Namibia Photo Safari with Rikki and Jack Swenson
Namibia - Optional Photographic Pre-Trip Extension to the Cape Region
Itinerary
Day 1
May 16
Windhoek, Namibia
On your arrival, settle into the Hotel Heinitzburg. Perched on a hill overlooking Windhoek, the large patio gives you a great place to relax before gathering this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.
Lodging: Hotel Heinitzburg (D)
Day 2
May 17
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Namibia
This morning, board your private aircraft for the short flight along the northern edge of the Namib Naukluft Park to the coastal town of Swakopmund. You'll have plenty of time to explore before heading to Walvis Bay for afternoon photo opportunities - subjects include greater and lesser flamingo, white pelican, and shore birds.
Lodging: Swakopmund Hotel (B/L/D)
Days 3 - 4
May 18 & 19
Serra Cafema, Northern Namibia
Today board your private aircraft for an exciting, low-level scenic flight along the desolate Skeleton Coast, landing at one of the most remote destinations in Africa - Serra Cafema. This region is home to the nomadic Himba people, breathtaking desert landscapes, and desert wildlife such as ostriches and herds of springbok and oryx antelopes. Each day traverse the surrounding sand dunes on carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes, and explore the Kunene river by boat. Or hike into the surrounding hills and valleys, where you can meet native Ovahimba families and learn about their traditions. Return to your luxurious tented camp, with private decks overlooking the Kunene River.
Lodging: Serra Cafema (B/L/D)
Days 5 - 6
May 20 & 21
Etosha National Park and Onguma Reserve
Fly south by private air to Etosha, Namibia’s premier game viewing destination where large herds of animals concentrate around waterholes fed by subterranean springs. On arrival, settle in to your luxurious lodge built on the private Onguma Reserve, situated on the eastern side of Etosha, bordering Fisher’s Pan. Onguma Private Nature Reserve has more than 20,000 hectares of protected land and wildlife.
The reserve boasts over 30 different animal species consisting of plains game including kudu, giraffe, eland, oryx, hartebeest, zebra, impala, as well as the predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, who are also common residents of the area. The latest addition to the already abundant wildlife at Onguma Nature Reserve is a family of black rhinos. From the Onguma Reserve, we'll explore Etosha National Park, the largest park in Namibia. Various waterholes in and around Etosha ensure fantastic photographic opportunities and the thrill of seeing some of the largest mammals in the world. Over the next two days you'll explore expansive open plains and acacia woodlands with naturalist guides in open four-wheel-drive vehicles, and photograph elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, springbok and oryx antelopes, kori bustards, and more.
Lodging: Onguma Plains Camp (B/L/D)
Days 7 - 8
May 22 & 23
Etosha National Park and Onguma Reserve
Today we will spend the day further exploring Etosha National Park with a full day game drive, stopping at numerous waterholes to photograph the variety of game found in the park. In the afternoon we'll arrive at Ongava, a private reserve on the southern edge of Etosha. Situated close to the top of a hill, the lodge has wonderful views across the plains, and you'll dine with views over a floodlit waterhole.
Here you'll have the opportunity to photograph both black and white rhino. For those who relish close wildlife encounters, tracking white rhino on foot with an armed guide could be a highlight of the trip.
Lodging: Ongava Lodge (B/L/D)
Days 9 - 11
May 24, 25 & 26
Soussusvlei and The Namib Desert
Continue south by private air to Little Kulala in the heart of the Namib desert. Here huge orange sand dunes offer unforgettable photographic opportunities, where morning and evening light create different moods and contrasts. Over the next three days you will visit some of the highest dunes in the world, and explore the environment's desert adapted flora and fauna from safari vehicles and on foot. You may choose to take an optional sunrise balloon flight over the dunes for a stunning photographic viewpoint. At night you'll see magnificent displays of stars from the lodge's sophisticated observatory, while each villa has a rooftop "skybed" for private stargazing.
Lodging: Little Kulala Lodge (B/L/D)
Day 12
May 27
Windhoek and International Flights Home
Transfer by private air to Windhoek and connect with international flights home.
The Details
- Trip Summary & Highlights
- Itinerary
- Optional Extensions
- Itinerary Map
- Study Leaders
- Cost
- Preparing For Your Adventure
- FAQs
- Pack Smart
- Useful Links
- Terms & Conditions
- Print All Trip Details
- Download PDF Brochure
- How To Book
