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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I have just returned from a fantastic custom safari to the Kruger with Wild4. This was my second trip in the Kruger with Wild4 and everything from start to finish was absolutely perfect. I absolutely cannot imagine doing this sort of trip there with anyone else. Things were off to a positive from way before we landed. Justyna was as helpful and patient as ever from day 1 and I must say that her suggestions were all spot on. Not only did she sort everything out for us and made it look easy (although I very much doubt it was), but the information she gave us prepared us well for the trip. As soon as we met up with Stefan after we arrived, we had nothing else to "worry" about except take pictures. He was not only great as a guide with his experience, sharp eyes, and genuine interest in wildlife becoming obvious quickly, but he was also excellent as a driver who knows what works and what doesn't photographically and was thus able to position the vehicle perfectly. It was not uncommon for one of us to just say a couple of words about what we wanted to try photographically and he'd immediatelly be on it, getting us in the perfect position while adhering to the rules and keeping the wildlife's interest as a top priority - something all members of the group I was in appreciated immensly. Thank you Stefan, Justyna, and Stu for making this trip happen for us! I look forward to being back with you guys in the future!
Matthew Scerri, Malta
If you are serious about nature photography, you can't do better than booking with Wild 4.
Wild 4's itinerary provides sun-up to sundown quality photo-ops, and you feel you are traveling with good friends who are showing you their favorite spots.
This was our fourth African photo safari (three others in East Africa) and we could not believe what a difference it makes, when a professional photographer, who understands light and animal behavior, just happens to be your driver, in a photo vehicle he designed himself. There was super spotting work from Ann from a separate radio equipped vehicle. We were the first on a leopard / impala kill thanks to one of Ann's incredible sightings, resulting in a sensational series of images shot over 45 minutes of the leopard dragging her prey to her den.
After an exciting, productive day in the field, we were treated to friendly conversation, sitting around a campfire, and wonderful feasts magically prepared by Ann.
Wild 4 is a totally professional and very special company.
Thanks Stu, Justyna and Ann for a sensational safari.
Lee & Doris Wiese, USA
What a beautifull pictures and what a great place to be.
Jos Garthoff - June 06th, 2016 at 2:41pm