Top places for photography holidays in Namibia
For landscape photographers, vast, unspoilt wilderness stretching as far as the eye can see supplies almost limitless opportunities. No matter how you travel, by road, by air or on foot, the landscape creates an ever-changing backdrop, while also providing a striking context for portrait shots of people and wildlife alike.
On a self-drive itinerary, it isn't uncommon for travellers, including ourselves, to pull off the road simply to soak in a vista – and line up a few photographs. It is always worth allowing extra time in your journey for such rewarding and often unexpected shots.
Perhaps to fully appreciate the extent of Namibia's seemingly endless terrain, you need to take to the sky. Seen from a hot-air balloon, helicopter, or small plane, the wilderness stretches to the horizon, producing landscape shots on an entirely different scale.
Back at ground level, wildlife photography in Namibia is in a class of its own. As one of Africa's top national parks, Etosha features high numbers of elephant, rhino and lion, as well as plenty of photogenic plains game. There are also some world-class photographic hides in the park and surrounding private reserves. Further afield, Namibia is also home to several specialities, from the desert-adapted lion and brown hyena of the Skeleton Coast to the Namaqua chameleon of the Namib and the Cinderella waxbill found only on the Kunene River. Be it in the lush riverine forest of the Caprivi or the valleys and plains of Damaraland, sightings and photographs of these unique species are a sought-after rarity.
Finally, Namibia offers unique cultural experiences with tribal peoples who maintain a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for millennia. Conducted in a sensitive, responsible and sustainable way, such cultural interactions with San, Himba or Namaqua tribespeople allow a fascinating glimpse into traditional ways of life that are in decline, and an opportunity for sensitive yet eye-catching photography.
As you look through our suggested trips to Namibia for photographers, below, bear in mind that these are not group trips led by photographic guides. Instead, they are fantastic holidays in a world-class photography destination that would work particularly well for those with an interest in capturing the nuances of the country on camera.
Best camps & lodges for Photography holidays in Namibia
Desert Rhino Camp
For a photographic safari in Namibia, Desert Rhino Camp offers exceptional opportunities to capture the black rhino that wander this semi-desert region, along with other desert adapted wildlife, while the dramatic scenery of the ancient Etendeka lava flows make for great landscape photography.
Hoanib Valley Camp
With its broad range of activities, Hoanib Valley Camp offers photographers in Namibia an unusual diversity of subjects, from spectacular scenery to desert-adapted wildlife and traditional cultures. The opportunity to capture photos of the elusive desert lion is perhaps the biggest draw.
Bagatelle Game Ranch
Around December, January and February – during the rains – the area around Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is carpeted with beautiful yellow devils' thorn flowers. These bring colour and life to the Kalahari, further enhancing the stunning scenery for photographers visiting Namibia.
Little Kulala
The Namib Desert and Sossusvlei are a dream for photographers in Namibia: huge apricot dunes with knife-edge ridges beneath blue sky. Little Kulala stands in the desert with breathtaking views: camelthorn trees in front of its main area, and mountains and dunes in the distance.
Kuidas Camp
The nature of the fly-in safari lends beautifully to photography. You can get birds eye views of some truly dramatic landscapes from the air and, when on the ground you can photograph geological features, fauna and flora, such as the Welwitschia Mirabalis around Kuidas Camp.
Leylandsdrift Camp
Fly-in safaris lend beautifully to photography. Views of the varied landscapes are stunning from the air at ground level you will usually get the opportunity to photograph the desert-adapted elephant near Leylandsdrift Camp and the Himba people in the settlement close by.
Shipwreck Lodge
The desolate landscapes, eerie shipwrecks and windswept beaches of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast National Park are worthy photographic subjects in their own right. Combined these with the modern and stylish Shipwreck Lodge and it becomes a photographer’s dream destination.
Sossusvlei Lodge
The desert and dunes surrounding Sossusvlei Lodge are superb landscapes for photography in Namibia. For guests at the lodge it is relatively easy to make two trips into the dunes on one day: one for the early-morning light, and another to catch the late-afternoon sun.
Okonjima Villa
For a private guide and great, close-up shots of some of Namibia’s most endangered species – especially leopard – Okonjima Villa should be high on the list for keen photographers in Namibia. Note that many individuals will be radio collared for research purposes.
Dead Valley Lodge
The dunes at Sossusvlei are perhaps Namibia's most iconic and most photographed attraction. Death Valley Lodge is one of only two lodges whose guests are allowed access outside the usual opening times, making it an ideal stop for keen photographers in Namibia.
Sossus Dune Lodge
The dunes at Sossusvlei are perhaps Namibia's most iconic and most photographed attraction. Sossus Dune Lodge is the only lodge whose guests are allowed access outside the usual opening times, making it an ideal stop for keen photographers in Namibia.
Fish River Lodge
Fish River Lodge’s catch phrase, “on the edge of eternity”, alludes to its spectacular location on the rim of Africa’s largest canyon. With such a natural wonder literally on its doorstep this is truly one of the most photogenic locations in Namibia.
Kulala Desert Lodge
The iconic dunes of the Namib Desert are a must for landscape photographers in Namibia. Kulala's private entrance into the Namib-Naukluft National Park means that visitors on a guided excursion can make the most of the morning light on the dunes.
Andersson's at Ongava
Andersson’s at Ongava has a one-of-a-kind sunken hide overlooking their waterhole. Accessed via a tunnel from the lodge this offers photographers in Namibia a unique perspective on some of the country’s most endangered species, and more besides.
Onguma Bush Camp
With its own waterhole in from of camp and access to the reserve's water-level hide Onguma Bush Camp is a fantastic stop for photographers visiting Namibia. Amateur and professional photographers alike love the angles from the equipped hide.
Wolwedans Boulders
The NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of Africa's largest private sanctuaries. The diverse landscapes, from huge red sand dunes to vegetated inter-dune valleys, gravel plains and imposing mountains makes for spectacular photography in Namibia.
Okonjima Bush Camp
For close-up shots of predators, especially leopard, Okonjima deserves to be high on the list for photography in Namibia. Allow at least two days to maximise your photographic chances, and do be aware that most of the big cats are collared.
Eagle's Nest
The Namib feral (wild) horses, high yellow grass and mountain backdrop around Eagle’s Nest make for stunning photos. It is also a convenient base for visiting the ghost town of Kolmanskop, a must see on your photographic holiday to Namibia.
Okonjima Plains Camp
For close-up shots of predators, especially leopard, Okonjima deserves to be high on the list for photography in Namibia. Allow at least two days to maximise your photographic chances, and do be aware that most of the big cats are collared.
Safarihoek Lodge
Safarihoek Lodge boasts a spectacular split-level hide overlooking a pumped waterhole. Designed by a Namibian photographer in conjunction with the lodge, it allows for superb close-up photography of the reserve's animals and birdlife.
Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma’s water-level hide affords guests unique perspectives of the reserve's wildlife and the chance to calmly sit and unobtrusively enjoy nature. Enjoy a few hours at this well equipped hide as an activity from Onguma Tented Camp.
Ongava Lodge
The photographic hide at Ongava Lodge overlooks a waterhole just in front of the lodge. Whether you are a budding photographer or just keen to get closer to the action it offers guests a unique perspective on Namibia’s wildlife.
Mowani Mountain Camp
With its setting among smooth granite kopjies, landscape photographers will be in their element at Mowani. The views are spectacular, too, especially from the sundowner spot, which is stunning at all times, not just at sunset.
Nambwa Tented Lodge
Built up in the trees with long walkways from the main area to the rooms it isn't uncommon fro wildlife, particularly elephants to pass under Nambwa. This offers photographers an unique perspective for some unusual shots.
Okonjima Bush Suite
The opportunity to take close-up shots of big cats, especially leopard, are maximised at Okonjima, where the Bush Suite offers a high level of flexibility. Do note, though, that many of the cats are radio-collared.
Desert Horse Inn
On a photographic holiday to Namibia the feral horses of the Namib and the deserted ghost town of Kolmanskop are certain to be highlights. Desert Horse Inn makes a great base to take in both these attractions.
Onguma Camp Kala
For a unique perspectives of the Onguma reserve's wildlife and the opportunity to calmly sit and unobtrusively enjoy nature. Enjoy a few hours at this well equipped hide as an activity from Onguma Camp Kala.
Kunene River Camp
Aerial photography of the ever changing landscapes is very good when travelling by light aircraft on a fly-in safari. Around Kunene River Camp you also have a large diversity of birds, animals and geology.
Onguma The Fort
Photographers wanting to calmly sit and unobtrusively watch nature will enjoy the equipped water level hide on the Onguma Reserve. Spend a few hours at the hide as an activity from Onguma The Fort.
Hoanib Skeleton Camp
With scenery ranging from rugged mountains to rolling sand dunes and the Skeleton Coast, Hoanib Camp offers a spectacular opportunity for landscape photographers in Namibia.
Serra Cafema
Namibia abounds with otherworldly environments but the often Martian like landscapes around Serra Cafema are some of the most remote and photographic in Southern Africa.
Photography holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Photography holidays in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in Namibia
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,374 sightings from 1,976 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,075 sightings from 3,287 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
637 sightings from 2,110 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
511 sightings from 1,178 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,760 sightings from 4,141 observations
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,130 sightings from 3,868 observations
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
21% SUCCESS
91 sightings from 432 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,649 sightings from 3,200 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,622 sightings from 4,218 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,749 sightings from 3,077 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,236 sightings from 4,089 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
252 sightings from 1,587 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,008 sightings from 4,295 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
908 sightings from 2,868 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
68% SUCCESS
2,566 sightings from 3,801 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
57 sightings from 3,448 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
73 sightings from 3,435 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,496 sightings from 3,071 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
3,960 sightings from 4,713 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
24% SUCCESS
497 sightings from 2,114 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
479 sightings from 2,115 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
65 sightings from 347 observations
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