Africa

Experience Wildlife: Namibia

With Professional Wildlife Photographer Jennifer Leigh Warner
Date:
Jun 4 - Jun 18, 2022
Duration:
15 Days
Price:
From $8,995
Interests:
Photography
Join Waitlist This departure is SOLD OUT Print Itinerary
Join Waitlist
Join Waitlist

About this trip

Namibia is packed with photographic potential. The oldest desert in the world, the Namib, dominates the country’s landscape. Take time to capture images in surrounding safari areas with exquisite flora, towering red dunes, bush country, and fascinating geological formations. Game drives in Etosha National Park include the “Big Five”—elephants, rhinos, buffalos, lions and leopards—as well as giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, and more. Plus, learn about the conservation of cheetahs with the Cheetah Conservation Fund and about Namibia’s cultural history.

Highlights

  • Create images of native wildlife and landscapes.
  • Learn about the importance of conducting ethical field practices when photographing wildlife.
  • Learn about the local ecology and biodiversity of the region.
  • Expand your understanding of which camera settings to use in different scenarios.
  • Learn how to create storytelling images that support conservation efforts to protect the subjects that we photograph.

Meet your leader

Jennifer Leigh Warner

Jennifer Leigh Warner is a Fine Art Conservation Wildlife Photographer living in California who specializes in creating meaningful images that convey a message of hope for the natural world. Jennifer feels strongly that by sharing these images of beautiful animals in their natural environment, she can inspire those around her to preserve the world that we share with all living creatures.

As the Committee Chair of the North American Nature Photography Association’s Ethics Committee, Jennifer promotes the ethical practice of photographing wildlife.

She was born and raised in the state of Washington, and the Pacific Northwest allowed her to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around her. She spent most of her formative years traveling around the world gaining an admiration for the diversity of the unique places of this planet.

Jennifer started studying photography at an early age with an interest in capturing the natural places and creatures that inhabit this world. After graduating from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication in 2005, she set off on her mission to preserve the world around her.

Jennifer works closely with conservation organizations to help support their missions to protect wildlife and the world around us. She believes that photography is a powerful tool to share these stories, educate photo viewers on important topics, and inspire change.

You can learn more about Jennifer and the conservation work that she does by visiting her website at: www.experiencewildlife.com 

Land Cost

$8,995

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $595

What makes us different

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

We know what photographers need

From stunning landscapes and animals to comfortable accommodations and private vehicles, all of the details are selected with photographers in mind

Low stress travel planning

We take care of all the details so you know your trip will be smooth sailing

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Depart US
Depart home for an overnight flight to Namibia.
Windhoek
Welcome to Namibia! Upon arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be greeted by a Holbrook representative. Transfer approximately 25 miles into Windhoek. Namibia's capital reflects a blend of African and European influences. On Independence Avenue, the city's main thoroughfare, well-preserved German colonial buildings stand side-by-side with modern architectural styles, and you can see executives in business suits alongside Herero women in traditional Victorian dress. Check in (2pm) at your hotel with time to rest from your long journey. This evening, meet your naturalist guide, who will accompany you for the duration of your program. Receive a comprehensive briefing as well as an introduction to Namibia. Dinner tonight is at the hotel with your guide.
Dinner
Galton House
Sossusvlei
This morning after breakfast, check out and depart Windhoek. Travel southwest by safari vehicle through the scenic Khomas Hochland highlands before heading down the Great Escarpment into the Namib Desert below. Stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic location along the way. Arrive in the mid-afternoon at Dead Valley Lodge, where you will spend the next two days exploring the remarkable sights of the Namib Desert, considered the oldest desert in the world. Relax and soak in the scenic and tranquil surroundings at the lodge, or if desired, your guide can take you on a scenic sundowner drive in the nearby area.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Dead Valley Lodge
Sossusvlei
Rise early for a magical excursion to Sossusvlei within Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of the largest conservation areas in Africa. Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt-and-clay pan that contrasts with the red dunes that surround it. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world, reaching up over 1,000 feet. Enter the park gates at sunrise to capture the dunes while the light is soft and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. Your guide will explain the history and formation of the Namib Desert and talk about the fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive in these harsh conditions. Explore the dune fields, with time to enjoy a relaxed picnic breakfast in the shade of a camel thorn tree. On your way back to the hotel, stop to view Sesriem Canyon, a narrow gorge about a mile long and 98 feet deep that was formed 2 million years ago by the Tsauchab River. The canyon provides an excellent visual history of the area's geology. Also be on the lookout for bird life such as Pied Crows, Lanner Falcons, and Lappet-faced Vultures. After lunch at the hotel, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, with the option to head out on another nature drive with your guide later in the day.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Dead Valley Lodge
Swakopmund
The drive today takes you northwest through the awesome and ever-changing desert landscapes of Namib-Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. Arrive at the port town of Walvis Bay, where you have the option to visit the lagoon, known for its impressive bird life. In the summer months, the lagoon provides a feeding ground for up to 150,000 birds representing over 150 recorded species, including flamingos, pelicans, gulls, and cormorants. Continue north to Swakopmund, where you can enjoy the pleasant seaside location and cooler coastal air. Swakopmund resembles a small, German coastal resort town, with a variety of shops, restaurants, museums, craft centers, and galleries. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore the town and wander along the waterfront on foot. Although the sea is normally cold for swimming, there are pleasant beaches, and the cooler climate is usually refreshing after being in the desert. Dinner this evening will be at one of the popular restaurants in town with your guide.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
The Delight Swakopmund
Swakopmund
This morning is at leisure; relax at the hotel, explore the town, or take part in one of the many adventure activities available in and around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay (at additional cost-it is advisable to pre-book activities to avoid disappointment). Some options include sand boarding, a marine cruise on the Walvis Bay Lagoon and outer harbor, sea kayaking off Pelican Point, scenic flights, camel rides, and a "Living Desert" excursion to the Namib coastal dune belt. Later, meet up with your guide for lunch in town. This afternoon, take a fascinating township tour to learn about life in the township, as well as the customs and traditions of some of Namibia's different cultures. You will also get to meet residents, visit local markets and shebeens (taverns), and try out some traditional food at dinner, which will be set up to emulate a "home-style" occasion.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
The Delight Swakopmund
Etosha National Park
Today after a very early breakfast, set off on your journey north toward Etosha National Park. A picnic lunch will be provided at a scenic location en route; arrival will be in the late afternoon.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Etosha Mountain Lodge
Etosha National Park
Today's journey takes you through the breadth of Etosha National Park as you travel east. Stop along the way for game sightings at selected waterholes, such as Goas, which is normally particularly good for game viewing. Etosha, which was declared a game reserve by the German colonial administration back in 1907, covers an area of 8,600 square miles and consists of grassland, woodland, and savanna. Almost all African game species are represented here, including the "Big Five"-elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard. Other highlights include giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, hyenas, honey badgers, warthogs, and more than 340 bird species. You will have to leave the park before sunset in order to reach your next destination, the Onguma Tented Camp.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Onguma Tented Camp
Etosha National Park
Today is available for a full day of exciting game viewing within the eastern and northern sections of Etosha National Park from the comfort of your specially modified 4x4 safari vehicle. After discussion with your guide, you can either opt to go into the park in the morning and the afternoon, returning to the lodge for lunch and an early afternoon rest; or you can head west across the park to spend more time in the area around Halali; or you can focus on the northern areas around Fischer's Pan and the Andoni Plains if you prefer.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Onguma Tented Camp
Otjiwarongo
Today, bid Etosha farewell and begin the journey to reach the Cheetah Conservation Fund and the very comfortable Cheetah View EcoLodge. CCF is a Namibian non-profit incorporated association dedicated to the long-term survival of the cheetah and its ecosystems. This is a wonderful highlight with which to conclude your safari. Later this afternoon you will be taken on a sundowner game drive through CCF's own "Little Serengeti," a picturesque open plain spanning 113,668 acres. This very important area of land, which forms part of the Waterberg Conservancy, is home to many free-ranging game species such as oryx, eland, red hartebeest, springbok, steenbok, duiker, warthog, jackals, and many more.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Cheetah View Lodge
Otjiwarongo
This morning, get together for an orientation to the CCF program and learn about its mission and vision. Start early to watch the Cheetah Run, which is when the non-releasable resident cheetahs get their daily exercise. The cheetah is the world's fastest land animal and Africa's most endangered cat. Uniquely adapted for speed, the cheetah is capable of reaching speeds greater than 68 miles per hour in just over three seconds, and at top speed their stride is 23 feet long. With its long legs and very slender body, the cheetah is quite different from all other cats and is the only member of its genus, Acinonyx. The cheetah's unique morphology and physiology allow it to attain the extreme speeds for which it is famous, and it's often referred to as the greyhound of cats. Continue the day with a visit to the Cheetah Museum, clinic, and goat creamery, as well as an informative presentation on the cheetah, dogs, and livestock that live at the main center. This afternoon, embark on a game drive, take part in discussions about the importance of predators in ecosystems, play team-building games, and take guided nature walks.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Cheetah View Lodge
Erindi Reserve
This morning, travel to Erindi Reserve, where the cheetahs that have been cared for at CCF are released in the wild. Your destination is the Old Traders Lodge, located in the heart of the expansive Erindi Game Reserve. Arrive with time to settle in and freshen up before lunch, and this afternoon, you will be treated to your first game drive on the private Erindi Reserve. While at the lodge, keep your camera nearby as you walk to and from your suites-guests are likely to spot some friendly, free-roaming locals (four-legged) on their way to one of two watering holes within the Old Traders Camp. You will have an afternoon game drive.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Old Trader's Lodge
Erindi Reserve
Today is dedicated to exciting and memorable game viewing on the private Erindi Game Reserve. Head out on a game drive in the early morning, returning to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon rest before heading out again later in the afternoon. You will also have time in between activities to relax and enjoy your room, or lounge by the pool amidst your idyllic bush surroundings. The private Erindi Game Reserve is situated in the triangle between Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Omaruru and comprises of over 172,973 acres of pristine wilderness, presenting an amazing array of diverse landscapes, from golden savannah to dense bush with mountains, natural waterholes, grasslands, and pans. The reserve supports more than 12,000 head of game including lion, rhino, as well as elephant along with large numbers of antelope and other "plains game." In addition to the species one might normally expect to find, there are hippo and crocodile in the dam in front of the lodge as well as waterbuck on the reserve. There is also a pack of wild dog, which can often be seen during a stay in the reserve.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Old Trader's Lodge
Departure
This morning, you will be transferred to the Windhoek International Airport for your flight(s) home.
Breakfast-
Arrival US
Welcome home!
Land Cost

$8,995

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $595

What's Included
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • All tips
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
  • Full time driver/guide for the duration of your program
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
What's Not Included
  • International flights
  • Items of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 7 participants in double occupancy.

A $1000 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 180 days prior to departure excluding a $500 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date are non refundable.

Please note: Your participation as a traveler indicates acceptance of Holbrook Travel’s Covid-19 protocols in place at time of travel.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $595


Final payment due date: March 01, 2022

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Namibia. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure. Passports must have 6 or more blank passport pages. 

For visits fewer than 90 days, visas will be issued upon arrival in Namibia.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Namibia for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Namibia.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Namibia.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Africa may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

Print Resources

Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary. You may find many of these items in our Gear Store. 

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities. Be prepared to dress in layers to adjust to temperature changes throughout the day. Laundry services are available for a fee at most accommodations.

For safaris, bring clothes in neutral or muted colors such as green, khaki, brown, or gray. We recommend that you avoid wearing bright colors or white as they can easily be spotted by animals. In addition, blue is particularly attractive to certain insects and should be avoided.

  • Lightweight, casual clothes that can be worn in layers; a combination of short and long sleeves (for sun and insect protection)
  • Sweater and scarf
  • A lightweight wind-breaker
  • Hat with ties
  • Buff or bandana
  • Bathing suit
  • Comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes with thorn-proof soles
  • Sandals

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Binoculars and lens cleaner
  • Camera, extra memory cards, and batteries
  • Flashlight or head lamp
  • A small backpack for day walks
  • Photocopies of passport and other travel documentation
  • Prescription drugs and a copy of the prescription
  • Personal toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Spare batteries
  • Spare glasses
  • Chargers, converter, and adapter for electronics

FIRST AID KIT

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.
Question

Contact Sandy Schmidt at 877-907-5360 or email Sandy. 

Want to subscribe to the Holbrook Explorer?
Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest updates on upcoming trips, deals, and more.
You might also like one of these trips...
View All Trips to Join
View All Trips to Organize