Itinerary
Day 1
After the arrival and baggage claim we will go to our hotel in the center of Windhoek. Today we are not in a hurry, we are having a rest after the flight, shopping and shopping around the capital malls and small shops and enjoying heart-to-heart conversations about the upcoming days of travel over a glass of cold Chablis.
Day 2
Early in the morning we will put our things into the minivans and set out south, in the direction of the red Kalahari sands. We will have to overcome almost 500 km to the destination point. A night photo session of the mysterious Quiver Trees. From time immemorial, local aborigines have made quivers for their sniper arrows from the branches of these trees. A night photo session of the Milky Way at the background of the sprawling tree crowns.
Day 3
After breakfast we're going towards the ocean to find our hotel right on the coast. In the afternoon we'll set off for the wonderful and mysterious Kolmanskop for the evening shots. Views of the abandoned and forever forgotten city being gradually swallowed by the greedy desert sand waves won't leave anyone indifferent. Returning to the hotel to have a rest after the evening photo session. A misted glass of wine and some tender oysters for supper… Yummm… What can feel better?
Day 4
At dawn, we will visit Kolmanskop once again, because the morning light will allow us to see a different picture of the abandoned city. After breakfast, we'll set out for the ancient Namib Desert which appeared more than 80 million years ago. It is “inhabited” by the red dunes, the highest on the planet. Some of them are as high as 350 m! A very long journey of 6 to 8 hours is ahead. By sunset or a bit later, we'll be in our lodge. Dinner, rest.
Day 5
Long before dawn, around 2.30 – 2.45, we'll set out for one of the most wonderful places in the park, Dead Valley! Long ago there was a picturesque oasis there and the sprawling crowns of the trees were stretching out their branches towards the sun, giving the shade to the scarce travellers. But nothing can last forever in this world! The water was gone or vaporized, and the dried mummies of trees are still there like haunted fairy tale characters, stretching out their hands towards the heated and merciless sun. Dead Valley will give us some of its magic fairy tale views. Morning shots right there, next comes breakfast in the desert. After that we'll go to Sesriem Canyon. An afternoon rest in our lodge. In the evening we'll set out for the dunes, red with the sunset light.
Day 6
Today we're going to have another morning photo session in Dead Valley. This place is so unique that we have allocated an extra morning just for it. Moving to Valvish Bay after the breakfast. Our hotel will be situated on the bank of a cozy harbour where a colony of pink flamingos is living. A photo session of the gracious birds in the last sunset rays.
Day 7
Moving to Spitzkop. It is picturesque highlands in the north of Namibia, formed by some reddish cliffs with soft kinds of rocks. The wonderful colour of the cliffs and the amazing Milky Way will surely get into the plot of our evening and night shootings.
Day 8
An early rise and moving to the Etosha National Park. This is the best place in Namibia for taking pictures of animals. We're going to have a two-hour journey and an evening safari in the Etosha Park. Next comes a night at a lodge in the National Park.
Day 9
A morning safari in the Etosha National Park. Returning to the lodge for breakfast. Collecting our things and moving east to another lodge in the Park. An evening safari in the Etosha and another night at the lodge in the Etosha National Park.
Day 10
Having breakfast and driving to a Himba village. After checking in the lodge, guests can order a private evening safari (60 $).
Day 11
Early in the morning, accompanied by a local guide, we're going to set out for the village of Himba, where we will see their everyday life and, of course, arrange a portrait photo session with the villagers. We'll buy out all the souvenirs we like and immediately after breakfast hit the road. We're already expected in a village of Bushmen. Checking into a comfortable lodge and having a rest.
Day 12
We'll take with us our pre-ordered gifts for the Bushmen – rice, sugar and coffee, – and of course, our lunch boxes, and drive to the Bushmen. You don't know how to make jewellery out of ostrich eggs shell? You've never shot from a bow? You can't make fire by friction? What on earth have you been doing all your life??? As you have already guessed, this day won't be a waste of time. We'll leave the village only by the evening, with gigabytes of photographs… and with lots of new life experience. Returning to the lodge, supper and a rest.
Day 13
Collecting our things and leaving for Winhoek (about 500 km). After an evening rest, we'll all get together during a farewell supper at the hotel restaurant.
Day 14
Checking out of the hotel, returning our cars and travelling to the airport. Our African holidays are coming towards the end, the group is going home. See you soon, Namibia!!!
