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Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia
Photography holidays in Namibia

Cheetahs in Okonjima Nature Reserve

Namibia photography safaris

Top places for photography holidays in Namibia

There is a reason why Namibia features so heavily in photography competitions such as Wildlife Photographer of the Year. And it’s not just the wildlife. From landscape to wildlife and cultural images, the range of photographic opportunities in Namibia is exceptional.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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.

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.


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.

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.

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.


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.

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.


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.

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.


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.

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.

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.


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.

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.


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.


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.


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.

Photography holidays elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Photography holidays in other countries.


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Rwanda

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Photography holidays in South Africa

South Africa

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Photography holidays in Tanzania

Tanzania

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Photography holidays in Zambia

Zambia

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Photography holidays in Zimbabwe

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Where to see wildlife species in Africa

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.


Oryx

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

1,272 sightings from 1,823 observations

Where to see oryx in Africa

Cheetah

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

1,008 sightings from 3,047 observations

Where to see cheetah in Africa

Black Rhino

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.

31% SUCCESS

607 sightings from 1,963 observations

Where to see black rhino in Africa

White Rhino

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.

44% SUCCESS

476 sightings from 1,083 observations

Where to see white rhino in Africa

Elephant

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

3,504 sightings from 3,850 observations

Where to see elephant in Africa

Lion

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.

82% SUCCESS

2,934 sightings from 3,600 observations

Where to see lion in Africa

Meerkat

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.

22% SUCCESS

85 sightings from 395 observations

Where to see meerkat in Africa

Buffalo

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

2,472 sightings from 2,982 observations

Where to see buffalo in Africa

Giraffe

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

3,374 sightings from 3,911 observations

Where to see giraffe in Africa

Hippo

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

2,562 sightings from 2,875 observations

Where to see hippo in Africa

Spotted Hyena

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

2,098 sightings from 3,799 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Africa

Brown Hyena

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.

17% SUCCESS

239 sightings from 1,448 observations

Where to see brown hyena in Africa

Leopard

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

1,875 sightings from 3,986 observations

Where to see leopard in Africa

Wild dog

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.

31% SUCCESS

840 sightings from 2,672 observations

Where to see wild dog in Africa

Wildebeest

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

2,383 sightings from 3,524 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Africa

Pangolin

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

52 sightings from 3,201 observations

Where to see pangolin in Africa

Aardvark

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

67 sightings from 3,205 observations

Where to see aardvark in Africa

Eland

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

1,405 sightings from 2,877 observations

Where to see eland in Africa

Zebra

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

3,684 sightings from 4,366 observations

Where to see zebra in Africa

Roan antelope

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.

23% SUCCESS

457 sightings from 1,958 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Africa

Sable antelope

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.

22% SUCCESS

436 sightings from 1,952 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Africa

Sitatunga

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

60 sightings from 316 observations

Where to see sitatunga in Africa

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