Date:

May 31 - June 13, 2020

Location:

Namibia, Africa

Photo trainer

Harald Braun

Price

for accommodation in a double room, single room supplement 404,- ? The booking is made with our partner African Dreamtravel
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Experience the highlights of Namibia with an experienced Namibia expert

You will experience wildlife and landscape photography in one of the most beautiful countries in Africa! On this photo tour we will travel to the photo hotspots in Namibia. At certain spots where there is a good chance of a good photo, we can stay for a few hours if the photographers wish. On our game drives we will take our time and be on tour in the best light. We will also be out and about at night to see the big cats, such as lions and leopards, possibly hunting. The focus of this photo tour to Namibia is on photographing special motifs, i.e. creating images that evoke emotions. We will start as early as possible each day to make the most of the best light. Your photo trainer, Namibia expert Harald Braun, can give you lots of tips on settings, exposure compensation etc. based on his many years of experience in Namibia and Botswana as well as in wildlife photography. You will learn certain creative photography techniques such as wiper effects. The effects result from certain aperture and time combinations that show dynamics and movement in an image. On our game drives in Etosha and the Kalahari, we will occupy the safari vehicles with a maximum of 6 people. This creates the best conditions for the photographers. When we return to camp after an extensive day of photography, we will discuss the results of the day over a glass of wine. We will focus on background design, cropping, situational awareness and composition so that you can apply what you have learned the following day. Due to the maximum number of 6 photographers, individual attention is guaranteed, so that both the photo beginner and the advanced hobby photographer can achieve the best picture results.

Schedule

Day 1 Arrival at the airport and overnight stay in Windhoek You will land at Windhoek Airport and be welcomed by your photo trainer Harald Braun. You will spend the first night in Windhoek, in the center of Namibia's capital. On the first day we explore Windhoek. We visit the Katatura township, Christ Church or the Ink Palace, go to the museum or stroll through the city's shopping centers. In the evening, we will enjoy a delicious beer and a hearty venison steak in Joe's Beerhouse Day 2 Onward journey to the Kalahari After your first night in Namibia, we will set off on our journey to the Kalahari. Via the Tropic of Capricorn we drive south towards the Kalahari Desert. The red dunes of the Kalahari become more and more numerous. After a 3 - 4 hour drive we reach our lodge. The lodge is beautifully situated between the red dunes of the Kalahari. The bright blue sky offers a wonderful contrast to the red dunes. Experience a wonderful sundowner tour on the huge grounds of the lodge and see your first springbok or oryx antelope. At night we can take the first photos of the incredible starry sky in Namibia, if clouds don't put a spoke in our wheel. Day 3 - 4 From the Kalahari to Sossusvlei We start our tour to the Sossusvlei region very early today. We drive into the Namib Naukluft National Park. The Namib Naukluft National Park stretches for around 150 km along the coast from L?deritz in the south to the Swakop Valley in the north. It covers a total area of 50,000 km?, but its biggest attractions are all located in the area around Sesriem. Sossusvlei with its sand dunes, which are the largest in the world, can be found here. A visit to this highlight should not be missed on any trip through Namibia. Especially at sunrise and sunset, there is a gigantic play of colors between different shades of red. These change from terracotta to orange to a deep red as the sun rises or sets. This creates a unique contrast to the white pans. We spend the night in the national park, so we have the opportunity to drive into the national park an hour before sunrise. We can also stay in the park for an hour after sunset. On the fourth day, we visit the national park again. We drive into the park before sunrise to experience the sunrise at Dune 45. Around midday we return to the lodge to relax. In the afternoon we drive into the park to photograph the Deadvlei in different light moods. After sunset we drive back to the lodge and spend the evening together. Day 5 - 6 Onward journey to Swakopmund Today our route takes us to Swakopmund, the cozy little town on the Atlantic. We start early in the morning, as the drive through the Namib Naukluft Park takes about 5 hours. In Solit?r we will enjoy a delicious piece of cake. Once we reach the coast, we make a short stopover in Walvis Bay to visit the lagoon, which is home to hundreds of flamingos, pelicans, egrets, storks and a large number of other bird species. We arrive in Swakopmund in the afternoon and can explore the town. Today we end the day - with a bit of luck - with a breathtaking sunset by the sea. Visit the numerous restaurants such as the Tiger Reef Bar, The Tug, the Jetty 1905 or the Brauhaus for a delicious meal in the evening. On the sixth day we will go on a Little 5 Desert Tour. On this tour you will search for and find the Little 5 of the desert. Our guide will show you the little 5 in the desert. You will be thrilled to see Namaqua Chameleons, desert geckos, snakes and scorpions. Attention: In Swakopmund and on the coast, fog and insufficient light conditions must be expected, especially in the morning. Day 7 - 8 From Swakopmund to the Erongo Mountains We will spend the next 2 days in the Erongo region. Here we have the opportunity to find numerous motifs. Spitzkoppe, Lions Head, Bulls Party are just some of the photo destinations in this area. The Erongo area is considered a geological wonderland. In the center of the region lies the Erongo Mountains, a 130-million-year-old volcanic ruin with enchanting rock and landscape formations. Over the millennia, magma that cooled underground and then weathered away has formed impressive natural scenery dominated by huge granite spheres. These landscapes offer great photo opportunities, especially at sunset. There are also many interesting rock paintings to discover in the Erongo. Despite the arid climate with very little rainfall, there is standing water in the interior of the rugged Erongo Mountains and therefore quite a large population of plants and wild animals. In addition to numerous antelopes such as kudu, oryx, springbok and klipspringer, there are also mountain zebras, giraffes, baboons and many leopards. Black rhino have recently been reintroduced to the Erongo Rhino Sanctuary. The flora in the Erongo Crater and outside is also very diverse. Day 9 - 11 From the mountains to Mount Etjo The next morning we drive north to the area around Otjiwarongo. We spend the night at Mount Etjo Lodge. Encounter African wild animals & dinosaurs, experience Namibian history... and much more! mount Etjo Safari Lodge is situated in the heart of the Okonjati Game Reserve, one of the first private reserves in Namibia, founded by the world-famous conservationist Jan Oelofse. It is not without reason that the lodge bears the name "Etjo", which means "place of refuge". Thousands of animals and hundreds of different bird species are given shelter here. You can visit the famous fossilized dinosaur tracks on site and Namibia's independence was also declared here. Experience the breathtaking wilderness and wildlife like never before by participating in our numerous activities. Enjoy our luxurious accommodation and be pampered by our chefs. Mount Etjo Safari Lodge remains one of the most popular vacation destinations for travelers from all over the world. Here we have breathtaking opportunities for photographing the beautiful Namibian wildlife and a huge variety of animal species. From the smallest bird to the largest giraffe, whether elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs or antelopes such as the rare sable and roan antelope - Harald Braun will share his passion, his technical expertise in photography and his knowledge of these animals with you. Our ground hide is located directly in front of a waterhole, where you can sit quietly at eye level to observe and photograph animals. The frog's-eye view allows extraordinary, super close-up photo opportunities. Up to three photographers can sit comfortably. The hide has been designed so that the position of the photographer is ideal in relation to the sunlight, the background of the wilderness and the birds and animals. If desired and available, a professional photographer will accompany you, otherwise a game ranger will be at your disposal. We will spend the morning or afternoon here. Day 12 - 13 The last leg of the journey to Etosha National Park Onward journey after breakfast to Etosha National Park. We will spend 2 days here In the morning, immediately after the gates open, we drive into the park and try to get pictures of lions and other wild animals in the best light. We use an open safari vehicle for this, which gives us the opportunity to take photos without disturbing windows. We return to the lodge around 10:00 for a hearty breakfast. The rest of the day until the afternoon is at leisure. In the late afternoon we drive back into the park to photograph in the evening light. Day 14 Journey home Today your Namibia photo tour ends. We leave in the morning for Windhoek. In Okahandja you can stock up on souvenirs for those who stayed at home at the timber market. In the afternoon, I will take you to the airport. With full memory cards and indescribable impressions, you will board your flight home.

Accommodation

Casa Piccolo This cozy, colourful hotel is located in a leafy neighbourhood. The Zoo Park with green spaces and Christ Church with guided tours are 3 km away. The B 1 is 4 km away. The friendly, cozy rooms offer free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, an en suite shower room, a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. The family rooms can accommodate 4 people. Children up to the age of 5 stay free of charge and the breakfast buffet and secure parking are free of charge. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and a terrace. An airport shuttle is available for a fee. Bagatelle Kalahari Main Lodge Bagatelle Kalahari Game Lodge is situated on the edge of the Southern Kalahari, just 50 minutes' drive from Mariental. This is a tranquil, owner-run lodge in a mixed tree and shrub savannah punctuated by deep red parallel sand dunes. As Bagatelle is only a two-and-a-half hour drive from the Namibian capital Windhoek, it offers a perfect stopover en route to southern Namibia's attractions such as the Fish River Canyon and the Luderitz.
In partnership with the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the lodge is custodian to cheetahs housed in an enclosure adjacent to the recreation area. This facility was built beyond the requirements of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and under the direction of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. These captive cheetahs can never be released into the wild and will remain in captivity for the rest of their lives. It is the aim of Bagatelle Kalahari Lodge to ensure that these beautiful animals experience the highest quality of life during this time. Sossus Dune Lodge Namibia Wildlife Resorts opened the first lodge in the Namib-Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge, in June 2007. Sossus Dune Lodge is built in an environmentally friendly way, mainly from wood, canvas and thatch, in an attractive Afro-village style and offers guests an atmospheric and life-changing experience. Situated in the park, guests benefit from being able to reach Sossusvlei before sunrise and stay until after sunset. After an exciting day, relax in the peace and splendor of the Namib Desert under the spectacular African sky. Sossus Dune Lodge offers professional guided tours that allow visitors to fully appreciate the beauty and biodiversity of the desert environment and offers the best beds in the desert. Meike's Guest House Five twin rooms. Three family units with four beds each. Each room/unit with private veranda. TV, fridge, tea and coffee facilities of course. We offer safe and secure parking under permit. Spitzkoppen Lodge "Sense of place in an archaeological landscape". The Barnard family look forward to welcoming you to Spitzkoppen Lodge. The same owners and developers of Kalahari Bush Breaks Lodge have the privilege of realizing their dream of an exclusive destination on the edge of the Namib Desert, which began some 14 years ago. You are invited to enjoy the joy and passion of friendly service in a relaxed ambience. The lodge is situated on the northern edge of the Spitzkoppe inselberg between huge granite boulders laid down more than 150 million years ago, offering breathtaking views of the Brandberg and the Erongo Mountains. The stylish private accommodation consists of 15 spacious, tastefully furnished chalets, each with en-suite bathrooms and an outdoor deck. This connects guests to the vast stretches of pristine sand and boulders beyond. Okaukuejo Resort Okaukuejo is situated 17 km from the southern entrance of the park and is renowned for its floodlit waterhole, where visitors can watch a close-up spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Accommodation is offered to suit every need, in first class bush chalets overlooking the waterhole, bush chalets and double or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, store, swimming pool, kiosk and campsites.

Services included:

• Number of participants min. 4 and max. 6 persons
• Shuttle from and to the airport
• Travel in a typical local vehicle with enough space for your equipment
• At the photo spots we use open safari vehicles that are booked exclusively for our group.
• Entrance fees for the national parks
• All specified activities
• Photographic support during the entire trip from Harald Braun
• Overnight stays in high-quality lodges
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• Comprehensive travel package with description and map, travel guide Namibia

Notes:

Please note the country-specific information on the destination as well as the health and visa regulations. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Entry via South Africa
When entering Namibia via South Africa, the new entry regulations in force since 2015 must be observed. Important changes include: Any overstaying of a visa will result in a declaration as an undesirable person and a ban on entry. For entry and transit with underage children, an international birth certificate showing the parents and, if applicable, a declaration of consent from the non-accompanying parent or proof of sole custody are required. Detailed and binding information can be obtained from the South African diplomatic mission responsible for your place of residence. Entry is possible for German nationals with the following documents: passport, temporary passport, children's passport. The travel documents must be valid for six months beyond the stay. It is necessary to present a return or onward travel ticket. The entry requirements for German nationals may change at short notice without the Federal Foreign Office being informed in advance. Legally binding information and/or information on entry requirements that goes beyond these instructions can only be obtained directly from the embassy or one of the consulates general of your destination country.

Price

4.480,-
for accommodation in a double room, single room supplement 404,- ? Minimum participants: 4, maximum 6 participants Bookings are made with our partner African Dreamtravel. All prices are per person, subject to rate changes, price fluctuations and availability. Booking is based on the current travel conditions (general terms and conditions of African Dreamtravel)
Book now