Namibia Photography Safari led by Chris Coe

Upon arrival at Windhoek’s International Hosea Kutako Airport you will be greeted by your tour representative and transferred to the beautiful River Crossing Lodge on the outskirts of the town. The transfer should take approximately 40 minutes. The rest of the day will be at your leisure, so this is the perfect time to relax after your long flight and prepare for the safari adventures that lie ahead. You could enjoy a dip in the swimming pool, a drink on the delightful terrace soaking up the views, enjoy a massage from the wellness centre or simply relax in the comfort of your bedroom. If you wish to start your adventures early there are optional game drives that you can partake in to go in search of the 19 different species of farm game that reside here. In the evening your guide/s will join you for dinner and a chat about the plan for the next day.

Overnight accommodation at River Crossing Lodge with dinner, breakfast and local beverages included.

This morning your personal Safaris guide/s will collect you from River Crossing Lodge after breakfast.You then depart Windhoek in your safari vehicle and drive southwest through the scenic Khomas Hochland highlands before heading down the Great Escarpment into the Namib Desert below, stopping for a picnic lunch at a scenic location along the way. Upon arrival at the brand-new Dead Valley Lodge inside the Namib Naukluft Park, if time allows this afternoon your guide/s will take you to visit Sesriem Canyon, a nearby geological attraction, or explore Elim Dune which offers fantastic afternoon photographic opportunities as the soft light of the setting sun illuminates the nearby Rottenkaum Mountain range. However, if you prefer, you can just relax and soak up the scenic and tranquil surroundings at this fantastic lodge after your long drive.

Two nights’ accommodation at Dead Valley Lodge with breakfasts, lunches, dinners, local beverages, and excursions with your expert guides.

Today you can enjoy a full day of discovering the magical beauty of the Namib Naukluft National Park as you rise early for a memorable excursion into the famous dunes of Sossusvlei. As you will be staying inside the park we will likely arrive at the dunes before anyone else and will have the unforgettable chance to see the sun rise offering incredible photo opportunities as the soft light and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. A relaxed picnic breakfast will be provided under the shade of a camel thorn tree and your expert guides will offer their knowledge and insights into the area and its myriad of fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environments amongst some of the highest freestanding sand dunes in the world.

Having fully explored around the towering apricot colored sand dunes of Sossusvlei and taken full advantage of the thrilling photography opportunities here we will return to the lodge in the early afternoon for lunch. You may wish to relax now after your thrilling morning among the dunes, but should you wish for more adventure you can join optional nature drives or excursions to the fascinating Sesriem Canyon or Deadvlei.

This morning it’s time to set off for the next adventure as we take a fascinating drive through the breathtaking and ever-changing desert landscapes of the Namib Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons, on our way to Swakopmund. After a drive of about 6 to 7 hours you will reach the coast at Walvis Bay where you have the option to visit the lagoon to see the interesting mix of pelicans, flamingos and other sea birds that are found here. We will then continue north to Swakopmund itself to check in to the uniquely beautiful Desert Breeze Lodge. This afternoon you can enjoy exploring this charming and small German coastal resort that is uniquely nestled between the desert and the sea.

1 night’s accommodation at Desert Breeze Lodge on a full board basis with local beverages included.

It’s now time to venture further north as we journey inland through the wonderful and diverse region of Damaraland towards Etosha National Park, a 530km drive that will take in the region of 8 hours depending on stops and photo opportunities along the way. An abundance of wildlife awaits as our focus turns to game viewing, and this is one of the finest places in Namibia from which to view elephant, lion, giraffe, blue wildebeest, eland, kudu, gemsbok (Oryx), zebra, rhino, cheetah, leopard, hyena and much more. Your game viewing experiences will begin early as we reach the Etosha Safari Lodge.

Two nights’ accommodation at Etosha Safari Lodge with all meals, local beverages and game drives included.

The famous Etosha National Park consists of grassland, woodland and savannah and is known as the greatest wildlife sanctuary in Namibia. Home to some 114 mammal and over 340 bird species you will find no shortage of photography subjects as we spend the day searching for some of these elusive and intriguing species. The whole day will be devoted to thrilling game drives inside the park as well as the private Etosha Safari Lodge on which you will be staying. The first adventure this morning will be a guided game drive through the southern and central areas in your specially modified safari vehicle/s. On a constant lookout for wildlife, your guide will tell you all there is to know about the huge wildlife populations here, their habitats and behaviors and the area’s unique ecosystem. In the afternoon you will decide amongst your group whether to continue to explore inside the park and moving on to Halali on the eastern side of the park, or taking a sundowner game drive on the private Etosha Safari Lodge. Your guides will help you decide, with your decision likely being based on how many species you have managed to see and your chances of ticking more off your bucket lists. In the evening you will return to the lodge for your safari dinner overlooking the floodlit waterhole where more photo opportunities await.

Leaving the wonders of Etosha behind, this morning we’ll set off for the next wildlife experience as we take a 4 hour drive south towards the bushveld richness of the Okonjima Nature Reserve, home of the famous Africat Foundation. Arriving to the camp in the afternoon, there will be time for lunch and a bit of relaxation before joining the Okonjima guides for a game drive in search of some of the elusive collared but free roaming leopards that thrive here. The dedicated team of conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts and experienced veterinarians here work tirelessly to ensure the long-term conservation and survival of Namibia’s Large Carnivores in their natural habitat, and our days here provide an unforgettable opportunity to see this invaluable work in action. In the evening we will return to the camp for dinner and a sundowner drink in the bush.

Two nights’ accommodation at Okonjima Plains Camp on a full board basis. Local beverages and scheduled guided lodge activities included.

This morning you will have a chance to visit the world famous AfriCat Foundation. Here you will be taken on an educational tour to explore the beginnings and current projects that the Foundation runs and that are dedicated towards the conservation of large carnivores in Namibia. Return to the lodge afterwards for breakfast before checking out. The road then takes you south through Namibia’s central highlands to reach Windhoek where you will spend your last evening at the Avani Hotel. Your guide will join you for dinner this evening to reminisce about trip highlights and good memories.

This morning can be spent relaxing at your hotel, exploring Windhoek, visiting NamCrafts and the Craft Centre, or doing some last-minute souvenir shopping, if time allows, before an Ultimate Safaris representative will collect you from your hotel for your transfer out to the Windhoek International Airport, getting you there in time to check in for your ongoing flight. On arrival at the airport, you will be assisted with your check-in and onward flight arrangements.