Dates August 28–September 12, 2005
Leader Wayne Lynch and local guides
Fee $6,595 from Windhoek, Namibia
Deposit $400
Limit 15
Terms and Conditions

Namibia, the desert country occupying the southwest corner of Southern Africa, is among the world's premier wildlife photography locations. Yet Namibia remains virtually undiscovered by the majority of the western traveling public. This fascinating country contains an infrastructure of well-kept roads, modern accommodations, wholesome food and drinkable water which makes traveling here a delightful surprise.

Our nature photography travels focus on two amazing regions: the towering Sossusvlei Dunes and the Skeleton Coast, where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean, plus the world-renowned wildlife sanctuary, Etosha National Park.

Travel and photography in Namibia are truly unique. Due to its demographics—it’s one of the most sparsely populated nations in the world—the country is very wild and starkly beautiful. The desert landscapes of the spectacular Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei produce striking undulating sand dune images. The Sossusvlei Dunes are the world’s highest and several world famous photos of gemsbok walking across these rolling red dunes were made here.

The "winter" gathering of animals at evaporating water holes and artesian springs on Namibia's Etosha Pan constitutes some of the greatest mammalian species diversity seen anywhere. Throngs of spectacular wildlife, such as greater kudu, springbok and the endangered black-faced impala, come to drink at the small desert pools dotting the park. Etosha is famous for its elephants; black rhinos are still observed regularly, and predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs are seen frequently.

Due to the extremely dry desert conditions, photographing on safari in Namibia is very different than the majority of other African countries where water is more plentiful. Normally, on safari, a photographer will drive through the landscape, searching for and photographing wildlife as it is found. In many locations in Namibia, one simply waits by a water hole to photograph the never-ending parade of animals that are forced to visit the water holes every day for survival. Gripping predator/prey dramas unfold as you wait in your safari vehicle near the water’s edge. In Etosha virtually every water hole has a different mix of animals that frequent it, so exploration of a number of them is essential.

Join Wayne Lynch for an African adventure that combines elegant lodges and tented camps, fascinating cities, almost unbelievable scenery and bountiful, accessible wildlife.


Day 1
Depart from home.

Day 2
Arrive in Windhoek. (D)

Day 3
Drive to our campsite near the Sossusvlei Dunes. (BLD)

Day 4
Sunrise and sunset at the dunes. (BLD)

Day 5
We take a charter flight over the dunes as we head to Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast. (BLD)

Day 6
We shoot the sensuous red dunes plus a marvelous group of endemic reptiles on the dunes (including Namaqua chameleon and horned adder) as wildlife models. (BLD)

Day 7
We drive along the coast to the Cape Cross fur seal colony. This afternoon we drive to a collapsed double crater with superb landscapes and the unusual Welwitschia mirabilis—a bizarre plant surviving in the desert on dew left by morning fog. (BLD)

Days 8
We head toward Damaraland across rugged and unearthly landscapes—blackened volcanic ridges, quartz fields, open plains and the Huab River where we will look for desert elephants. Our beautiful, domed lodge for this evening hides amid huge boulders. (BLD)

Days 9–12
We explore the water holes of the Etosha Pan. This huge saline desert is dry when we visit, with isolated water holes that attract a throng of animals. We will stay in three government camps (bungalow complexes) over the next few nights, moving east across the pan. By residing within the park, and minutes from the water holes, we’ll catch sunrise and sunset for the best images. The progression of animals “taking their turn” and the interaction between dominant and submissive animals as they jockey for position at water’s edge are fascinating. (BLD)

Days 13–14
Okonjima, the farm whose owners founded the Africat Project, is our next stop. Saving cheetahs from extermination is the mission of this group and we benefit from their efforts by gaining wonderful access to captive animals. We’ll photograph at the cheetah enclosures on Day Fourteen, before driving to Windhoek. (BLD)

Day 15
Participants may depart at any time today. (B)

Day 16
Arrive home.


Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
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