B E S T o f N A M I B I A

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1 B E S T o f N A M I B I A Copyright WILD4 AFRICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS 1

2 BEST of NAMIBIA DOCUMENT CONTENTS DESCRIPTION TRANSPORT & LODGING BOOKING PROCEDURE DETAILED ITINERARY FAQ's INCLUDED & EXCLUDED TOUR LEADER & PHILOSOPHY 2

3 BEST of NAMIBIA DESCRIPTION This will be a 15-day photo tour starting and ending in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. The main focus will be the landscapes and wildlife and we will be visiting the best photographic hotspots that Namibia has to offer. Namibia is a vast country, even by African standards, covering an area approximately four times the size of the United Kingdom but with a population of a mere 2 million - one of the lowest densities in the world. The overwhelming sense of space and silence contribute to a feeling of antiquity, solitude and wilderness. The climate is typical of a semi-desert country. Days are warm to hot and nights are generally cool. Temperatures are modified by the high plateau in the interior and by the cold Benguela Current that runs along the Atlantic coastline. We have selected the month of April for this photo adventure, as it is the end of the rainy season, which offers crisp clear skies, and pleasant temperatures. There is also a good chance of some remaining cloud activity, which adds character to the landscapes we plan to photograph. We will be looked after by a very professional and experienced local safari guide who will enhance our enjoyment of this unique country by making it a fascinating and stress-free journey of discovery amidst very dramatic scenery. His local knowledge and experience will prove to be invaluable. Namibia is a big country and we will spend a number of hours driving between locations. We do not waste "photographic time" on these drives. We have planned the itinerary & logistics very carefully so that we will be able to take full advantage of the photographic opportunities on offer at each location when the light is at its best. The tour begins in Windhoek with an overnight stopover. The recommended connections to Windhoek are via Johannesburg in South Africa. From Windhoek we fly to the coastal town of Luderitz. This is where we will meet up with our safari guide and comfortable 8-seater 4x4 Toyota Land cruiser Safari vehicle equipped with air-conditioning. This will be our mode of transport for the rest of the safari. Over the next 14 days we visit the abandoned Diamond Mining town of Kolmanskop to capture eerie photos of houses and rooms engulfed by sand. We photograph the stunning scenery at Namtib & the Tiras Mountains. We stay at Wolwedans in the Namib Rand Nature Reserve where the rugged mountains meet the red sand dunes. The Enormous red sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the forgotten "Deadvlei with its ancient Camel Thorn Trees is also on our route. We arrive at the Atlantic coast and stay at Swakopmund where we get to meet and photograph the small but very interesting animals of the sand dunes on the Living Desert photo session. We head back inland to the stunning rugged scenery of Damaraland where we search for the Desert adapted Elephants and also meet the Himba, one of the local tribes in Namibia who continue to live their lives as they have done for centuries. Our final stop is at the famous Etosha National Park where we will get to photograph a wonderful diversity of wildlife in a desert like environment. At the end of the tour we will enjoy a wonderful final dinner and overnight back in Windhoek, before departing on our international flights home. 3

4 BEST of NAMIBIA DETAILED ITINERARY DAY 1 DAY 2 Arrive in Windhoek, met at the airport and transferred to River Crossing Lodge. Afternoon briefing and overnight in Windhoek. After breakfast depart by plane for Luderitz, arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon photo shoot at the diamond mining ghost town of Kolmanskop. Special photographic permits to shoot late. Overnight at Nest Hotel in Luderitz. DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 Return to Kolmanskop for an early morning photo shoot then depart for Namtib Biosphere Reserve. Afternoon photography at Namtib and overnight at Namtib Lodge. Early morning option for photography at Namtib, depart after breakfast for Namib Rand Nature Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon photo shoot in the reserve. Overnight at Wolwedans Dune Lodge. Early morning photo shoot and afternoon photo shoot in the Namib Rand Nature Reserve. Overnight at Wolwedans Dune Lodge. Early morning photo shoot at Namib Rand. Depart mid morning for Sossusvlei. Arrive in Sossusvlei for lunch, afternoon photo shoot of the sand dunes. Special permission to stay out late. Overnight at Sossus Dune Lodge. DAY 7 DAY 8 Early morning departure for sunrise photography at Deadvlei. Afternoon photography back at Deadvlei as well as an option for night photography. Overnight at Sossus Dune Lodge. Early morning photography of the dunes or back to Deadvlei. An optional Hot-air Balloon ride is available this morning (to be booked in advance) We depart for Swakopmund and drive past a number of Quiver Trees on route. There will also be an optional scenic flight over the dunes and along the coast for those who do not want to do the 6 hour drive. Arrive in Swakopmund and overnight at Hansa Hotel. DAY 9 Breakfast at Hansa Hotel and depart for the "Living Desert Tour" here we have a private photo session booked to learn about and photograph some of the smaller animals that survive in the desert. After this, we depart with packed lunch and head for Twyfelfontein. We arrive in the late afternoon with photography en-route. Overnight at Camp Kipwe. DAY 10 DAY 11 Depart early to track down the desert Elephants of the area. Morning and afternoon spent tracking and photographing these specially adapted elephants. Return to Camp Kipwe for overnight. Depart Camp Kipwe and head towards Etosha National Park. En-route we will stop for a couple of hours of photography at a Himba village, to catch a glimpse of the interesting lives of these people. Continue to Etosha arriving in the late afternoon. Photography at the famous Okukuejo waterhole in the afternoon and also by floodlight into the night. Overnight Okukuejo Camp inside Etosha National Park. DAY 12 Early morning photography at Okukuejo waterhole then depart for a full day game drive across the length of Etosha National Park. We will depart the park at sunset and head for our overnight stop at Onguma, a private reserve 10km from the entrance gate. Overnight Onguma Tented Camp. DAY 13 Depart early for a morning game drive into Etosha, exploring the Fischer pan area. Return to our camp for lunch. Depart again for an afternoon game drive into Etosha. Dinner and overnight at Onguma Tented Camp. DAY 14 Final morning in Onguma spent at the camp waterhole, waiting to see what comes down to drink. Depart after breakfast and drive back to Windhoek. We will arrive mid afternoon and spend our final night at DAY 15 the River Crossing Lodge. Depart mid-morning for the airport to connect with international flights back home 4

5 BEST of NAMIBIA MAP 5

BEST of NAMIBIA INCLUDED & EXCLUDED INCLUDED 1 night in Windhoek at River Crossing Lodge flight from Windhoek to Luderitz 1 night in Luderitz at The Nest Hotel 1 night in Namtib Biosphere Reserve at

6 BEST of NAMIBIA INCLUDED & EXCLUDED INCLUDED 1 night in Windhoek at River Crossing Lodge flight from Windhoek to Luderitz 1 night in Luderitz at The Nest Hotel 1 night in Namtib Biosphere Reserve at Namtib Lodge 2 nights in NamibRand Reserve at Wolwedans Dune Lodge 2 nights in Namib Naukluft National Park at Sossus Dune Lodge 1 night in Swakopmund at Hansa Hotel 2 nights in Twyfelfontein at Camp Kipwe 1 night at Okaukuejo Camp inside Etosha National Park 2 nights at Onguma Tented Camp on the Eastern Boundary of Etosha National Park 1 night in Windhoek at River Crossing Lodge All entry fees to attractions and parks / reserves all road transfers within Namibia as detailed in the itinerary all meals and all local drinks (house red & white wine, beer, soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water) flight from Windhoek to Luderitz EXCLUDED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS to Windhoek in Namibia where the tour will start Laundry services are available - but at your own cost Personal medical, travel & equipment insurance Visa fees (if applicable) it is best to check the latest and most up to date information with the Namibian consulate closest to you Any extra nights of accommodation before or after the safari - we can arrange these for you and add it to your statement Hot-air Balloon flight at Sossusvlei - this is an optional activity and must be booked in advance Scenic flight over the Diamond coast from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund - this is also an optional activity and must be booked in advance Curios & personal gifts / items from shops Tips / Gratuities for your safari guide and hotel / lodge / camp staff 6

BEST of NAMIBIA TRANSPORT & LODGING From Windhoek - the Capitol City of Namibia, we will start our safari with an internal flight to the coastal town of Luderitz.

on until the end of the safari we will be driving to locations in the air-conditioned safari vehicle.

The days can be warm around midday, but otherwise temperatures are mild / warm in Namibia at this time of year.

7 BEST of NAMIBIA TRANSPORT & LODGING From Windhoek - the Capitol City of Namibia, we will start our safari with an internal flight to the coastal town of Luderitz. Here we will meet our safari vehicle and guide. From this point Accommodation on the trip will be in a mix of Hotels, Lodges and Safari Camps. on until the end of the safari we will be driving to locations in the air-conditioned safari vehicle. Please note that not all rooms have air-conditioning, however April in Namibia is not a very hot month and the evenings and nights are very pleasant and cool. The days can be warm around midday, but otherwise temperatures are mild / warm in Namibia at this time of year. The tour group of 6 participants and your tour leader, Stu Porter will be driven by a qualified local Namibian driver / guide in one fully equipped Toyota Land cruiser. Since most of the photography will be done on foot it is not necessary to have two safari vehicles until we arrive at Etosha National Park. When we reach Etosha we will split up into two vehicles with 3 participants in each vehicle. This will allow each participant access to BOTH sides of the safari vehicle and ample space for camera equipment. Stu will then alternate between the safari vehicles to offer photographic assistance. 7

8 BEST of NAMIBIA TRANSPORT & LODGING River Crossing Lodge - Windhoek Windhoek Luderitz Namtib The Nest Hotel - Luderitz The Nest Hotel room - Luderitz Namtib Lodge 8

9 BEST of NAMIBIA TRANSPORT & LODGING Wolwedans Dune Lodge - Namib Rand Nature Reserve Wolwedans Sossusvlei Wolwedans Dune Lodge Tent - Namib Rand Nature Reserve Sossus Dune Lodge - Namib Naukluft National Park Sossus Dune Lodge room - Namib Naukluft National Park 9

10 BEST of NAMIBIA TRANSPORT & LODGING Hansa Hotel Room - Swakopmund Swakopmund Damaraland Hansa Hotel - Swakopmund Camp Kipwe - Damaraland Camp Kipwe room - Damaraland 10

11 BEST of NAMIBIA TRANSPORT & LODGING Waterhole Chalet at Okaukuejo Camp - Etosha Etosha & Safari Vehicle Waterhole Chalet at Okaukuejo Camp - Etosha Onguma Tented Camp - Etosha Air-conditioned 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser 7 seater - used for duration of safari 11

12 BEST of NAMIBIA FAQ's relevant to this specific safari > What do you expect the weather to be like? The weather in Namibia in April is very pleasant and mild. There might still be a few thunderstorms which will add dramatic skies to the photographs, but these are usually short. The air is crisp and clear and this is probably the best time to photograph Namibia's Landscapes. The grasses still have colour to them and it is not as dry and dusty as it is later in the year around Aug & September. The temperatures at the coast are considerable cooler than those inland and Fog is often present. Sossusvlei and Etosha will be the warmest areas where temperatures around midday can reach 35 C or 95 F. > What clothing & equipment would be relevant? We would recommend a warm fleece as well as a wind breaker jacket, long trousers / shorts. Good quality walking / hiking shoes As far as camera equipment goes, we have a more detailed kit list which we will send out to you at time of registration. However this trip will have the major focus on Landscape Photography, so a good quality tripod and ballhead are essential. > How do we recharge camera batteries and laptops? All locations will have power in the rooms or in the case of small tented camps, there will be a central recharging point. Most of the camps do not offer 24hr electricity so you will have to re-charge within the allocated times. Hotels will have 24 hour power. There are also recharging facilities inside the safari vehicle. > What is a typical day "in the field" on this safari? The exact itinerary for each day will be planned the night before, but you can expect some early mornings where we have to be up and in position before sunrise. Sunrise in Namibia at this time of year is around 6 am, so we might have to leave our hotel at 05:15 to be in the right place at the right time. Sunrise in Deadvlei will require an extra early wake up call as we first need to cover 70km to get to Deadvlei as well as having to cover a 1.1 km walk through the sand to be there in time for the sunrise. Generally though we will work with the sunrises and a few hours after that before the sun gets too strong. The afternoons will be similar, shooting around 2 hours before sunset and in some cases continuing after sunset into the early evening to capture the evening stars. > What are the luggage restrictions on this safari? On all our safaris it is preferable to use a duffel type bag for your main luggage (not hard suitcases) as these are easier to pack into vehicles and planes. The normal luggage restriction as far as weight goes are 20 kgs for hold luggage and 8 kgs for Cabin Luggage. We all know that as photographers 8 kgs for camera equipment is not enough However you will find that the size of the bag is more important. A normal Think Tank type camera bag (airport accelerator) should carry the amount of equipment you need for your safari. The only internal flight we have to take will be from Windhoek to Luderitz. This is a scheduled flight so weight restrictions will be the same as for the flight from Johannesburg to Windhoek. There is much said about these flights and the weight restrictions. There are laundry services available at all locations on the safari and we recommend that you bring as little as possible and make use of the laundry services along the route. Our main luggage bags will travel in a trailer that we will pull along behind us. > How long are the flights & road transfers on this safari? >T he flight from Johannesburg to Windhoek is approx 2 hours > The flight from Windhoek to Luderitz is approx 1 hour > The drive from Luderitz to Namtib is approx 4 hours > The drive from Namtib to Namib Rand is approx 4 hours >The drive from Namib Rand to Sossusvlei is approx 3 hours > The drive from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund is approx 5 hours (there will be an option for a scenic flight as an alternative on this leg) > The drive from Swakopmund to Twyfelfontein is approx 4 hours > The drive from Twyfelfontein to Etosha (via the Himba) is approx 7 hours > The drive from Etosha back to Windhoek is approx 6 hours > Can I hire Camera Equipment from you on this safari? Due to my own luggage restrictions there is no camera equipment available for hire from me on this safari Depending on how people feel, there will be the opportunity to do some night photography after dinner. We usually use the warmer part of the day to travel between locations which is comfortable in the air conditioned safari vehicle. 12

The wildlife component in Etosha will be enjoyed within the National park and here no off road driving is permitted, we will have to stay on the designated roads and we have to stay inside the safari

13 BEST of NAMIBIA FAQ's relevant to this specific safari > Are we able to go off road to get closer to the animals? Due to the fact that most of the locations on the safari are focussed on landscapes we will be able to get out of the safari vehicle and walk to good photographic positions. The wildlife component in Etosha will be enjoyed within the National park and here no off road driving is permitted, we will have to stay on the designated roads and we have to stay inside the safari vehicle. > What "stable shooting platforms" do you offer on this safari? Most of the photography on this safari will be done from tripods. You willl need to bring your own tripod and ballhead for this. At Etosha we shoot from beanbags which will be provided. I will also bring 1x Visual Echoes Panning plate for each participant. This will allow a smooth panning motion from left to right and it lifts the focus ring of the lens off the bag allowing you to focus manually if necessary. > How early can we leave camp and how late can we return? This really only refers to the Etosha section of the photo safari. The National Parks in Namibia run on a sunrise to sunset system. The gates of the reserves / camps open at Sunrise and not before. They also close at sunset and not just after. At the other locations we have more flexibility over the departure and return times. > Are there a laundry service available on this safari? Yes there are laundry services available at all locations at an extra charge which will be added to your room and you will need to settle this on the day of departure from that particular lodge / camp. > Is there internet access / mobile phone reception on this safari? There is wifi at most of the locations on this safari as well as cell phone signal > What is the recommended Tipping Policy on this safari? Tipping is a safari tradition in Africa. You are welcome to stick to your regular personal tipping policies but we politely recommend you try to follow our guidelines regarding tipping as it helps to set a standard. Firstly, even though it is expected, it is not compulsory. If you feel that you have not been given excellent service then you do not have to tip. I personally feel that if somebody goes above and beyond their job description then it is polite to tip them and I am more than happy to do so. We do our utmost to source quality safari companies / lodges and guides who have a similar work ethic and passion to us. The staff and guides work extremely hard to make sure we have a good time and they are incredibly patient and flexible. Please ask us to send you our detailed recommended tipping policy for this photo safari if you would like more details. It will also be in your Arrival Information Document, which will be sent to you 2 weeks before the start of your photo safari. 13

BEST of NAMIBIA TOUR LEADER & PHILOSOPHY I was born and raised in Africa. From a young age I spent many family holidays enjoying Africa's diversity of wildlife and wild places.

14 BEST of NAMIBIA TOUR LEADER & PHILOSOPHY I was born and raised in Africa. From a young age I spent many family holidays enjoying Africa's diversity of wildlife and wild places. As a family we have lived in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa, which we now use as our home base from which we personally organise and lead authentic small group photographic safaris. In 1999 I became a qualified FGASA Field Guide and THETA Tourist Guide and in 2003 I obtained a BA (Hons) Degree in Wildlife Photography at Blackpool & the Fylde College, an associate college of Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. The combination of these two passions helped me to achieve my long-held dream of operating my own photographic safari tour company. My images have been published in Outdoor Photography, Getaway, Africa Wild, Photo Comment, 50/50 Veld Focus TV show, Fuji Film awards and National Geographic Website. They are also for sale through a number of online stock libraries. My wife, Justyna, was born and bred in Poland and is a handy photographer herself as well as a qualified tourist guide. Justyna worked on first class cruise liners, the world famous Harrods in London and as a top seller for the UK's largest travel consolidator. Customer service is just one of her many strong points. Justyna looks after the office and all the important administration of our business. We have two daughters, Molly and Jenny and my parents, John & Ann offer us tremendous support and help out with background logistics and catering whilst in the Kruger National Park. We are a small family business with a sincere and genuine passion for our company and our clients. Through our experiences, we have built a strong product that offers our clients the best opportunities to photograph African wildlife. Stu Porter 14

BEST of NAMIBIA TOUR LEADER & PHILOSOPHY After 14 years of leading many successful tours, we feel strongly that the following principles and photographic details are crucial to the success of a photo

15 BEST of NAMIBIA TOUR LEADER & PHILOSOPHY After 14 years of leading many successful tours, we feel strongly that the following principles and photographic details are crucial to the success of a photo safari: > Quick response to clients' enquiries and personal attention to each client's travel needs > Specialisation in small groups of only 3 to 6 photographers per tour > Never more than 3 photographers per safari vehicle > Careful planning of logistics to ensure maximum time in the field > Use of locations that, through experience and over time, have consistently offered excellent photo opportunities > All scheduled tours are personally led by myself > Specially designed photographic platforms on the safari vehicles we use at all locations > 24/7 tuition available, tailored to the individual needs of the client. In the field workshops and WILD4 tuition booklet provided > Regular use of the same local driver / guides, who are familiar with the needs of photographers through our training manual and who operate to our specific guidelines > An ethical approach to wildlife photography and genuine respect for the animals we photograph and the environment they live in. Sticking to the above principles and details has been the number one reason why we have a high percentage of repeat clients and clients who approach us via word of mouth. Stu, Molly, Justyna & Jenny 15

BEST of NAMIBIA BOOKING PROCEDURE: > First contact us to confirm that there are spaces available on the photo safari that you are interested in.

Photo Tour Booking Form per person as well as proof of payment of the tour deposit. > You will then receive a statement from us indicating that you have paid your deposit.

We will also send out the following documents: - Wild4 suggested clothing & equipment lists - Wild4 plug & voltage info - Wild4 pre-safari camera setup - Wild4 Photographic Safaris tuition booklet

WILD4 will not be held responsible in any way for the loss of or damage to any photographic equipment or personal belongings, nor for any medical expenses.

CANCELLATION POLICY: We must receive a formal written notification of your cancellation. Deposits are non-refundable.

16 BEST of NAMIBIA BOOKING PROCEDURE: > First contact us to confirm that there are spaces available on the photo safari that you are interested in. > Once confirmed, you will need to complete our Photo Tour Booking Form and we will send you details of how to make the deposit payment > To secure your place on the safari we will need a completed Photo Tour Booking Form per person as well as proof of payment of the tour deposit. > You will then receive a statement from us indicating that you have paid your deposit. The statement will also detail the outstanding amount and the due date for this payment (90 days prior to departure). We will also send out the following documents: - Wild4 suggested clothing & equipment lists - Wild4 plug & voltage info - Wild4 pre-safari camera setup - Wild4 Photographic Safaris tuition booklet Please note that it is compulsory for you to take out your own travel insurance to cover unexpected trip cancellation, medical, personal and photographic equipment. WILD4 will not be held responsible in any way for the loss of or damage to any photographic equipment or personal belongings, nor for any medical expenses. Our medical insurance will only cover you for evacuation from the field to the closest most appropriate medical facility, at which point your medical insurance would take over. CANCELLATION POLICY: We must receive a formal written notification of your cancellation. Deposits are non-refundable. If for any reason a participant ends a tour early or does not make use of a service that has been included in the price of any scheduled tour, tailor-made tour or tour extension, no refund for this unused portion or service will be made. Tour fees are not transferable. All tour deposits are non-refundable. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to the departure date. We must receive written notification of your cancellation, at which time the following fees apply: 89 to 60 days before departure: 75% of tour fee 59 or fewer days before departure: 100% of tour fee BOOKING PROCEDURE Wild4 Photographic Safaris TUITION BOOKLET Wild4 Booking Form Wild4 suggested Clothing & Equipment Wild4 Plug & Voltage info Wild4 pre-safari Camera setup 16 FAX: +27 (0) Justyna TEL: +27 (0) Stu TEL: +27 (0) Type wild4photographicsafaris@gmail.com to enter text

17 BEST of NAMIBIA 17

G R E A T M I G R A T I O N - M a a s a i M a r a - K e n y a

G R E A T M I G R A T I O N - M a a s a i M a r a - K e n y a 1 Copyright WILD4 AFRICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS www.wild4photographicsafaris.com GREAT MIGRATION - M a a s a i M a r a - K e n y a DOCUMENT