NAMIBIA TOUR (10 Days)
13-22 March 2023

Windhoek

DAY 1

Pick up at Windhoek airport. We will be staying at Am Wienberg Boutique Hotel in Windhoek. We will have a welcome / meet-and-greet at the hotel, followed by a presentation on the trip and what you can expect, as well as some helpful photographic information to assist you for the duration of the tour.  

Sesriem

(Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 2

We will leave early in the morning and travel to Sesriem and check in to Sossus Dune Lodge inside the park. This gives us an extra hour of access to the park at sunset and sunrise. In the afternoon, we will drive to Sossusvlei and shoot Deadvlei in the late afternoon light. 

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Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. Characterised by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan and is a great destination all year round. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters, and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light.

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Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River to flow any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean.  However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the River seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. During an exceptional rainy season, the Tsauchab fills the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy “lake” holding reflections of the surrounding dunes.  When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year. 

Sesriem

(Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 3

An early morning start as we race into the park to get the first morning light, as it first hits the golden dunes followed by a morning visit to the Deadvlei trees and some dune exploring. We will then move to Sossusvlei Lodge located just outside of Sesriem. The afternoon will be a drive into the park again where we will capture amazing dune landscapes, wild oryx and end off with sunset at the iconic Dune 45.

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Close to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei is a clay pan characterised by dark, dead camel thorn trees contrasted against the white pan floor. The pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded and the abundance of water allowed camel thorn trees to grow. However, the climate changed and the sand dunes encroached on the pan, blocking the river from reaching the area.  The trees are estimated to be approximately 900 years old, however, they have not decomposed due to the dry climate.

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Deadvlei is a paradise for photographers as the contrast between the pitch-black trees and bleached-white pans, and the rusty-red dunes and deep blue sky make for incredible images.  Deadvlei is at least a 1km walk from the parking lot so be sure to take drinking water with you.

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Dune 45 is named for its proximity to Sesriem Gate. It is situated 45km from the gate, along a paved road and is easily reached using a 2×4 vehicle. Its fascinating shape and accessibility make it the most photographed dune in the world.

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The dunes of the Namib Desert were created by sand carried by the wind from the coast of Namibia.  The sand here is 5 million years old and is red in colour due to its iron oxide content.  As the lighting changes with the time of day, so does the appearance of the dunes’ characteristic colour, allowing for interesting photographs at any time. The wind in the Sossusvlei area blows from all directions, which means that these types of dunes are known as “star dunes”.  This is because the winds cause the sand to form a star shape with multiple arms.

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Sesriem

(Breakfast & Dinner)

DAY 4

We will spend the morning capturing the dunes with the morning light, as well as the iconic Sossusvlei region. For the more adventurous a climb up Big Mamma dune overlooking Sossusvlei is a must, especially if the vlei has water in it. Mornings are the best times for reflections and if water is present in the vlei it will be our best time to get those perfectly clean reflections of the dunes and trees. 

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We will head back to the lodge for midday and relax around the pool or in the air conditioning of the lodge. The afternoon will be a private drive on the Sossusvlei Lodge Conservancy where we will shoot sunset.