Namibia Photo Tour with Daniel Kordan

Our expedition commences with a drive from Windhoek to Keetmanshop, the nucleus of southern Namibia. This quaint town in the Karas Region serves as the gateway to an expansive forest of quiver trees. Thousands of these striking aloe succulents punctuate the stark, rocky terrain, promising captivating photographic opportunities. Our lodging for the following two nights will be the Quiver Tree Forest Camp, providing convenient access for intriguing astrophotography excursions. Amid the quiver trees that rise like ancient sentinels towards the night sky, we'll capture the ethereal beauty of a clear, star-filled night, using the remarkable silhouette of these 'upside-down' trees against the majestic backdrop of the Milky Way.

Greeting the dawn, we'll seize the day early, striving to encapsulate the initial golden rays filtering through the quiver tree branches, evoking a magical morning ambiance. Post this enchanting session, we retreat to our camp for breakfast, followed by a leisurely break to review our photographs. Post lunch, an insightful engagement with our photo guides awaits you, featuring stimulating discussions and masterclasses on post-processing techniques. As the day descends into twilight, we return to the Quiver Tree Forest, the desert hues altering dramatically with the changing light, providing an intriguing play for your images. A satisfying dinner will fuel us for another exhilarating night under the starlit tapestry, capturing star trails, the Milky Way, and practicing astrophotography. The quiver trees, standing tall in the stark landscape, will provide a remarkable foreground to the cosmic spectacle overhead.

Embarking on the fourth day, we bid farewell to the Quiver Tree Forest and journey towards the enigmatic ghost town of Kolmanskop, nestled on the southern coast of Namibia. Once teeming with diamond miners, the town now stands eerily abandoned, a specter grappling with relentless encroaching sand dunes, inexorably claiming the desolate expanse. Amid the sun-drenched, windswept ruins, we’ll encapsulate the essence of a bygone era, now forsaken and gradually being reclaimed by the desert. Our accommodations for the subsequent two nights will be the idyllic Lüderitz Nest Hotel, perched overlooking the bay. Revel in sumptuous dinners, abundant in locally-sourced seafood, chilled beers, and delightful white wine, all while the gentle sea breeze wafts in through the open restaurant windows. Should conditions permit, we may seize the opportunity for a nocturnal foray into the desert, capturing the abandoned railway station under the stars – a splendid opportunity to hone your astrophotography skills under the dark Namibian sky.

Our exploration of the desolate Kolmanskop persists, as we seize the morning light streaming through the east-facing windows of the decayed structures. The intriguing spectacle of rooms inundated with encroaching sand offers myriad possibilities for compelling photographs. Post breakfast, you can relax at the hotel or spend the day indulging in recreational activities. Dive into the shimmering ocean, bask by the pool, or wander around the quaint city of Lüderitz with its Bavarian-inspired, colonial German architecture, and its inviting surroundings. As the afternoon wanes, we return to the silent echoes of Kolmanskop, prepared to capture yet another mesmerizing sunset within the deserted mining town. Navigating the perfect composition amidst the sand-engulfed edifices may prove challenging, thus we will ensure we arrive well in time for the golden hour to scout for fresh perspectives and perfect frames. With the shadows lengthening and the light waning, the town presents countless subjects to photograph, time slipping away unnoticed amidst this intriguing spectacle.

Embracing the sixth day, we venture towards one of Namibia's most awe-inspiring sights – Sossusvlei National Park. Here, we will settle into our eco-conscious accommodations, the Dead Valley Lodge, for an ensuing three-night stay. Cradled against the tranquil mountains of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, our lodging presents spectacular vistas of towering sand dunes and promises an unparalleled desert escapade.

Our daylight hours will be dedicated to the ethereal white clay pan of Deadvlei, the desert's 'Dead Marsh'. Enclosed within this stark basin lie the haunting skeletal remnants of ancient trees, some as old as 900 years. They lend themselves to surreal photography compositions, in solitude or clusters. Our special permit grants us access to the National Park before dawn, affording us a private encounter with Deadvlei's unique forms and abstract nuances, as we capture them under the soft glow of the rising sun. The changing daylight will continuously reshape our perspectives, ensuring a rich variety of compositions throughout the day.

Beyond Deadvlei, our exploration extends to the surrounds of Sossusvlei's salt and clay pan, where nothing but grand sand dunes stand between you and the vast Atlantic. Our highlights will encompass: - Solitary dead trees etched against enormous, striking red dunes. Illuminated by the warm, golden light, they offer a stark contrast against the barren backdrop. - Desert wildlife. Despite the apparent desolation, Sossusvlei is home to native creatures. Our days will unfold with the thrill of spotting and photographing the majestic oryx antelope, eluding predators such as cheetahs and leopards amidst the sandy expanse. - An optional helicopter flight over Sossusvlei's majestic landscape. There's little that can match the exhilaration of soaring over the world's oldest desert, capturing the awe-inspiring spectacle below - the point where grand sand dunes converge with the boundless Atlantic.

Greeting the dawn, we'll engage in an early morning photography session to capture the sunrise in Sossusvlei. Following this visual feast, we'll retreat to our accommodation for a hearty breakfast and prepare for our departure towards Walvis Bay. While the allure of the morning light is undeniable, sunset amidst the mountain’s majestic rock formations brings a unique, stunning beauty. We'll seize the opportunity to linger into the late hours, capturing the granite landscapes, majestic rock arches, and formidable boulders under the twinkling, star-lit sky. For the night, we'll find comfort in the Iris Boutique Hotel, nestled in the heart of Walvis Bay.

Our tenth day unfolds with a journey to the striking granite peaks of Spitzkoppe. These colossal formations emerge gracefully from the desert floor's haze, marking some of the nation's most identifiable landmarks. Weathered over millions of years, the area boasts a breathtaking assortment of geological marvels, from imposing boulders to arching rock formations that reach skyward. This captivating landscape serves as a dream setting for photographers, where we'll commit our day to encapsulating its magical allure from dawn till dusk, and under the star-dotted blanket of the night sky. For our night's rest, we'll nestle into the delightful chalets of Spitzkoppen Lodge, tucked among vast swaths of untouched sand and granite boulders at the base of the stunning mountains. Enveloped in volcanic rocks, the lodge features a refreshing swimming pool, providing an ideal place to unwind after a day filled with exploration.

On the eleventh day, post breakfast, we'll pack our bags and set our course back to Windhoek. Those who opted for the Wildlife Extension Tour will be escorted to Erindi, while others will make their way back to Namibia's vibrant capital. Upon reaching, we'll settle in our lodgings at the Windhoek Hotel, leaving you ample time to unwind or delve into a self-guided exploration of the city.

As your Namibian journey culminates, we hope your final day in the country starts on a delightful note with a hearty breakfast. Subsequently, we'll facilitate your transfer back to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport. Now, you'll be embarking on your homeward journey or proceeding to your next adventure, carrying with you a host of newly-acquired photography skills and memory cards brimming with stunning captures from your extraordinary photography expedition in the deserts of Sub-Saharan Namibia.