50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
It is safe. Game parks are well equipped. There is a great variety of game and birds. The scenery is like nowhere else in the world.
Namibia. A place of Barren Beauty.
This was my first visit to Namibia and my first photography workshop. The tour was to start at Windhoek go slightly north and West to Spitzkoppe (between Usakos and Arandis on the B2) then south via Gaub, Solitaire, Sesriem, Aus and across to Luderitz; back to Aus and seehiem dropping down to Fish River Canyon for a short visit before heading back north to Keetmanshoop and then returning to Windhoek via Marietal and Rehoboth.
The trip took 12 days with ample stops at the numerous must see sights for photographers which included, Spitzkoppe itself and the spectacular surrounding red rock formations, Dune 45, Deadvlei and sossusvlie, Sesriem Canyon, Luderitz Town, Kolmanskop deserted mining town, the aforementioned Fish River Canyon, the Mesaurus Fossils, Giants Playground and the quiver Tree forest.
There was a lot to fit in and had the tour extended further north to Etosha National Park there would have been the wildlife too, however this was Landscape photography tour/workshop.
Namibia is another whole scale of massive with a very low population meaning one can drive for hours without seeing another vehicle which for a Brit is a little un-nerving to begin with that said we were a convoy of three 4X4s so it was not an issue.
The countryside is stunningly beautiful in a hard barren way and utterly silent however the nights are even better (if really quite cold at times) with the most magnificent clear skies and more stars than you will probably have ever seen.
The heat (and the cold) have to be planned for, this is not the place to hop out of your car to climb up as dune to take a few snaps without a wide brimmed hat and way more water than you think you need. We did a properly organised trip to Deadvlie to scout for and to take shots, we had all the kit knowing that there was a 1.1Km trek across the dunes and that we would be spending a few hours on the pan taking shots and despite drinking way more than I thought I needed, I got mild sun stroke! Be prepared or you will have problems.
The driving is very easy with the only issues to be aware of is petrol stations and places to have punctures repaired.
While many of the hotels may display a 4 or 5 star rating these ratings should not be confused with those in Europe or USA. The quality of service encountered can be quite perfunctory to almost bordering on rude. There are however bright beacons of light that shine so brightly that this high level of service takes you by complete surprise! The speed of service can be slow to the extent of being glacial! If you want a quick meal…forget it. This is not a slight against you, they just don’t do “Quick”. We popped into a fast food joint on one occasion for a snack and it took nearly 40 minutes to get our food!
That said the sights we saw are out of this world, the fun we had was continuous, and I am not sure I will have the chance to take shots like I did again in a long time.
Definitely worth a visit!
Email Philip Smaruj, Owner Wild Wind Safaris | 35-50 years of age
Namibia - breathtaking, quaint, soulful solitude in Africa
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
We have visited many African parks and can honestly say that we have never seen such a variety of birds and animals as we saw in the various sites we visited. All camps and guides were superb as was the air service between camps
US
Email Brian | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Namibia has some great open spaces with few signs of humans besides the fences by the roads. The people we encountered were all very friendly and we felt completely safe during our entire visit.
The beauty, the wildlife, the history and the people ... all wonderful.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Namibia gives you the sense of wide open, unspoiled beauty and solitude that is hard to find these days.
The country is run in an orderly fashion and I felt safe as a tourist.
US
Email sangre vista | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very friendly people and varied experiences. Good roads, whether paved or gravel.
I was surprised to see as many animals as I did in such a desolate country. Although very dry, dusty, hot and barren in many places it had it's own beauty. The spectacular sand dunes were a unique experience in itself and it is also a destination that I would return to. The tribal people were beautiful, especially the Himba Tribes in their villages. That was one of the many highlights!
Wildlife in abundance and so accessible.
