*This Namibia Photo Tour is in partnership with Hougaard Malan, who’s responsible for sales and organization. All the images in this page were taken by Hougaard Malan.
16-29 May 2023
Join Marco Grassi & Hougaard Malan on this amazing Namibia photo tour. We’ll visit some of Namibia’s photographic hotspots like Sossusvlei, as well as rarely visited parts like the Skeleton Coast, where we’ll spend two nights exploring the dunes and camping for the ultimate experience.
8000$
NAMIBIA PHOTO TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 & 2 & 3
After picking everyone up from Windhoek Airport (or hotel near by), we’ll transfer to our lodge and our Namibia photo tour officially begins!
On the next morning, we’ll hit the road towards the Quiver Tree Forest. We will spend two nights in a lodge that is just 5 minutes drive from our photo locations. Also, we have the locations all to ourselves after sunset for astro photography, with no tourists/other photographers around!
*All the images in this page were taken by Hougaard Malan.*
DAY 4 & 5
After breakfast, we’ll start our drive towards Luderitz. After checking in at our hotel once we arrive, we will make our way to the famous Kolmanskop ghost town in the afternoon.
We’ll spend two nights in Luderitz, meaning that we will have plenty of time to explore, get creative and capture the iconic ghost town from every corner.
DAY 6 & 7 & 8
It’s time to move again! On day 6 we’ll make our way to Sossusvlei, our base for the following three nights. The drive itself will take about 5/6 hours, with 2/3rds of the road being gravel road. Upon arrival we will check in and have dinner, making sure everyone gets enough rest for an early sunrise shoot in Deadvlei.
Sossusvlei is one of the world’s most photogenic landscapes, with endless shooting options. We will shoot at least one sunrise in Deadvlei as well as the iconic towering dune spines. Also, in Sossusvlei each participant will have the chance to book a helicopter flight above the dunes and get to witness views that very few people do.
DAY 9 & 10 & 11
On the 9th morning we will head further north, to the beautiful coastal town of Swakopmund. Here we will put away the cameras for an evening, relax a bit and go to a nice local restaurant.
The next morning we will head into the remote Namib Desert, our camping adventure begins. We will spend two nights camping in the absolute wilderness, guided by an experienced local tour operator. On the first night we will camp next to a shipwreck for seascape and astro photography. On the second night we will camp on a very high dune above the crashing waves where there is an endless view along the dramatic desert coastline.
This experience involves extreme dune driving, done by full-time expert dune drivers. If you find the descents too scary, you can opt to walk down instead. Everyone will have his/her own private dome tent, high enough to stand in. There is a completely private toilet tent available and you’ll be also able to take a hot shower in a private “bathroom tent”.
Breakfasts will be a classic english cooked breakfast. Lunches are a make your own sandwich with a wide variety of fresh toppings. Dinners are a classic Southern African barbecue with meat, starch and salad.
DAY 12 & 13 & 14
The desert camping experience is unforgettable, but exhausting. We will take advantage of day 12 to recharge in Swapkopmund. Here you will have the opportunity to go for a helicopter flight over the desert coastline and estuaries.
The following day we’ll move to our final destination, Spitzkoppe. This is one of Namibia’s most photogenic destinations. These granitic spires rise from level plains like the spine of a subterranean dragon. The highest peak reaches up to 1780mt. There is a spectacular rock arch though with the mountains can be framed as well as countless other details that make for excellent foregrounds.
On the morning of day 14th it’s time to say goodbye. We will drive back to Windhoek, where our Namibia photo tour officially ends.
THE SKELETON COAST EXPERIENCE
There are absolutely zero permanent facilities where we go, but we’ll be living a luxury nomad lifestyle. For photographers, it is a wild frontier.
*All the images in this page were taken by Hougaard Malan.*
INCLUDED
Professional photo educators Marco Grassi & Hougaard Malan
11 Nights Lodging + 2 Nights Camping
Special access at Quiver Tree Forest
Special access at Kolmanskop Ghost Town
Special Wilderness Concession for Skeleton Coast
Transportation
All Meals, every day
2 Drinks per Meal
Tourism Taxes & Park Entry Fees
Experienced Local Guides & Drivers
EXCLUDED
Flights & Travel Insurance
Visa
Snack, alcohol and beverages
Anything not mentioned in the “Included” list
TOUR GUIDES
Marco Grassi
Born and raised in Italy, Marco Grassi is a self-taught and award-winning photographer focused on landscape photography. At the young age of 23 Marco has completed his round-the-world trip and today, several countries later, he defines himself as a true travel addict. Marco’s work has been published and rewarded extensively worldwide in a large variety of media outlets, such as the National Geographic and GEO Magazine. Among some of his clients we can find “Nisi Filters” and “Hilleberg – The Tentmaker” .
His workshops have been designed with the central idea of putting you in the right place at the perfect time and give you plenty of amazing photo opportunities whilst creating a life-changing experience. He will assist you and advise you with valuable photography tips during the whole trip and show you the best photo locations of each destination.
Hougaard Malan
Hougaard is an award winning South African photographer who has been guiding and organising photo tours to Nambia for a decade. His own photos of Namibia have won him awards like the 2016 International Landscape Photograph of the Year. Ever since he can remember, Hougaard has been obsessed with beautiful natural scenery and dramatic weather. He believes that the essence of a landscape photograph is allowing the viewer to experience that place without ever being there. Witnessing such moments unfold over earth’s most beautiful landscapes is for him one of the highlights of living.
His work has been published in countless media all over the world, from books to magazines, calendars and coffee table books.
SUMMARY
Location: Namibia
Tour Length: 14 Days May, 2023
Transportation: Toyota Land Cruisers
Accommodation: Hotels + Tent
Physical Difficulty: Medium
Number of Participants: Max. 11
Didn’t find the info you were looking for? Have a look at the FAQ below, you might find your answers!
Is Namibia safe?
Our guides have travelled Namibia extensively and never encountered any problems. The only thing to be wary of is small amounts of cash that might go missing from your room if you leave it lying around.
Do I need a VISA to enter Namibia?
Most of the countries in the world do not require a visa to enter Namibia. You may check this info on the government website of your country or by getting in touch with the embassy.
Will I have cellphone reception?
Almost everywhere. There is absolutely no communication on the Skeleton Coast, but we have a sat phone for emergencies.
Will I have Internet access?
There will be WIFI of various speeds and standards at different hotels. Before and during the trip we will keep you diligently informed of what to expect. If you’d like a sim card for the local cellphone network, we will provide one for you at no extra charge.
What about medicines, diseases and vaccinations?
We will not be visiting any Malaria risk areas, but we advise you consult with your doctor for a professional opinion. We recommend that you take the basic medical supplies like painkillers, antihistamine, insect repellant, disinfectant cream and plasters. Sun tan lotion and lip balm are crucial in the hot and dry environment.
Will there be fresh water available?
The tap water is drinkable at all destinations, but it is safer to drink bottled water as this might avoid a disagreement between your stomach and the local water supply. There will be bottled water available everywhere.
Will I be able to purchase snacks?
We will stop at grocers and cafés on a regular basis so everyone can stock up on drinks and snacks.
What food can I expect?
Namibia’s cuisine is primarily of British influence with a slight German element.
All our destinations serve a hot English breakfast and it usually accompanied by breads, cold meats, fruits, yoghurt and cereal. Most places have an a la carte lunch menu offering sandwiches, salads, burgers etc. Dinners will mostly be three courses, consisting of a salad or soup starter, a meat main course served with a starch and vegetables, followed by a sweet dessert.
All our destinations serve a hot English breakfast and it usually accompanied by breads, cold meats, fruits, yoghurt and cereal. Most places have an a la carte lunch menu offering sandwiches, salads, burgers etc. Dinners will mostly be three courses, consisting of a salad or soup starter, a meat main course served with a starch and vegetables, followed by a sweet dessert.
What about allergies or dietary preferences?
Most of the lodges are prepared to handle basic allergies and dietary preferences like vegetarian meals. If you have a very rare allergy, please inform us so that we can make the necessary preparations.
Are there any luggage restrictions?
Not really, but please pack considerately. One large suitcase or bag, a large camera bag and tripod is the norm. Most lodges offer laundry services, so you don’t need to pack a fresh set of clothes for every day.
Do I need a laptop?
A laptop isn’t an absolute must. If you are happy just to look while the guides go through the post-processing sessions and to store all your images on memory cards, then you can leave the laptop at home.
Do I need to bring spending money along?
Although most of your expenses are included, you will need some cash to buy snacks, drinks and souvenirs. You can use Namibian dollars or South African Rands and it is very unlikely that you’ll need more than 10 Euro per day.
Tipping
It is customary in Namibia to tip porters and guides at lodges. You can budget about USD100 for these tips.