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 am a Molecular Biologist by profession and a serious amateur nature photographer and have been on a number of organized trips over the last 10 years with the dual aims of enjoying nature and getting the best images possible.
The organization of a two week trip with Wild 4 Photographic Safaris through Kruger National Park I shared with two other photographers and it was as good as I have ever experienced. The Porter family was friendly, knowledgeable and intuitively supportive. Stu really knows his subjects and spared no effort in getting the photographers into the best situation. He has a very pleasant, calm personality and is an accomplished nature photographer and naturalist which means he knows where the light or action is best and often what is about to happen.
His vehicle is also well set-up for discriminating photographers. Justyna was just brilliant in getting things organized in the background.
Having our own scout vehicle to report activity in the area while we pursued other subjects, worked well, and on a number of occasions provided photo opportunities we would have missed otherwise.
In summary; rating out of 10…….no doubt a 10.
Graeme Guy, NEW ZEALAND
Thank you again Stu for your trip report of our Botswana trip. It has been very useful to me as I go through my photographs and try to identify the birds especially. It has also given me ideas on how to treat some of my photographs of similar subjects,
Also a big thank you in general for the technique guidance you have give me this year and for your fantastic decisions about anticipating animal behavior. My resulting photographs are largely due to your help and to travelling with you.
You have had a significant impact on the quality of my photographs and I am very appreciative.
Looking forward to hearing about your Tsavo trip.
Regards
Sharon Thorp, Canada
What a beautifull pictures and what a great place to be.
Jos Garthoff - June 06th, 2016 at 2:41pm