procession of animals at the waterholes. The high numbers of animals cause tension and fights often break out due to skittishness or dominance behavior. This of-fers the photographer excellent opportunities of getting images of Zebra, wildebeest, Oryx and spring-buck fighting. The action does not stop there, as from mid day onwards the elephants come down to drink providing, as always, the most wonderful photographic subjects.
Sept 5-6 The Weinberg Boutique Hotel
After breakfast on the last day at Etosha National Park, you will be transferred to Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel for your last night in Namibia.
Sept 6 Depart
After breakfast on your last morning in Namibia you will be transferred back to Hosea Kutako International Airport in time for your international departure home. This is the end of the tour.
Services Included
-Meet and greet at airport and all road transfers in Namibia.
-All accommodation and meals.
-All soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. Excludes premium brands.
-Water whilst travelling.
-All entrance fees and permits.
-Sandwich harbor tour
-Living desert tour.
-Local Namibia guide and driver: Jandre Germishuizen.
*Note: We will make every effort to connect you with a roommate should you like to share a room. However, if we’re unable to make a match, the single supplement will apply.
Services Not Included
-Visas and Vaccinations. * Please note that obtaining a visa for entry into the country of your destination is the sole responsibility of the traveler and C4 Photo Safaris is not liable for any issues related to obtaining a visa.
-Travel insurance. **Please refer to our terms and conditions.
-Accommodation not specified.
-Tips and gratuities to staff and guides.
-Extra activities.
-Purchases of a personal nature.
-International flights.
-Internal small plane flights.