BEST of NAMIBIA Photo Safari April 2016
Posted by Wild4 Photo Safaris on 10th May 2016
The first of the 2016 Namibian photo safaris offered a great variety of both landscape and wildlife photo opportunities although the trip did focus more on the landscapes of Namibia and particularly those of the Namib desert.
The two visits to Kolmanskop Ghost Diamond Mining town were great fun, we were so lucky to not have any wind, this is unusual for Luderitz, but it was great for photography. The many houses and rooms at the ghost town, now partially engulfed by sand offer a variety of creative opportunities.
Next stop was Namtib Reserve and one of the most beautiful clear night skies in the world, star photography is a must here. The Quiver tree forest also offered some great opportunities to combine this iconic Namibian succulent tree in the arid landscape.
Wolwedans is a stunningly beautiful stop on this itinerary and we had a great time working compositions for both sunrise and sunset. It also offers a great chance of seeing the magnificent Oryx in a true desert landscape covered in red sand dunes, rolling hills covered in short yellow grass and rocky mountain backdrops.
A highlight of the trip is always the big Red dunes of Sossusvlei and the the unique ancient Camel Thorn Trees of "Deadvlei" photographing in Deadvlei in both the morning and the afternoon and evening offers some excellent photo opportunities.
We retreated out of the desert for a cool and refreshing stop at the coastal town of Swakoipmund where we had anothe enjoyable morning photo shoot with some of the smaller inhabitants of the desert. The only desert adapted chameleon, a Peringuey's Adder, the adorable Web-footed Gecko and the speedy Shovel Snouted Lizard were all photographed.
Leaving Swakopmund we headed north to Henties Bay before turning inland towards Camp Kipwe in Twyfelfontein. Desert Adapted Elephants were seen with the unique Damaraland setting in the background.
Final destination was Etosha National Park for a fix of some larger species of wildlife, Lions, Elephants, Kudu, Black Rhino, Giraffe, Zebra, Springbok and Oryx were all seen and photographed. A treat awaited us on our final game drive as we came across a rarely seen Caracal in the middle of the road !
Thanks very much to Bob & Jeanie, Stev & Lesley and Rita for joining us on this trip around Namibia.
Also a huge thanks to Ultimate Safaris for putting together a great trip for us and especially to our lead guide, Usco, who was simply outstanding and to Francois for taking care of vehicle no2 as we arrived for the Etosha section.
Here are some photos from the trip ... Enjoy
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Hi Justyna and Stu, having just returned from a Wild4 Photographic Safari in Kruger Park for 10 days, I would just have to say it was perfect for me and my brother-in-law. Kosie our guide was great. We were unable to stump him on any animal, bird or plant. His ability to spot wildlife and birds and his instincts and knowledge seem hard to surpass. The sightings were far beyond any expectations. John and Ann were a bonus, preparing meals and driving in a separate vehicle and communicating with Kosie via CB when they spotted something interesting. They were like family. Kosie would position us for great photographs and make any requested adjustments, and had great instincts about animal behavior and what they would do next. Can’t say enough good thing about Wild4. Well organized. Thanks for a great experience!
Michael Showalter, USA
From the moment we contacted Wild 4 we were impressed with the prompt, friendly, enthusiastic way our queries were answered.
Stu is a passionate wildlife photographer eager to pass on skills, ideas, techniques and information.
The wildlife sightings leopards, lions with cubs, rhinos, elephant herds the list goes on - Awesome, Amazing, Exciting are just a few words that come to mind. Not forgetting the support of John, Ann (excellent food) and of course Justyna nothing was to much trouble for them.
We have had many safaris in various countries but this surpassed them all.
The only decision now is not if, but when we return
Maureen & Trevor Lovegrove, UK
What a beautifull pictures and what a great place to be.
Jos Garthoff - June 06th, 2016 at 2:41pm