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Namibia is a land of mesmerizing contrasts, with its arid deserts being among the most captivating natural wonders. The country’s sweeping landscapes, vast open spaces, and dramatic sand dunes make it a photographer’s paradise and an adventurer’s dream. The Namib Desert, one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world, is a prime example of Namibia’s unique beauty. Its towering red dunes, shaped by the relentless winds, stand out in stark contrast against the deep blue sky, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that is truly awe-inspiring.
Visiting Namibia’s deserts is a humbling experience, as one realizes the immense power of nature and the strength of the human spirit. It’s a place where one can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with the essence of existence. It’s a place of solitude, beauty, and contemplation, where the sand, sun, and sky merge into a sublime symphony of colors and shapes. Namibia’s deserts are truly a wonder of the world, and a testament to the raw beauty of our planet.
We meet in the morning in Windoek before heading towards the first destination of our incredible trip: the fabulous mountains of Spitzkoppe.
Spitzkoppe is a stunning granite peak located in the Namib Desert of Namibia, rising over 1,700 meters above the ground. It is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing, and its breathtaking views make it an ideal location for night photography. With its remote location, Spitzkoppe provides a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning images of the night sky, including the Milky Way and shooting stars. The lack of light pollution in the area means that the stars appear brighter and more vibrant, making for some truly unforgettable photographic moments.
After witnessing the surreal beauty of the Spitzoppe rock formations, we move towards the coast and the city of Swakopmund.
Swakopmund is a charming coastal town in central Namibia that offers visitors a unique blend of African and German cultures, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals. The town is surrounded by towering sand dunes, including the famous Dune 7, one of the highest dunes in the world, which attracts adventure seekers from all over the globe.
Just south of Swakopmund lies Walvis Bay, another picturesque town known for its stunning lagoon and rich marine life. Here we’ll join a tour to its most popular attraction, Sandwich Harbour, a remote lagoon located at the southern end of the Namib Desert, accessible only by 4×4 vehicles.
The Sandwich Harbour tour is a thrilling adventure that takes us on a ride through the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert and provides breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
After leaving the charm of Swakopmund we head towards the real adventure by crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and heading towards the legendary Namib-Naukluft National Park.
The night will be spent in a cozy resort nested on top of a petrified dune, with stunning views over the landscape and the valley, surrounded by a surreal silence and overwhelmed by countless stars. In addition, all rooms come with the option of sliding the bedroom onto the balcony to fully enjoy the beauty of the Southern night sky.
Another unmissable opportunity for photography from sunset to sunrise.
Our journey through the Namib desert continues as we enter the gate to Sossusvlei, possibly Namia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction.
Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by towering red sand dunes that can reach heights of over 300 meters.
Deadvlei, on the other hand, is a surreal landscape of white clay pan and dead trees set against a backdrop of towering red sand dunes. The contrasting colors and textures make Deadvlei an ideal location for photography enthusiasts.
As the access to the area is regulated by a gate that’s open from sunrise to sunset, we will spend the two nights in an exclusive resort inside the main gate, to get a privileged access over ordinary tourists, and take advantage of the best light conditions in the most scenic spots.
After the last sunrise in Sossusvlei(*) we hit the main road again on a long day of transfer towards the southern coast of Namibia.
Luderitz is a charming coastal town known for its German colonial architecture and its location on the edge of the Namib Desert.
Kolmanskop, a deserted ghost town located just outside Luderitz, is a fascinating relic of the diamond rush era of the early 20th century. With a special photography permit we will be granted the access to the ghost town at sunrise to witness the magic light of the rising sun shining through the broken windows and light the abandoned houses and buildings swallowed up by the desert sands, making for a hauntingly beautiful experience.
(*) an optional helicopter scenic flight at sunrise above the sand dunes is possible subject to availability
We leave the coast heading towards the borders with the Kalahari desert, to explore the famous Quivertree Forest.
The forest is made up of hundreds of Aloe dichotoma, commonly known as quiver trees, and is considered one of Namibia’s most iconic natural wonders. During the day, the trees offer a striking contrast against the blue sky and the surrounding rocky terrain. However, the real magic happens at night, when the stars come out and the trees cast an eerie glow in the moonlight. This makes for a stunning opportunity for night photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the forest in a unique and unforgettable way.
We will make good use of our special permit to access the area at night and witness the beauty of these unique trees with the backdrop of the Southern night sky and the Milky Way.
It’s time to hit the long road back to the capital city of Windhoek, where we’ll spend the evening strolling around the old town, famous for its German colonial architecture, colorful markets, and lively nightlife.
We transfer to the airport in time to catch the international flights back home.
As the journey comes to a close, memories of the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, star-filled night skies, will stay with us long after we have left this incredible land.
To book this tour send an email to mail@marcobottigelli.com or fill the form below
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