Namibia is one of those places that needs to be seen to be believed. Characterised by its climate the land lays victim to natures elements. The mountainous sands of the Namib desert stretch along the western coast, ever-changing as it is constantly shaped and manipulated by coastal winds. Inland the central plateau consists predominantly of scrub bush and grass but it is rich in wildlife and home to the majority of Namibia's population. Sandwiched in-between the Central Plateau and stretching along the eastern border is the dry and arid landscapes of the Kalahari Desert.

Namibia is very much a photographers paradise!

Throughout this article I'm going to share some of the most relevant information you need to know including some of the must-see locations, recommended amount of time you should spend in each place and some essential tips which will ensure you make the most of your holiday and come home with a camera full of images you can be proud of.

Basic Information

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and is an ideal location for flying in and out. Namibia is regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa. The currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar. Camping isn't an issue when it comes to wildlife as the majority of camps are securely fenced. Drones are allowed in Namibia but are not permitted in most National Parks.

Time

The amount of time you choose to spend in Namibia will really govern how much of this spread out country you will actually get to see. If you want to see what most of this country has to offer, I would advise spending no less than two weeks, with three weeks being the ideal amount of time needed.

Seasons

Namibia consists of two main seasons, the rainy season and the dry season.

The dry season occurs between May and September. This is regarded as the high season because there is less vegetation and fewer water sources, meaning the animals tend to congregate around designated waterholes making them easier to spot.

The wet season extends from October until April. This is regarded as the low season because the vegetation is slightly denser and there are more sources of water which makes it harder to spot the animals.

Transport

For getting around in Namibia the best option would be to hire 4x4 this gives you complete control over where you want to go and when. You can either choose to hire a standard 4x4 or a fully equipped 4x4 which would include a rooftop tent, bedding and all the cooking utensils you would need for camping. There is accommodation at all locations if you decide that tents aren't your preferred way to sleep. If you are planning to hire a car we do advise booking a 4x4 as you will need it to access certain locations and it will make driving on un-tared roads easier/safer. After many inquiries about our one-way journey from Namibia to Cape Town, we found Asco Car Hire in Windhoek to be the best priced.

A few other options for getting around Namibia include fly in and out safaris for the people with slightly deeper pockets or guided tours. If you're headed to Namibia for photography we recommend a photography tailored tour as we feel that normal guided tours are a little too restrictive.

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Must See Destinations

Etosha National Park

With a vast array of wildlife, this national park is one of Namibia's great wildlife viewing sanctuary's. Animals are renowned for congregating around waterholes which are spread out around the famous white mineral pan located in the centre of the park.

Anderson gate is located at the southern end of Etosha and is a 4.5-hour drive by tarred road from Windhoek. It's best to stay inside the gates of the national park if you plan on sunrise or sunset photography as you will be the first to arrive at the waterholes in the morning and the last to leave in the evenings. Each camp located inside the gates also has their own personal waterhole which is lit by lights for night viewing. For gate opening times and maps please view their website here.

Recommended time here - 3/4 nights should allow you more than enough time to see most of the park.

Tip - It pays to be patient at some waterholes, there may be no action when you arrive but that can change in the blink of an eye.

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Damaraland

Traveling from Etosha to Spitzkoppe is a remarkable drive! You will pass through a large ruggedly beautiful area located in Namibia's Northwest formally known as Damaraland. Damaraland has since been renamed and separated into two regions, the Kunene region in the north and the Erongo region in the south.

Traveling along this route you will need somewhere to stay in order to break up the drive. While there are many picturesque places to stay dotted throughout this region for us we chose to stay in the Kunene region at the Grootberg lodge due to its incredible backdrop. Roughly 4 hours drive south-west from Anderson gate in Etosha you will find this beautiful lodge style accommodation which sits atop the Grootberg Pass. Not only is the view worth every cent but the food and service was also top notch. For more information or to view their website click here.

Recommended time here - 2 nights if possible as the lodge also offers many additional activities and game drives at an extra cost

Spitzkoppe

Driving 5.5 hours south from the Grootberg to Spitzkoppe you will eventually move into the Erongo region and depending on which road you decide to take you may also pass Namibia's tallest mountain, the Brandberg Mountain.

Often referred to as "The Matterhorn" of Namibia, this granite massif tops out at 1728m above sea level. Visible from great distances this iconic landmark is sure to please any photographer/tourist.

On one side of the Spitzkoppe rocks you will find an incredible little campsite which features a moderately sized rock arch and on the other side, you will find the Spitzkoppen lodges which are home to the large rock arch. For campsite bookings & information click here or for lodge bookings click here

Minimum recommended time here - 1 night if you arrive during the day

Tip - In order to take photos of the big rock arch, you need to book into the Spitzkoppen Lodge as the campsite does not have access. The Camp/Lodge is entirely fenced which gives you a good opportunity to do some astrophotography.

Swakopmund

Two hours drive south-west and you will arrive at Swakopmund, a large mining town located on Namibia's coastline. If your the type of person who enjoys activities, then this is the place for you. From scenic coastal flights to quad biking this place has it all.

For the animal lovers/photographers, you can take a 1.5-hour drive north up a small section of the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross where you will find large seal colony.

But If you are in search of flamingos, you will need to take a 40-minute drive south to Walvis Bay where you will find them dotted along the edge of the lagoon. While visiting Walvis Bay its a good opportunity to book a tour to visit Sandwich Harbour as this is in located in the same area.

Minimum recommended time here - 3 nights

Tip - For seeing Sandwich Harbour or driving in the dunes it is recommended to do this with an experienced tour operator. If you're Headed to Cape Cross for the seals it is advised to take something to block your nose, the smell can be quite strong!

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Sossusvlei (Namib Desert)

Situated in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, this is home to some of the oldest and largest sand dunes in the world. Sossusvlei translates to "dead-end marsh”, as the towering dunes prevent the Tsauchab River from flowing any further. With white pans, red dunes and blue skies, there is nothing else like it, this is undoubtedly Namibia's most famous landmark.

You will need to allow a full day for travel between Swakopmund and Sossusvlei as it can take 7-8 hours depending on the road conditions.

If you are traveling during the high season and plan to climb to the top of Dune 45 or photograph Deadvlei before sunrise/sunset, it is recommended to book your accommodation well in advance.

If you want to arrive at either of these landmarks before sunrise/sunset, you will need to stay at the Sossus Dune Lodge as this is located inside the park, beyond the second gate. Staying here, you will be able to leave camp before everyone else and return home last. If you don't have the budget to stay at the Sossus Dune Lodge, then the Sesriem Camp is the next best option. The Sesriem Camp is located inside the first gate but before the second gate. Staying here will still allow you to arrive at sunrise if you're ready to go when the gates open. If you cant manage to get accommodation at either of these, then, unfortunately, you won't be able to enter the park for another half an hour or so.

From the park gate, it will take approximately 40 minutes to reach Dune 45 and 1 hour to reach Deadvlei. You will need a 4x4 to reach Deadvlei if you plan on getting there for sunrise. If you are planning on driving a 4x2 you will have to park in the car park and wait for a shuttle to take you in.

If your lucky enough to have some spare cash to spend, a helicopter ride of Sossusvlei during sunset when the dunes start casting shadows is where I would spend it. Information and Bookings can be made with the Sossusvlei Lodge.

Minimum recommended time here - 2 nights

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Kolmanskopp Ghost Town / Luderitz

Luderitz is a small German Influenced town situated on Namibia's Coast. It will take approximately 6.5 hours to drive from the Namib Desert to Luderitz. While Luderitz is a nice place to visit in its own right, it does feature another attraction which has the tendency to draw you here. Located just outside of town is Kolmanskopp, a little old town which was built on the back of a diamond mining boom. However, now it sits abandoned and falling to pieces as the surrounding coastal sands begin to slowly reclaim the houses.

Photographer permits which allow you to arrive before sunrise and leave after sunset can be purchased from the Luderitz Safaris and Tours shop in Luderitz.

Minimum time recommended here - 1 night

Tip - For photographers, try to arrive the evening before and familiarise yourself with the layout of Ghost Town and which rooms/building you would like to photograph as there can be quite a bit to take in. Bigger isn't always better - the small buildings contain some of the more impressive rooms. Also, take a dust brush with you to dust over any footprints in your shots if you want the rooms looking as authentic as possible.

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Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is a spectacular gorge which twists and turns its way through the valley. It is the largest canyon in Africa which makes it one of Namibia's popular landmarks.

Driving 4.5 hours south-east will you arrive at Fish River Canyon. Fish River Canyon is also famous for the quiver trees. It can be another good place to do some astrophotography as there is no light pollution and the quiver trees make for incredible subjects.

Minimum recommended time here - 1/2 nights

Average Costs

This is a general guide which will give you an idea of some expected costs while traveling through Namibia.

Costs

Car $200 Per Day

Fuel $ 40 per day

Accommodation $ 25 per person/per night

Food $40 per person/per day

National Park Passes $100 total (this includes all national parks listed above)

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