The 2026 Namibia ~ A Creative Adventure Photo-Safari: October 10-24, 2026 (14 nights): $9,999. dbl occupancy. Limit 8/ 3 spots left.
This will mark the 10th year since my first visit to Namibia in 2016. I have been to each and everyone of these locations and I have tailored this trip to make the most out of your time there. It is a 2 week trip and for the most part (no lunches included), it is all -inclusive. We will photograph the Ghost Town of Kolmanskop, visit the Quiver Tree Forest, See the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei , visit the dried pan of Dead Vlei, have a chance to photograph wildlife, including the endangered Black Rhino. We will go to Swakopmund for the Flamingos, local bird life and even a chartered boat tour. We will be in an air-conditioned, extended 4x4 vehicle and every passenger will have a window view.
There will be optional helicopter rides for those interested.
The Itinerary:
Fly into Windhoek (Hosea Kutako International Airport, airport code WDH at around 8:00am. We will be picked up and transported to our lodge at Quiver Tree Forest.
QuiverTree Forest, Keetmanshoop - Here we will be able to photograph the iconic Quiver Trees. Night photography instruction will be provided. In addition, we will let you know in advance what lenses and accessories you will need for Milky Way and night photography.
Kolmanskop (Ghost Town) here we will photograph the abandoned ghost town of Kolmanskop. This is a photographer’s dream come true with sand-filled doorways and light flowing in from broken windows, etc…
We will stay at either Sossus Dune Lodge, Sossusvlei Lodge or Dead Valley Lodge in Sossusvlei or a combo of the three. Both the Dune lodge and Dead Valley are the closest lodges to the entrance of Dead Vlei and we will be able to get out in the morning early morning to photograph the sunrise at the Vlei.
The distance from Kolmanskop to Sossusvlei is about 550km and the trip should take about 7 hours. We will make stops along the way to break it up. We will be visiting Deadvlei and Dune 45 and much more.
There is a fairly strenuous up-and-down hike to some of the best photo locations that should take anywhere from 20 -45 minutes, depending on how slow or fast you walk. It usually takes me about 30 minutes, it is not a race, and you can walk at your own speed. No need to carry a large backpack full of heavy gear, usually a couple of lenses and water are all you need.
At Sossusvlei two desert systems come together: the beautiful red dunes of the Kalahari Desert and the breathtakingly stark Namib Desert. The desert experience is a surreal and truly unique. Deadvlei, with its ancient camel thorn trees in the now dried up lake, is a photographers dream. So many photo opps here. Along with the spectacular landscapes we should get to photograph some wildlife as well, with chances for Oryx and Springbok among others against or on the dunes.
From Sossusvlei we head off to Swakopmund to spend 3 nights at Swakopmund. This bustling coastal town is filled with bird life, beaches, restaurants, and sand dunes. We will spend most of our time photographing the amazing bird life in and around the Walvisbay area. The Salt Mine and bay area is especially productive with a huge selection of waders and other waterfowl along with large numbers of flamingoes. We will also have a chartered boat tour for dolphin, seal and marine life viewing.
At Okuakuejo Camp, Etosha or Ongava Lodge we will have our photo safari’s. Here we should see and photograph many species including and especially the endangered Black Rhino. There will be game drives during the day, and we will likely see Lion, Giraffe, Elephant, etc...
*We will be driving in comfort in an air-conditioned, oversized 4x4 Land Cruiser that is spacious with large windows and a pop-up roof to ensure you don’t miss a thing. Every participant will have a window seat.
*Itinerary subject to change
This tour includes:
- All accommodation
- All transfers & travels in Namibia
- Breakfast & Dinners included everywhere -except in Swakopmund which will only include breakfast.
- Bottled water in the vehicles
- All park fees
- Ghost Town early entry photo permits
- Catamaran Charters Marine Dolphin & Seal Cruise
This tour excludes:
- All alcohol and drinks
- Excursions other than in the itinerary such as optional helicopter flights
- Gratuities for our guide/drivers
- Expenses of a personal nature including laundry.
Deposit Information:
I will need a $2000 non-refundable deposit by pushing the “Deposit button” in order to hold your spot. a second deposit of $3,000.due October, 2025 and the final payment is due on Feb. 1, 2026. All payments except for the deposit must be paid via check only, made out to “Denise Ippolito LLC”. Overseas folks can pay their balances via wire transfer; the registrant is responsible for the fees on both ends. Sorry, there are no discounts given to non-photographer spouses for this trip.
Travel Insurance- I urge everyone to purchase travel insurance for a major trip like this.
Please be sure to check your calendar carefully and to check out my Workshop Policy Page.
Note: Purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended.
*A single supplement is available and is $1250.00 additional.
*A detailed information sheet will be sent upon sign up. This trip needs a minimum of 8, please don’t purchase your airfare until I let you know we are good to go.
*One of the best times to visit Namibia is from July to October, when the temperatures are just above 70°F and the chance of rain is low. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing, making it peak travel season
