NAMIBIA
EXTRAORDINARY WILDLIFE, LANDSCAPES, AND CULTURE
Featuring Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and Etosha National Park
MAY 14 – 30, 2025
TRIP INTRODUCTION
Our exclusive photo tour in Namibia is meticulously crafted to astound your senses, offering an immersive experience of landscapes, wildlife, night skies, and culture that transcends the ordinary.
Prepare to be enchanted by the surreal beauty of Namibia's desert dunes. The ever-shifting sands create a dynamic and otherworldly landscape that is a photographer's dream. Our carefully curated itinerary ensures you witness the interplay of light and shadow as the sun paints the landscape in hues that will leave you awe-inspired, and with photos that impress.
Embark on thrilling safaris through the heart of Namibia, where you'll come face to face with Africa's most iconic wildlife. Photograph elephants, big cats, zebras, and giraffes alongside photo pros Temu Nana and Michael Downey.
Learn about the vibrant culture of Namibia as you communicate and interact with many of the varied ethnic and racial groups in the country including Basters, Herero, Oshivambo, Damara, etc. Our journey also includes a visit with the Himba, one of southern Africa's last remaining semi-nomadic tribes.
ITINERARY
OVERVIEW
Depart home on May 14, 2025
DAY 1: Arrive Windhoek, Namibia
DAY 2: WINDHOEK | Fly to Lüderitz | KOLMANSKOP
DAY 3: Lüderitz | KOLMANSKOP | Lüderitz
DAY 4: Lüderitz | Drive to Sossusvlei
DAY 5: SOSSUSVLEI and sunrise at Deadvlei
DAY 6: Sossusvlei | WALVIS BAY | SWAKOPMUND
DAY 7: Swakopmund | LIVING DESERT TOUR
DAY 8: Swakopmund | DAMARALAND via Skeleton Coast
DAY 9: Damaraland | HUAB RIVER VALLEY
DAY 10: Damaraland | Drive to Etosha N.P. | ETOSHA
Day 11: CENTRAL & EASTERN ETOSHA N.P.
DAY 12: EASTERN ETOSHA N.P.
DAY 13: Eastern Etosha | OKONJIMA
Day 14: OKONJIMA
DAY 15: Okonjima | Fly home
Arrive home on May 30, 2025
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Morning and afternoon visits/shoots at Kolmanskop, a diamond-mining town now reclaimed by the dunes.
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Several days exploring world-famous Etosha National Park, with its huge calcrete pan that attracts incredible wildlife at close quarters.
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A visit with the Himba, one of the last semi-nomadic tribes in southern Africa.
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Explore some of the tallest and most spectacularly beautiful dunes in the world at Sossusvlei.
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Sunrise visit and shoot at Deadvlei, one of the most striking photographic opportunities in southern Africa.
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After a morning on the Skeleton Coast, visit rock carvings over 5,500 years old at Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO site.
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Explore the otherworldly landscape of Damaraland in search of desert-adapted elephants and lions.
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Marvel at and photograph some of the most spectacular night skies on Earth.
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Stay at deluxe hotels & lodges throughout the itinerary.
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Senior Tour Leader, Photographer, and Namibia expert Temu Nana as your personal trip leader (Temu has led this four times, in addition to over a month of independent scouting in-country).
WORDS FROM OUR NAMIBIA TRAVELERS
“The trip was absolutely wonderful! I couldn't imagine how Open Sky could possibly top last year's Morocco trip, but in many ways you managed to do it. The sights and experiences were so numerous and diverse, and all were a photographer's delight.” – Wendy M.
“Amazing, can't use that word enough…. I don't think I have been on one that came close to this one.” – Jane T.
“It was WAY more than I expected...and I'm a well-traveled individual. ps. for those of us who have to work-out...could run almost every day. Not unimportant.... I know people who won't go on trips like this if they think they can't "get out.” Thanks!!” – Wendy K.
"You guys are simply the BEST. Thank you for an amazing, one-of- a-kind, never-to-be-forgotten, awesome, experience." – Sally S.
“Where and when is the next one?” – Lynn R.
“Keep up the good work! Thanks for providing me with yet another once-in-lifetime wonderful travel adventure. Namibia is simply one of the most amazing places on earth, mind-blowing scenery, the most outstanding night skies in the world, and people with a welcoming warmth. Animals and birds were breath taking is variety and abundance. But what made the trip stellar was Temu and Open Sky.” – Hal M.
TRIP LEADERS FOR NAMIBIA
Michael Downey
Photography Instructor
Michael Downey is a photography instructor based near New York City, passionate about photography, travel, and teaching. As Head Instructor at Unique Photo, he leads various courses and photography excursions across the northeast U.S. and international destinations, including Namibia. With a patient and encouraging style, he helps students express themselves through photography. Having joined many of Temu’s trips, Michael knows the experiences intimately. He often says, “All students experience a sense of ruthless compassion” and “I photograph to learn, to teach, and to appreciate.” Michael joined our Namibia trips in 2017 & 2018, and looks forward to returning for another incredible trip now in 2025.
Temu Nana
Open Sky Trip Leader + Photo Pro
Temu Nana brings a unique blend of tour-leading expertise, logistical know-how, and photography talent to each trip. His passion for night photography, which led him to relocate to Utah for its dark skies in 2020, has become a key focus in recent years. He frequently presents on the subject to camera clubs, schools, and offers online astrophotography mentorships with Unique Photo. Temu has been instrumental in developing and leading photography trips, collaborating with OSE owner Alex Ros for over a decade, and has led group tours alongside Michael Downey since 2016. This will be his 7th trip in Namibia with Open Sky and he is looking forward to returning to one of his favorite places on the planet together with you!
BOOKING THIS TRIP
Have More Questions?
We're happy to assist! Please contact us at info@openskyexpeditions.com, or call us at 1.844.OPENSKY or +1.212.441.0024.
Trip Requirements
To participate on this trip, you will need to:
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Passport: Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months after the trip ends
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Travel Insurance: Have travel insurance that at least covers emergency medical evacuation. This can be obtained after booking the trip. CLICK HERE to view details on the options offered via our partners Travel Insured International and Wanderwell.