Photo safaris in Namibia

From the towering desert dunes of the Namib to the otherworldly landscapes of Damaraland, a photo safari in Namibia offers plenty to capture. Walk with an expert guide, meet semi-nomadic villagers, go boating, biking or quad biking or take to the skies in a hot air balloon. At night, head out on a walk or game drive after dark, cast your camera heavenwards while stargazing, or even spend the night sleeping alfresco.

Rare and elusive desert-adapted animals to look out for include elephant, lion and rhino, while various antelope, and smaller creatures like barking geckos, sidewinder adders and, at night, glowing scorpions, encourage you to slow down and hone your macro-photography. On the coast you can also enjoy marine photography with options for capturing seals and a wild, windswept coastline haunted by jackals and brown hyenas. 

Windhoek is the starting point for your photo safari with many international airlines connecting directly to Namibia’s capital city. Start your photo safari with a tour of this small, former German colonial city before heading south to the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei. Then venture north for a more traditional safari experience in Etosha National Park, or take a short light aircraft flight to the more private and remote safari lodges of Damaraland and the Kunene Region.

You could also choose to combine a fly-in safari to Namibia’s really remote safari destinations with a self-drive exploration, visiting otherworldly landscapes where you can hone your compositions in your own time. A strong photographic itinerary is usually 7–10 days minimum, ideally split between two or even three regions, allowing time for travelling Namibia’s vast distances. The Wilderness approach gives you access to quality guiding, seamless connections, carefully selected partner lodges and an array of activities and private photographic guides that take your photography to new heights. You may even choose to combine your photo safari here with an extended trip to South Africa, Botswana, or Zimbabwe.

When is the best time to go on a photo safari in Namibia?

The best time for a photo safari in Namibia is typically during the dry winter months (May to October), when vegetation is thinner and water sources are limited, so animals are more concentrated. That said, the summer months (November to April) have their own appeal as occasional rains transform the desert landscape into swathes of green, and migratory birds bring bursts of colour to your photography. 

Can I charge my equipment in the camps in Namibia?

Yes. Although many remote safari camps in Namibia operate completely on solar power, you can still charge camera batteries and electronics, but it’s still worth planning ahead. Pack multiple batteries and power banks where possible, especially if you plan on doing a portion of your trip as a self-drive holiday as distances between lodges can be long, with multiple opportunities for photography along the way.

Can I use a drone in Namibia?

While you can bring a drone in to Namibia, use is tightly controlled and very location-dependent. In general, recreational drone flying is allowed, but you cannot fly in national parks or protected wildlife areas. In iconic photographic areas like Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park and private game reserves, drones are almost always prohibited. Even at more remote safari lodges in Namibia, you typically need prior written approval and you still need to comply with the country’s civil aviation regulations. If it’s fantastic aerial views you are after, Wilderness can also help you arrange hot-air balloon flights and light aircraft transfers that offer up a different perspective of the geographically remarkable landscape.