NAMIBIA
EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPES, WILDLIFE, AND CULTURE
Featuring Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, & the Skeleton Coast
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, Michael Downy, and Mollie Isaacs.
Our journey also delves into the vibrant cultural mosaic of Namibia. Engage in meaningful interactions with indigenous tribes, gaining insights into their time-honored traditions and ancient rituals.
ITINERARY
OVERVIEW
Depart home on May 27, 2024
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 | HIMBA
Day 11: Opuwo | WESTERN & CENTRAL ETOSHA N.P.
DAY 12: Okaukuejo | CENTRAL & EASTERN ETOSHA N.P.
DAY 13: EASTERN ETOSHA N.P.
Day 14: Eastern Etosha | OKONJIMA
DAY 15: Okonjima | Fly home
Arrive home on June 12, 2024
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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Three days exploring world-famous Etosha National Park, with its huge salt pan that attracts incredible wildlife at close quarters.
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A visit with the Himba, one of the last truly 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).
TRIP LEADERS FOR NAMIBIA
Temu Nana
Senior Trip Leader, Photo Instructor
TRIP LEADER & PHOTO PRO - Temu Nana has been leading educational journeys around the globe for 15 years, and in particular photo tours the past 10 years with Open Sky Expeditions. As a successful professional tour manager—given his extensive experience in travel logistics, attention to detail, and knack for making people feel at ease—Temu’s ambitious international travel schedule quickly accelerated photography from a fun hobby to a profession. And in the process, he discovered an aptitude for teaching others how to compose the most compelling images and most effectively use their photo equipment. That he has done so while on tour in countless environments on all 7 continents give him an edge that can’t be learned in a classroom, or even by the most seasoned photo pros that simply host a trip here and there.
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The son of an International airline pilot and trained archaeologist, Temu hails from Michigan, via roots in North America & Asia. His photography covers the gamut in styles, but his top passions are wildlife, landscape, and astro/night photography. He was won several awards in nationwide competitions for his photography and in 2020 he began teaching a courses in astrophotography for Unique Photo in NJ, among others. Recent contributions have included dedicated seminars for the Delaware Photographic Society, the Sierra Photography Club or New York, Facebook Reality Labs, and other organizations.
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Temu led our previous Namibia trips, and very much looks forward to returning with you.
You can find his photography online at www.tknanaphoto.com.
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.
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.
FYI, Once You Book
We endeavor to be as organized as possible with presentation of helpful info for the trip. Once you have filled out the registration form and sent your initial trip deposit, you will receive:
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A timeline on what to expect between booking & departure (when balances are due, when to expect certain details, when certain actions should be taken, etc).
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Flight guidance with parameters to help you book air tickets & contact info for a partner familiar with the trip that can assist with reservations.
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Comprehensive Pre-Departure Information detailed what to expect & how to prepare for the trip.
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And we remain just a call or email away for any questions you may have, at any time.
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 partner Travel Insured International.